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School Closing Update 3/29/2020

March 29, 2020

Dear River Bend Families, 3-29-20

Having received directions and guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, River Bend CUSD #2 will begin Remote Learning Days Tuesday, March 31 2020.  The following will guide instruction until face to face on-site instruction is allowed by the governor. E/Home based learning days were initially designed to make up a school day due to inclement weather. Our E-Learning Days will be classified as Remote Learning Days from this point on, which essentially are extended E/Home based learning days.

We are not replacing school and assignments will look different. We anticipate there will be some issues that arise. However, we want our remote learning to be successful and not overwhelming. We plan on having staff at each building everyday from 8 AM to Noon to so that calls can be made.  All other staff will also be available via email, Google Meet or phone throughout the school day. While we are trying to provide learning for all students, our staff have families and commitments at home, flexibility and patience will guide our work as we support the River Bend Communities.  

Remote Learning Days: long-term E-Learning/Home-based Learning days.

Remote Planning Days: designated days for staff professional development and collaboration

1. Instruction will take place remotely using district or personal technology.  

   1. District staff will make contact with families to determine connectivity to remote learning. 

   2.  Families without internet connectivity will be provided equal opportunity to get and complete all assignments.  

   3. Please closely monitor emails and text from the district for updates and changes.  

   4. A full version of the District’s E/Home based learning plan will be posted on the District’s web page.  

   5. Families without internet capabilities will be able to pick up work or have work delivered to their home -- school staff will be in contact with individual families in regards to this process.

2. Principals and teachers will communicate specific plans to students and families.

3.  Please report technical issues in the following manner:

   1. Any student (6-12) experiencing Chromebook or technical issues should fill out the following form

   2. FES students/families should contact homeroom teachers.

4. Students have access to breakfast and lunch.

   1. Use the following sign-up document: Form 

   2. Families can also call the district office at 815-589-2711 to sign up for breakfast and lunch.

5. Remote PLANNING days

   1. ISBE has granted all schools five days to plan and conduct remote learning.  

   2. Remote learning days count as school attendance days.  

   3. River Bend will plan and utilize these days to improve remote learning.  

   4. The first two scheduled planning days will occur Monday April 6th and Monday April 13th.  

   5. Additional remote planning  learning day scheduling will be provided when these days are determined.  

6. School calendar - All calendar updates are based on current information and subject to change.  Any changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

   1. By law, the Act of God days do not need to be made up.  

   2. Remote learning days will continue until on-site instruction can be conducted.  

   3. March 16th cancellation will be made up on Monday, April 13, 2020 as a remote planning day for staff.  

   4. Friday, April 10th will continue to be a non-instruction day.  

   5. Based on being able to continue remote learning, we anticipate ending the school year as planned on Thursday, May 28th.  

7. Grading 

   1. Should focus on the continuation of learning and prioritize the connectedness and care for students and staff. 

   2. All students should have the opportunity to redo, make up, or try again to complete, show progress, or attempt to complete work assigned prior to the remote learning period in that time frame. 

   3. A focus on keeping children emotionally and physically safe, fed, and engaged in learning should be our first priority during this unprecedented time. 

   4. This is not a time for failing students or adversely impacting student learning progress. Students are expected to continue with the learning activities assigned during remote learning.  Students who do not submit work will be issued an incomplete. When on-site instruction continues, incomplete grades will be addressed on a case by case basis.   

8. Special Education

   1. Special education teachers are working closely with teachers to make the necessary modifications and accommodations to address IEP goals.

   2. These are being completed on a case by case basis to meet the needs of those individual students.

Buildings will be staffed each weekday from 8 - 12 p.m.  Parents are asked to call prior to coming to the buildings.  General public will not be allowed past each building's vestibule area.  School staff will retrieve materials requested by the family.

FES Phone - 815-589-2911

RBMS Phone -815-589-2611

FHS Phone: 815-589-3511

DO Phone- 815-589-2711

We look forward to continuing to support our students and community. Each day has brought about new information and we will plan to support and update you as information is shared with us.  We will continue to persevere and rise up to this challenge together.

For River Bend Board and Administration,

Darryl Hogue