Dear Butler D53 Families and Staff,
Earlier this week, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), issued their "Transition Guidance" for Starting the 2020-21 School Year. This guidance comes as part of our state's movement into Phase 4: Revitalization, which began today, and will answer many lingering questions shaping the beginning of our next school year.
The D53 administration/transition team has been meeting since early summer, compiling ways to ensure that learning can continue in various scenarios. Many checkpoints of the logistical expectations outlined in the ISBE/IDPH Transition Guidance are already underway. Furthermore, I have been in regular communication with my fellow Superintendents at District 86 and the elementary school feeder districts to share resources; however, each district is responsible for developing its own plan.
We will continue to communicate developments, protocols, and plans as they become available. The new norms and expectations will be outlined in the D53 transition plan. It is my intention to share a detailed outline by late July. We think it is more important to communicate accurately, rather than rush, and be forced to make unforeseen changes.
We thank you for your patience and understanding as our district leadership familiarizes themselves with the guidance, formulates, revises, and presents a plan, and implements necessary changes in order to provide a safe, innovative, engaging educational experience for our students.
On another note that is extremely positive - We successfully completed week one of Session 1 of Summer School. The feedback from teachers and students is encouraging. 20% of students in grades 3rd - 8th are participating. Using the current pandemic situation to our advantage has allowed for the availability of remote guest speakers; such as professional artists, and graphic designers to enrich the discussion with our students. We anticipate more attendance during Session 2. Registration for Session 2 is open. I have attached the links below.
Thank you for your continued cooperation, support, and partnership in these most unprecedented times.
Stay well, be safe-
Dr. Paul O’Malley
Superintendent of Schools
Butler D53 - Beyond All Limits
Summer School Catalog
Registration Form
Summer School Online Payment Link