On Friday, July 10, 2020, District 54 Superintendent Andy DuRoss shared the Reopening District 54 Plan (Spanish version available here) with all families and staff: a plan designed with the health and safety of our students and our employees as the top priority.

The District 54 Reopening Plan is based public health information available at this time. The plan will most likely be adjusted as new guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and other public health officials is received or as necessary to best support the health and safety of our students and employees. All updates will be posted online at sd54.org/COVID19 and shared with our families and employees.

Please keep in mind, that should Illinois move from Phase 4 back to Phase 1, 2 or 3 due to a resurgence of the virus, it is possible that the governor will direct all Illinois schools to move to remote learning for all students for a period of time. It is also possible that new restrictions could be instituted on classroom capacity limits, which could require a combination of on-campus and remote attendance days. Some states have delayed the start of the school year, due to the number of COVID-19 cases in their state. As a district, we are preparing for a variety of scenarios and, as always, we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.

At this time, District 54 is offering the following two options for the 2020-21 school year. Parents/guardians please log in to the District 54 Families Website using your portal log-in information by Friday, July 17, and select one of the two options listed below (see page 9 of the booklet for more information). To set up a portal account, email portalsupport@nullsd54.org. If you are unable to create an account, please contact your school principal with your selection.

Option 1: In-Person Instruction

Governor Pritzker announced on June 23 that Illinois schools can return to on-campus learning with enhanced safety protocols. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending students physically return to school. The Reopening District 54 plan outlines the protocols we are putting in place to resume instruction at school based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Illinois Department of Public Health and Board of Education and the Centers for Disease Control.

Option 2: District 54 Virtual Learning Academy

We know that in-person instruction is not an option for some of our students with elevated health risks, or who have family members with elevated health risks. Any families who do not feel comfortable having their children attend school in person are not required to do so. Your children will be provided online instruction.

Please review the Reopening District 54 plan to help you make the choice that is best for your children. We have also prepared a short video explaining the two options – District 54 Student Learning Options (the Spanish version is available at this link). We greatly appreciate your understanding and collaboration as we work together to keep our students, employees and community healthy and safe.

Are you searching for an innovative way to empower your children over the summer? Are you looking for a comprehensive approach to summer learning that combats boredom and keeps everyone engaged? Look no further! Visit the School District 54 Virtual Learning University to tackle challenges for literacy, math, science, social science, social-emotional learning, language and culture too!  Each area has multiple challenges or a toolkit to keep your children’s minds focused and active throughout the summer weeks! Within each category you will find family activities, individual activities and possible places to visit in our community and surrounding areas.  We hope you’ll encourage your children to visit our Virtual Learning University often throughout the summer to challenge themselves and to keep your family learning together. Click here to access the Virtual Learning University or find the link under Popular Links on the District 54 website.