District 303 families appear to be favoring in-person learning

A majority of St. Charles Unit District 303 families who have selected a fall instructional model so far are opting to attend school in person, Superintendent Jason Pearson said.

The district's plan for the 2020-21 school year offers students a choice between remote learning and an in-person format, whether it be a daily schedule for elementary students or a hybrid model for middle and high schoolers.

As of Monday, about 7,000 of the district's roughly 12,000 students had submitted their attendance decisions for returning to school next month, Pearson told the school board. Of those responses, 14% chose the online-only option, while 85% are planning to participate in in-person learning.

A few families have decided not to return to the district, he said.

Parents or guardians have until Friday to select a learning option -- or modify their decision -- for each child for the fall semester.

“This is really important information for us as we plan,” Pearson said. “We will be creating schedules and assigning staff based on the model you select.”

Several families have expressed a desire for more information before making such a significant decision, Pearson said. The district released a 29-page guide Tuesday outlining sample schedules and instructional options for all students, as well as attendance and grading procedures, health and safety protocols, and remote learning expectations for families.

Plans are subject to change as COVID-19 case numbers and state restrictions evolve, Pearson said.

As of Monday, community members have submitted about 690 questions or concerns through the “Let's Talk!” feature on the district's website, he said. Officials are responding to those inquiries as they come in and updating a “frequently asked questions” document on the District 303 Reopen Schools Plan web page. (https://district.d303.org/district-303-reopen-school-plan