Given the short week due to the Thanksgiving holiday, we will not be sending an "Updates from 86" email on Monday, Nov. 30. The next one will go out on Monday, Dec. 7. Have a safe, restful and relaxing break.

Below is the updated COVID-19 data for the district as of Friday, Nov. 20.

You can access the dashboard where this information is being stored by visiting https://bit.ly/3d93aws.

On Friday, Nov. 20, we provided an update on the district's return to school plan that included the proposed bell schedule for second semester. Below are three charts that feature an overview of the schedule.

The first chart shows the schedule we recommend implementing when we return from winter break. Based on feedback provided by our students and staff, we suggest carrying over our current Wednesday remote schedule. We will also continue providing every student with a grab-and-go lunch (G&G on the chart) on the days when they are not eating on campus (IP on the chart). 

The second chart shows the proposed in-person lunch schedule. All students would have a 30-minute lunch break during ninth period on the day they are designated to eat on campus. However, they would be divided into four groups and eat at staggered times during a two-hour window (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Some students would eat first and then go to class, some students would go to their entire class and then eat, and some students would go to a portion of their class, break for lunch and then finish their class when they are done. 

The third chart shows the schedule we would use if we have to be fully remote or could not offer in-person lunch service. The amount of instructional time would remain the same. However, if we are operating in a hybrid model with this schedule, period 10 would always be remote on Tuesday and Friday. In addition, students would receive a grab-and-go lunch four days a week (Wednesday would be a remote learning day for everyone). 

We will provide additional information about our plans for second semester as we get closer to winter break. We will also be administering a survey to parents/guardians from Nov. 30 through Dec. 7 that they will be able to use to provide feedback about first semester and confirm their preference of hybrid or remote learning for second semester. We will email families the link to the survey on Nov. 30.  

During its meeting on Nov. 19, the District 86 Board of Education unanimously approved a three-year contract extension for Superintendent Tammy Prentiss that will take effect on July 1, 2021 and run through June 30, 2024.

Below is a quote from Board President Kevin Camden about the extension.

“On behalf of the board, I want to congratulate Superintendent Prentiss on her well-deserved contract extension. During the 18 months she has served as superintendent, Ms. Prentiss has demonstrated the same exemplary leadership, collaborative spirit and passionate advocacy for children that have been the hallmarks of her career as an educator and administrator for the past 30 years. Thanks to her hard work and tireless efforts, we have made significant progress on key initiatives such as the implementation of our strategic plan and completion of critical upgrades and improvements to our facilities. We have strengthened our relationships with our stakeholders, and expanded the opportunities that exist for them to engage in and contribute to the work of the district. We have also been able to effectively navigate the myriad issues and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited that Ms. Prentiss will continue to serve in this role for the next three years, and greatly appreciate all that she does to help our students learn, grow and achieve.”

You can access additional information about this announcement by visiting https://bit.ly/2IRr1pS.

We are still seeking individuals to serve as substitute teachers or line of sight volunteers in our buildings. By having access to a dedicated pool of substitutes, we will be able to advance our return to school plan and maintain a continuity of instruction as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to be a paid substitute teacher, you must:

The current pay rate for paid substitutes is $133 per day.

Line of sight volunteers do not need to have a college degree or active substitute licensure, but must pass a background check. As is the case with paid substitutes, the district will cover the cost of completing the check. These individuals will be placed in classrooms to serve in a line of sight capacity where there is a certified teacher providing real-time instruction from home through the use of technology. They will not be leading instruction or conducting lessons in those classrooms, but rather managing activities such as taking attendance, monitoring the work assigned by the teacher, etc.

You can access additional information about subbing in the district (e.g., responsibilities, application process, etc.) by visiting https://bit.ly/2S6oWr5.

The speech teams from Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central finished in first and second place respectively and had several top three finishes (listed below) during the Wheaton North Technicolor Tournament on Nov. 14. You can access the full results from the tournament by visiting https://bit.ly/2UBtxTu.

Both schools also had several top three finishes during the Downers Grove South Novice Tournament on Nov. 14, including:

You can access the full results from the tournament by visiting https://bit.ly/2UOZWG0.

We congratulate both teams on their continued success this season.

Students from the Transition Services Bridge 1 and Technology Center of DuPage Vocational programs recently participated in a recreational art lesson that was guided remotely by Esther Galantowicz.

The young adults who took part in the activity had the chance to showcase their talents, practice several important skills (e.g., task initiation and prioritization, problem-solving, following multi-step directions, etc.), and create their own unique piece of art.

Below are examples of the various ways in which our students and staff are giving back, helping others and making a positive impact on the community.

If you missed the edition of Board Briefs for the District 86 Board of Education meeting that was held on Nov. 19, please visit https://conta.cc/3kPWc1N.