July 24, 2020 – DPS61 has announced that students will be learning remotely for the first quarter of the school year to help stem the spread of COVID-19.
The plan includes all students in PreK through 12th grade. In addition, the first day for student instruction has been pushed back to Monday, August 17, 2020.
“This is certainly not the start to the 2020 school year that we would have hoped for, but we know that it’s ultimately the best decision we can make for our students, staff, and all our DPS families to prioritize their health and safety,” said Dr. Paul Fregeau, Superintendent of Decatur Public Schools. “From teachers and principals to parents and students, I want to thank everyone involved in the planning process. It took a lot of time, effort, difficult conversations, and many changes along the way, but I think starting the year with virtual learning only is the best decision possible for our community.”
The planning team has been meeting since June, working to develop the fall learning plan. That team included leadership from each of the seven unions representing DPS employees, as well as administrators and principals. The team also sought input and feedback from parents and students through phone and email surveys. The learning plan also evolved throughout the planning process, as the team reviewed recommendations from medical experts and the overall health climate in the community.
“The planning team really tried to take all stakeholders’ input into account as we designed our return to learn plan,” said Chrissy Petitt, President of the Decatur Education Association, the union which represents DPS teachers. “The collaboration within the planning team was extremely valuable, even when the conversations were difficult. We listened to our families, our employees, and our students. We look forward to working with our students and families in order to provide the best instruction possible.”
While all students will receive virtual instruction, in-person appointments and assistance will be available for students with IEPs, English learners, and students who specifically request in-person assistance from their teachers.
Academic Calendar DPS is pushing the first day for student instruction back to Monday, August 17, 2020, to allow more time for teachers to prepare for virtual learning. August 12, 13, and 14 will be designated as Remote Learning Planning Days for teachers and staff to ensure they’re ready for students to begin virtual learning on August 17.
DPS says it will also offer assistance on these days for families who need to get internet access in their homes or iPads updated so that students are prepared for virtual learning. Families who need assistance getting internet access in their homes to support students in virtual learning should reach out to their student’s school.
Even though students will be learning virtually from home, they will still be required to check-in with teachers for daily attendance. Additionally, in a shift from the Spring 2020 remote learning, grading for the 2020-21 school year returns to normal expectations. Students will receive grades for their classwork during virtual learning rather than using a pass/incomplete system.
DPS has posted it’s Return to Learn Virtual Learning Plan online HERE and says the site will be the one source parents and families can go for updates and information about virtual learning, frequently asked questions, upcoming events, and more.
The district says many details of the plan are still being determined with the District’s collective bargaining units, so they are asking for patience and understanding as they continue to work through details for the Fall. However, to help to answer questions, DPS will be holding a virtual Q & A session HERE on Wednesday, July 29th at 6pm. The webinar will be live-streamed on the district’s Facebook page as well.
For parents and guardians who need support with students in virtual learning, DPS is planning a series of “professional development” virtual webinars. These parent professional development sessions will be held in early August and DPS says details will be posted soon on the Return to Learn page.
In addition, Innovation Learning will provide full-day services for DPS students and will be extended to DPS staff with children who attend other school districts. The location for full-day Innovation Learning services will be at the Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur. DPS says families can register now for just a $5 enrollment fee HERE.
As for a possible return to the classroom, officials say that decision will be made as the district approaches the end of the first quarter on October 9. District leaders plan to consult with health experts to determine if a return to some form of in-person instruction is advisable. “We know that the COVID-19 positivity rate in our region changes daily, so planning for the future of instruction for DPS students must remain fluid as well.”
