March 19 Message from the Superintendent

March 19, 2020

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your incredible support during this first week of e-learning. We appreciate your patience as we are all navigating a 'new normal' together. On the evening of March 17, we shared this message regarding a probable, presumptive case of COVID-19 at Carleton Washburne School. On behalf of our entire community, we appreciate your support in ensuring adherence to Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines as mentioned in the letter. The District is required to follow the agency's guidance and authority in communicating about specific cases that pose potential health risks. In addition, It is important we follow social distancing protocol with our families. This information is a helpful explanation if you are seeking clarity on what social distancing should entail:

On March 13, 2020, Governor Pritzker made an emergency declaration and closed schools statewide until March 31st in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. While there is some indication the State will extend this school closure timeline, there has been no official announcement to date. With spring break starting at week's end, the New Trier Township school districts have made a decision about post-spring break school closures in an effort to allow staff and families time to plan and prepare. New Trier Township schools will be extending school closures through Monday, April 13, 2020. The Township districts will modify this plan in alignment with the Governor's orders, should the need occur. Please see the timeline below for more specific details.

Monday, March 23rd - Friday, March 27th - Spring Break. No remote learning will occur.
Monday, March 30th - Schools will be closed. This will be a teacher work day so teachers can prepare for additional Remote Learning Days. No remote learning will occur.
Tuesday, March 31st - Thursday, April 9th - Remote Learning Days.
Friday, April 10th - No School/Non-Instructional Day Religious Day. No remote learning will occur.
Monday, April 13 - Schools will be closed. This will be a work day for teachers to prepare for Instructional Days. No remote learning will occur.

Also, please recognize that our staff are doing an incredible job implementing remote learning while many are simultaneously managing their own children's remote learning experiences at home. Our message to staff has, and will continue to be, that balance is our shared goal. We need to promote healthy habits and make sure our educators are taking their own breaks and connecting with their own families. We ask that you remain patient and mindful of the multiple demands on our staff.

We also recognize the efforts you are making at home to support your children's remote learning while juggling your own work and family commitments. This has undoubtedly also been a very challenging time for your child(ren). Your child is likely missing their teachers and classmates in the midst of this with this unprecedented shift to our daily routines. We are grateful for your continued understanding and efforts to model resiliency. As always, I am confident that our commitment to our students is unwavering. In the meantime, let's continue to focus on supporting our collective well-being. We will continue to keep you up-to-date as new information is available.

Sincerely,

Dr. Trisha Kocanda

Superintendent

The Winnetka Public Schools community empowers every student to flourish in

an innovative, experiential environment. We support and challenge all learners

to actively engage in continual growth and achievement to make

a meaningful difference in the world.