COVID-19 Closure Update
The Johnston City CUSD#1 will reopen the track at the Athletic Complex to the public this Friday, May 1st. The rest of the complex, including the football field, and the playgrounds throughout the district still remain closed. Walkers are asked to follow CDC social distancing guidelines.
April 17, 2020
Dear Johnston City CUSD #1 Community,
Today Governor Pritzker announced that Remote Learning will continue through the end of this school year. I’m sure this news doesn’t come as a surprise. Like you, I am saddened by the reality that our school community will not be able to reconvene in person this school year due to this public health crisis.
I know with this announcement there are many questions about how to pick up items left in our school buildings, summer school, JCHS graduation and many other year end events. Please know the district has been working on a plan for all situations. More information will be coming from your school principal on these topics and many others over the next few weeks.
We will continue to utilize our Remote Learning Plan with new packets available each Monday through May 22nd. Be sure your child returns their packet to the school each week. Please note, under the Remote Learning Day declaration, students will be held accountable for their assignments. Teachers will grade student work and while students cannot fail a class during this time period, if they do not engage, they will receive an incomplete on their report cards.
We will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to all students. Meals are available on Wednesdays at Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln from 10:30 - 12:30. Meals are also being delivered via bus routes on Wednesdays. We are distributing 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches each Wednesday.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for understanding as we continue to work through this process. Over the past 5 weeks, our schools and world as we know it have changed dramatically and the Johnston City Community is adapting every day. I know Remote Learning is not perfect, but we are constantly striving to determine the best ways to provide meaningful educational opportunities to our students. I am grateful for everyone’s willingness to work together as we navigate this challenging situation.
Please contact me or your building principal if you have questions or need any assistance during this time.
Kathy Clark
Superintendent
March 31, 2020
Dear Johnston City CUSD #1 Community,
I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. Today, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced that remote learning in Illinois will be extended through April 30 in order to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
During this time, on-site learning will remain suspended but our schools’ commitment to learning and education will remain open and learning will continue for all students - just through a different format. As mentioned yesterday in my email, teachers will continue preparing Learning Packets each week for their students. Each Monday these Learning Packets will available in print versions that can be picked up at your child's school or delivered on Wednesdays through the bus routes. The exact same Learning Packet will also be available electronically on our school websites.
While it is not ideal, we want to assure you that our teachers and staff are fully engaged and willing to take on this new challenge and push forward with remote learning, engaging with students and continuing with our food distribution program.
I know this is not the school year that any of us imagined, but I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we have dealt with this unprecedented situation together.
Kathy Clark
March 30, 2020
Dear Johnston City CUSD #1 Community,
Beginning on Tuesday, March 31, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen Ayala has declared all Illinois schools must implement Remote Learning Days, until in-person instruction can resume. At this time we are scheduled to return to school on April 8th. It is important to remember that this date will likely be extended.
During these Remote Learning days students will receive a Learning Packet each week on Monday. Packets will contain a blend of new curriculum and material that has already been taught in the classroom. If you have questions regarding your student’s Learning Packet please email the teacher or call the school for assistance. The Learning Packets are not meant to cause more stress for your family. They are designed to provide continuation of learning for our students. Therefore, please keep in mind that your student’s grades will NOT be lowered if they do not perform well on the Packet. You will receive more information about this process from your student’s teacher and principal.
Please note, under the Remote Learning Day declaration, students will be held accountable for their assignments. Teachers will grade student work and while students cannot fail a class during this time period, if they do not engage, they will receive an incomplete on their report cards.
We are still providing breakfast and lunch to all students. Meals are now available on Wednesdays at Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln from 10:30 - 12:30. You will receive five breakfasts and five lunches at that time. We are also still running all bus routes to deliver meals on Wednesdays. If you are not able to get your meals on a Wednesday please contact your school to make other arrangements.
Finally, I want to remind you Governor Pritzker has closed all Illinois schools through at least Tuesday, April 7. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, it is important to note that this date will likely be extended. We will continue taking guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the State Board of Education on when it is safe to reopen our schools. As always, thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Kathy Clark
Superintendent
Johnston City CUSD #1 - Remote Learning Plan
March 31, 2020
- Accessibility of the remote instruction to all students enrolled in the school or district.
Learning packets will be available in paper format on the first day of the week at each school and also online. All assignments K-12 can be completed on paper or submitted electronically. Chromebooks are available for students to checkout if needed.
- When applicable, a requirement that the Remote Learning Days activities reflect the State learning standards.
The online and hard copy activities that are assigned to students to remote learning days have been developed and assigned by the classroom teachers specifically for their class/students. These assigned activities align with the State Learning standards for each subject and grade.
- Means for students to confer with an educator, as necessary.
During remote instructional days, each teacher will be monitoring communications and will be available to communicate with students and parents as needed from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday –Friday. Communications include email, phone calls, Class Dojo, Google Classroom, Teacherease, or other district approved communication tools.
- The unique needs of students in special populations, including, but not limited, students eligible for special education under Article 14 of the Code, students who are English learners, as defined by Section 14C-2 of the Code, students experiencing homelessness under the Education for Homeless Children Act [105 ILCS 45], or vulnerable student populations.
During the remote learning days, consistent communication with students with special needs will be provided through e-mail, phone calls, or other district approved communication tools. Staff will document the best efforts being made under the current emergency conditions to ensure ongoing growth and progress and to continue these students to the greatest extent practicable by tailoring remote learning that provides educational benefits to students with disabilities. Methods may include regular communication, scaffolding, and breaking up assignments into more manageable parts.
- Transitions from remote learning to on-site learning upon the State Superintendent's declaration that Remote Learning Days are no longer deemed necessary.
By providing remote learning activities and resources as well as monitoring the student’s work during remote learning days, the staff will be able to assess the students’ understanding of concepts. This will lead to a smoother transition to on-sight learning and a better assessment of the concepts that need to be reviewed/re-taught.
Grading
Remote Learning is designed to support student learning and continuity of education. Grading is feedback and communication in a snapshot of time to students and parents. The aim, emphasis, and focus for school work assigned, reviewed, and completed during remote learning is on learning, not on compliance. Students are expected to continue with the learning activities assigned during remote learning and to complete all of the work assigned and reviewed during the remote learning period. Kindergarten through 8th grade will be reporting grades on a Pass or Incomplete basis. High school students will receive a letter grade or an Incomplete. The grades a high school student had in March will not be negatively impacted during remote instructional days. There will be no final exams for high school students this school year.
