e-Learning: March 16, 2020 - Day 1 e-Learning Information
Published by Dr. Warke on Mar 16, 2020

Dear Highlands Families and Staff, 

Today we launched the first day of e-Learning for students. Our theme for this school year has been safe to fail. As adults, we set out to learn that it is ok to take risks and to make mistakes. We know we can learn when we course-correct and then jump back in to find another way to persevere through our task.  We had no idea how this safe to fail theme would play out during this year, but the risks that all staff are taking to launch e-Learning to provide continuity of instruction to our children is fantastic. The team has embraced this and are jumping in with both feet. I want to thank everyone for all that they are doing and have done to make this opportunity for learning possible. 

Tips for successful e-Learning at home can include: 

  • Establish A Regular Work Area: Students may have many materials they are using to complete lessons, including their iPad, books, papers, and other articles.  Having a set location to work minimizes the time students need to begin learning. Start with a clean, organized, and well-lit area.  I would suggest this be a common area in the home so parents can supervise if needed.  
  • Minimize Distractions: Students’ work area should not be in the line of sight of televisions or other media.  Unless needed for work, phones and non-school devices should not be accessible. Your child may try to convince you he/she can “multitask”; they cannot. 
  • Develop A Schedule: Teachers are available to students from 10:00-11:30 am and 1:00-3:30 pm.  Students may not need the allotted time to complete their assignments. Developing a regular schedule will help keep students on track and allow for some predictability. 
  • Take Breaks: Students may find it hard to focus on e-Learning for extended periods.  Working in regular breaks to the schedule will help support the successful completion of tasks and enhance learning.  
  • Ask Questions: We are all trying to navigate this unique situation the best we can and realize you may have questions.  Teachers, principals, and other administrators are here to help and want to ensure successful learning at home.  Please reach out if you have questions or concerns.  


Families, we could use your assistance with these items: 

  1.  Provide feedback with the surveys at the end of the day for e-Learning
    1. Students on Monday
    2. Families on Tuesday
  2. Spring Break Travel: We need your help to continue to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.  We understand that Spring Break is a time when many of our families travel, and we seek to enhance our reporting capabilities as the situation continues to evolve.  We ask that if you are going away over the break, please complete this form voluntarily.  Additionally, we ask you to complete this form if family, friends, roommates, and/or other individuals with whom students share a household will visit over the break. 

Lunch pick up begins today! 

For any family who needs to access this service, please find the lunches in the District Office Vestibule from 11-1. Lunches will be available for pick up on Monday and Wednesdays: 

March 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 and April 1

 

The health, safety, and well-being of our children and our community are one of our highest priorities in District 106. Please remember the If you or anyone in your family experiences fever, cough or difficulty breathing, consult your healthcare professional. The CDC and the Public Health Department have suggested guidelines for keeping us safe. 

Social Distancing is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the spread of the virus. Here is an article from the Washington Post on the importance of Social Distancing during the school closure. Please follow the recommendations from the CDC and the health department during the closing to help flatten the curve of the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, here are some resources for your reference.  

Center for Disease Control Website

Tips for Healthy Habits   

Talking points for Children

 As you know, there is no playbook for how to handle a global pandemic, and we are doing our best to make decisions that are in the best interest of our students and staff in a very fluid and fast-moving situation.  We continue to be in contact with the Illinois and Cook County Departments of Public Health, as well as our partner school districts and our local villages, as we continue to make the best decisions possible.

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this situation. 

Warm regards, 

Dr. Warke