Southern Illinois News

In Jackson County, recommendations have been made that schools switch to fully remote learning until at least Thanksgiving.

The suggestion came from the administrator of the Health Department, Bart Hagston, after seeing the data showing moderate increases in COVID-19 cases since the start of November. School districts should also consider whether children have access to the internet, computers, and how remote learning will affect parents.

Carbondale Elementary, Carbondale Community High School, Unity Point, Trico, Elverado and Murphysboro school districts reinstated remote learning on the week of Nov. 16 and Giant City returned to fully remote learning the previous week and will continue to do so.

A letter was released at Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 letting parents know their decision to switch to remote learning and broke the news that they do not foresee returning to in-person learning until winter break is over.

Other schools have mentioned plans for hybrid learning.

“The biggest impact on the district is we cannot get in a good grove on anything. We do not have the ability to plan for our future,” Booth told The Southern Illinoisan. “It makes a job that is already tough even tougher.”

The school year began with fully remote online learning and used CARES funding in the amount of $600,000 to give kids access to internet and computers. In-person classroom began in October.

Superintendent of Herrin Community Unit School District No. 4 Terry Ryker posted a letter on social media to share that staff members and students had tested positive for COVID-19.

“As a result of the increase, we are having a difficult time in filling in for the absences and providing an effective and safe learning environment," Ryker said. "Parents need to be advised that Herrin CUSD #4 may need to pivot to complete remote learning on a day's notice, therefore, it would be beneficial for all parents to start looking into alternative childcare needs."