School Closed Wednesday January 30th -Remote Learning Day
Posted on 01/29/2019

Dear District 39 Families,

As we have continued to monitor the weather forecast, it’s clear that dangerously low wind-chill factors will be with us from Tuesday night at least through Wednesday.

As a result, our schools will not be open Wednesday.

However, I am excited to announce that we will be piloting our first “Remote Learning Day” for students. This idea allows learning to continue as both teachers and students work remotely on a “snow day” during the school year rather than adding an extra day at the end of school year. Our teachers are enthusiastic about this new alternative, and they will provide you with details on the logistics. Each building and teacher will have flexibility to structure this in a positive way for their students. Most of the Township sender Districts will be having a similar day.

We understand that the extreme weather and school closure may make your day more complicated in terms of your work and child care issues. It is not our intent to add stress with this pilot. However, we also know that adding extra days at the end of the school year causes problems for families; this pilot is an attempt to avoid that with minimal impact on parents.

We do not expect parents to become teachers for the day, but you know your child best and can provide support as needed. While students will be expected to turn in something to show what they accomplished on their Remote Learning Day in order to get “attendance” for school, teachers will provide work that can be easily accomplished at home. There may also be flexibility on when the “assignments” need to be turned in - your teacher will communicate about this. We are hoping for 100% participation.

I hope you and your children embrace this new idea, and please know this is merely a trial.

So remember...schools are closed Wednesday. You will receive a reminder notification about this after school is out today. In addition, we will notify you by noon on Wednesday if school will be closed Thursday.

Let’s all enjoy this day!

Your partner in education,

Ray
Dr. Ray Lechner
Superintendent
Wilmette Public Schools District 39