February 26, 2021 update letter to families from CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich:
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Hello Kahok Nation,
As we put the month of February in our rear view mirrors this weekend, I hope we can also say
goodbye to snow and subzero temperatures. This may be overly optimistic, but after the past few
weeks, I think we are more than ready for spring temperatures.
On Tuesday, March 2, our elementary schools welcome back kindergarten through 4th grade
students to school four days-a-week. We are excited to expand the number of student attendance
days. Dorris Intermediate students are on track to return four days-a-week March 9, and
CMS/CHS students are scheduled to follow on March 16.
Please complete the “Change in Learning Plan Selection Request” information from the District by
March 1st. This form should be completed for any parent/guardian who wishes to change from a
Full Remote Learning Plan to a Hybrid/In-person Learning Plan OR from a Hybrid/In-Person
Learning Plan to a Full Remote Learning Plan. If you are not changing your current learning plan,
you do not need to complete a form. This information is important as our schools expand to four
days-a-week of in-person student attendance during the 4th academic quarter.
While we are excited about changes to our learning setting throughout the district, educating
students during a pandemic has not been easy on students, staff or families. Additionally, the
altered setting has impacted each student differently, so the district will be implementing
programs to better meet students’ academic and social emotional needs for the foreseeable
future. The first of four summer programs were approved by the Board of Education at the
regular meeting this past Monday.
2020-21 summer programs include:
● Summer School for grades K-12
Summer school will be expanded this year to meet the needs of all students experiencing
learning loss due to the pandemic. The summer session will also include a no cost credit
recovery program for high school students. Eligible participants will be notified when
applications are available.
● Extended School Year for grades K-12
Extended School Year (ESY) is specifically designed for students with IEPs to address
targeted IEP Goal and Objectives. Participation in ESY is determined during your child’s
IEP Meeting.
● Jump Start for grades K-12
This program will allow for an early return to school. The goal is to foster relationships,
get students back into the routine of school, practice grade level academic skills and
increase social interaction with peers. Applications for this program will be available in
early summer for those eligible to participate.
● EPIC Summer Camps for grade K-4
Emergent bilingual students will have an opportunity to improve their English
proficiency while receiving social emotional and culturally appropriate support as they
transition to a new school environment. Students eligible to participate will be contacted
by the building principal.
While each initiative varies based on student age and needs, the programs will focus on learning
loss, individualized instruction, social interaction and hands-on activities in small groups.
Information will be distributed in the future to families regarding eligibility and transportation.
In the months ahead, the district will consider additional programs that could include curriculum
changes, English Language supports, tutoring, increased support staff, additional teachers, at-risk
programming and professional development for staff.
After a year in an altered setting, closing the learning gap and addressing students’ social
emotional needs will be our primary focus. These efforts will take time, and we look forward to
a continued partnership between home and school.
On Monday, March 1st the district will be closed in observance of Casimir Pulaski Day. Please
be safe, wear a mask, wash your hands, and social distance. Don’t forget to wear your purple
and show your Kahok Pride.
Have a great three-day weekend.
Sincerely,
Mark B. Skertich Ed.D.
Superintendent