Dear District 39 Community,
As we head into spring break and wrap up our first full week of remote e-Learning, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your continued support of teaching and learning in Wilmette Public Schools. We experienced a successful week of remote e-Learning due to your partnership with our incredible teachers in support of our students.
On March 13, 2020, Governor Pritzker made an emergency declaration and closed schools statewide until March 31st in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. While there are several indications the State will extend this school closure timeline, there has been no official announcement to date. With spring break starting at week’s end, the New Trier Township school districts have made a decision about post-spring break school closures in an effort to allow staff and families time to plan and prepare.
New Trier Township schools will be extending school closures through Monday, April 13, 2020. The Township districts will modify this plan in alignment with the Governor’s orders, should the need occur. Please review the timeline below for more specific details.
- Monday, March 23rd - Friday, March 27th - Spring Break (No remote e-Learning will occur.)
- Monday, March 30th - Schools will be closed. Teacher work day in preparation for additional remote e-Learning Days. (No remote e-Learning will occur)
- Tuesday, March 31st - Thursday, April 9th - Remote e-Learning Days
- Friday, April 10th - No School/Non-Instructional Day (No remote e-Learning will occur.)
- Monday, April 13th - Schools will be closed. Teacher work day in preparation for instruction in whichever modality is deemed best based upon situational guidance from our state health and education officials. (No remote e-Learning will occur.)
- Tuesday, April 14th - Instructional Day
This timeline to extend remote e-Learning and the decision to close schools for two additional weeks represents what we believe to be best for our school communities given current guidance from public health officials, the needs of our community and the information available at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and revise our plans as needed.
The coronavirus pandemic has truly impacted the lives of everyone around the world. Even here in Wilmette, school and business closures have affected families and created a true need within our community. In response to this need, we have created a webpage for families interested in giving or receiving support. Thank you for giving generously to our local food pantries and to our D39 Angel Fund, if you are able. If you are in need, please do not hesitate to take advantage of these resources or to reach out to our building principals for assistance – be it a warm meal, financial assistance, Internet access or otherwise.
We will remain in regular communication with you as we continue to monitor this developing situation. Tomorrow, I will share additional information with parents about remote e-Learning practices in District 39, including expectations for remote e-Learning after spring break and what this extended closure means for students and teachers in the coming weeks ahead. It is my hope that this information will help you navigate and prepare for the days immediately following spring break.
Thank you once again for your continued partnership, trust and support. Please take care to practice responsible social distancing with your family and to follow travel guidelines and other healthy habits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
We need each other now more than ever! We are all in this together, and I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude for your continued support and encouragement for students, teachers and our community as a whole. Be well, and continue to spread joy and kindness wherever you can.
Your partner in education,
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Kari Cremascoli, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Wilmette Public Schools District 39
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