June 25, 2020 Subject: Starting the 2020-2021 School Year - ISBE Part 3 Released
Dear Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 Students, Staff, and Families,
I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. On June 23, 2020, the Illinois State Board of Education released guidance for schools on the 2020-2021 school year. This 60+ page document has been much anticipated and will go a long way toward answering critical questions all of us share about what the 2020-2021 school year will look like in terms of in- person learning, scheduling, transportation, wearing face coverings, social distancing and other measures intended to keep everyone safe and healthy, while also re-engaging students in the learning process. While there are answers, we will be seeking further insight and clarification from the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education and DeKalb County Health Department while partnering with other school districts to ensure a clear understanding of the guidance and associated requirements. You can view the released document by visiting https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Part-3-Transition-Planning-Phase-4.pdf.
Right now, we don’t have all the answers to those questions. Our Administrative Team did meet today to discuss our planning, as well as a myriad of other topics. We are working on the specifics of our plan and will have a team of staff members review a draft of our plan to ensure the plan can be implemented well and considers as many facets that we can think of. We kindly ask for your patience as our staff thoroughly reviews this detailed guidance and implements the suggestions into our district’s own transition plan.
Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 is keenly aware of the urgent need to communicate to families about what to expect next school year and anticipate releasing our own transition plan no later than July 17th.
Thank you again for your patience, understanding, and flexibility as our entire district navigated a situation together that none of us could have imagined. I’m confident our district can put forth a plan that prioritizes the health and safety of our students while maintaining a dynamic learning environment.
We will be in touch soon. In the meantime, stay safe and enjoy your summer. Sincerely,
Dr. Travis L. McGuire Superintendent