Update Remote Learning and Grading Policy effective Monday, May 11

Dear Senn Community - 

Thank you so much for your flexibility, patience, and feedback as we adapt our policies and procedures to Remote Learning. As you know, we started on March 18 with a solid plan focused on continued learning and community connection. Senn’s technology foundation allowed us to lead the district in innovative practice and allowed students to continue their coursework. Once Governor Pritzker announced school closures through the end of the school year, this plan evolved to increase student engagement and provide more structure. We are now entering the third phase of this plan in response to the recent CPS District guidance on Semester 2 grading, current student engagement, and the feedback we have received from students, parents, and teachers.

What will remain the same: 

• Daily student engagement/check-in from the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• High quality, rigorous lessons that will ensure students develop content knowledge
• Teacher availability both live and via email
• Support for students from counselors, Diverse Learning department, teachers, administrators, and community partners 
• Flexibility in due dates, student make-up work, and assessments
• Student progress towards graduation requirements 

What will change:

• Additional structure to the learning hours, now by class period M-Th (see below)
• Fridays will serve as ‘check-in,’ make-up day, office hours with teachers 
• Grades will be issued and pass/incomplete will be based on student engagement (see below)
• Final grade reports (see below)
• Some senior requirements have been waived (specifics shared directly with seniors)

What is not confirmed:

• When (if) students will be able to re-enter the building to clean out lockers
• Last day for seniors (dates are tentative)
• Graduation celebration/prom substitute
• Schedule for the school year 2020 -2021 return

The information below provides more details on the shifts we are making, specifically to the times when students log on to specific classes and how they will earn grades or “pass” status. They reflect what we believe will best support progress so that all Senn students can successfully end the school year. This continues to be a difficult time for all of us, and I want to again thank our entire community, but specifically our parents, for the support they are offering for students’ remote learning. As a parent myself, I fully understand the challenges we face balancing work, homeschooling, and the uncertainty of the future. Please feel free to reach out directly to me if you need further guidance, or have any questions /concerns. 

Sincerely, 

Mary P. Beck 

Remote Learning Block Schedule - starting Monday, May 11

Based on feedback from students and parents, we realize that under our current practice many teachers are posting assignments to students at the same time - meaning one student could receive multiple assignments for the week on Monday morning. While due dates are flexible, many students shared that getting all assignments at once is very overwhelming and makes prioritizing difficult. Additionally, because we had a flexible schedule, there are times when students are asked to attend more than one 'live' session at the same time, further adding to the difficulty of managing their learning. 

As such, we will be shifting our schedule starting Monday, May 11. Our hope is that this adapted schedule will reduce anxiety and better support students' ability to organize their learning, resulting in increased engagement and success. We will continue with the model where students attend live sessions and teachers offer support during other times and/or work on assignments during the scheduled periods. Teachers will introduce new assignments during their period and not before/after. On Fridays students will be expected to complete independent work and teachers will be available for questions and to provide feedback. 

Our intention is that this shift will further support students who are feeling overwhelmed and disorganized in managing their days. While we recognize that some students may be working, serving as caregivers, and supporting their families in other ways, it is important to note that attendance is not mandatory. Students can still access their assignments on Google classroom at any time after it is posted. Teachers will be available via email as well. 

Example: 

• Monday: 45-minute live lesson
• Wednesday: Assigned work on Google Classroom (teacher available via email or chat)
• Friday: Office hours for questions, check-ins, and feedback.