The following is a letter sent to all District 123 families pertaining to information for the week of Nov. 30, and a Thanksgiving message from the Superintendent.
As we begin the Thanksgiving Holiday, we wanted to share some current informational updates that pertain to last week’s decision to move to a temporary shift to full remote learning from December 2, 2020, through January 15, 2021. Listed below are a few notable pieces of information we wanted to share.
- There will be no school for students on Monday, November 30, 2020, and Tuesday, December 1, 2020, for staff to plan for the temporary transition to full remote learning.
- Principals and teachers will be emailing and calling families on Monday (11/30) and Tuesday (12/1) with specific details about remote learning schedules and ways to connect to daily live instruction.
- Remote learning will begin promptly at 8:30a on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.
- During the temporary shift to remote instruction, District 123 has partnered with Arbor food service and will begin offering 7-day meal packages to all students. The 7-day meal package will contain seven days of breakfast and lunches for each child. The meal packages can be picked up at OLHMS (5345 W. 99th St.) each Wednesday at Door #1 between 10:00a – 1:00p.
- Before Winter Break, on Monday, December 21, 2020, Arbor Food Service will be distributing a Winter Break 14-day Package to families between 10:00a – 1:00p.
- The next Parent University will be held on December 3, 2020. “Navigating Remote Learning” will be hosted by two District 123 classroom teachers and highlight the numerous ways to make remote learning successful for all students. District 123 families will receive a link to participate at 6 pm on December 3. Additionally, information and slides from the Parent University on November 19 is now available at d123.org/departments/communications/parent-university
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we are offered an opportunity to pause and reflect upon how truly fortunate we are. It is especially important to give thanks for health, happiness, and family in such a turbulent year.
We have been given many gifts throughout our lives, including the gift of education. Here in School District 123, we have an incredibly supportive educational community teeming with students, families, and educators who hunger for learning and thirst for success. We are incredibly thankful for that. Being immersed in our learning community like ours is truly something special to treasure. “Preparing today’s learner for tomorrow’s world” serves as the mission of District 123 and reminds us that education is the key that unlocks the door to a successful life.
While not a typical school year by any stretch of the imagination, let us continue to remember the many positive ways that education has shaped each of our lives. We must give thanks to all educators and staff who continue to work tirelessly to support our children during this time. We must also celebrate each District 123 family for their increased level of partnership while working together with us to support their child’s education.
During a pandemic or not, there is perhaps no greater gift than a gift of an education. Happy Thanksgiving!
Paul J. Enderle, Superintendent