As we close out the year and reflect on the pandemic’s impact on our school community, I take comfort in knowing that we persevered through it together. As a Superintendent, I have learned this year how quickly a situation can change from an expected plan to the unexpected. As a District, we have learned to pivot and be flexible, and we appreciate our USD116 community for supporting our efforts through these challenging times.
While there have been many needs and challenges during this global pandemic, there have concurrently been several celebrations - See the USD116 Pandemic Response infographic. We supported our community in so many ways through devices in homes, connectivity, meals served, school supplies distributed, and so much more! - See infographic.
When we return in August, the District is committed to maximizing in-person learning five days a week, full-day. We will ensure that all students receive instruction and the necessary support, including access to the curriculum, access to technology and connectivity, social-emotional wellness supports, and the use of culturally relevant instructional strategies to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of special populations.
As you know, we presented our Operating Scenarios to the Board on April 6. We have had to pivot once again in our planning for our students who need more remote instruction and less in-person learning due to medical needs. At Tuesday’s Board meeting, we previewed an upcoming plan and resolution from the state. On Wednesday, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved a new resolution that beginning in the fall, “all schools must resume fully in-person learning for all student attendance days, provided that ... remote instruction be made available for students who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and are under a quarantine order by a local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).” Please note the latter part of that resolution specifying that vaccine-ineligible students would also need to be under a quarantine order to have remote instruction provided. According to the school code, “a child qualifies for home or hospital instruction if it is anticipated that, due to a medical condition, the child will be unable to attend school, and instead must be instructed at home or in the hospital, for a period of 2 or more consecutive weeks or on an ongoing intermittent basis.” In the opinion of a licensed medical physician, students who qualify for these services will generally receive 5 hours of instruction per week, with at least two of those hours in person. The in-person learning does not have to be in the home, but can be provided in other spaces, like the library, the park, or other areas open to the public. The District is committed to working with families and students individually to best meet the students’ learning needs. To assist us in our planning for the 2021-2022 school year, we ask that you please complete this brief survey linked HERE, preferably by the last day of school, Thursday, May 27. The survey will close on June 4.
During these next three years, we are planning for significant curricular and instructional changes that will impact our systems and structures in a very positive way and also align our future equity work. I am confident in our ability to continue as a premier Central Illinois District in our post-pandemic response to learning renewal for our students.
I encourage you to update your contact information before the end of the school year in Skyward Family Access or through the main office of your school(s). During the summer months, check the District’s website often, and follow our social media updates. The CDC has shared that updated guidance for schools will be available “in the coming weeks” to help districts plan for the fall. We expect new guidance from ISBE and IDPH as well, so while I may not be sending my weekly messages, it will be essential that you stay connected with us this summer!
Lastly, as a reminder, please join us in showing our Tiger Pride as we welcome Mr. Nance, incoming UHS Principal to Urbana next week on Thursday, May 27, 4-6 p.m. UHS students click HERE for a video from your new principal and more event details! As you will see, he is looking forward to seeing each and every one of you.
I am proud to be a parent, community member, and the Superintendent of this phenomenal District!
Be safe and stay well,
Dr. Ivory-Tatum
