Gardner-South Wilmington High School to go full remote learning

GARDNER — Gardner-South Wilmington High School families received the following letter Wednesday from superintendent Joshua DeLong.

Dear GSW Community,

GSW will be moving to remote learning starting on Dec. 16 and will return to in-person learning on Jan. 11. This decision was not an easy one, but one we felt was necessary for several reasons. By having our last day of in-person instruction on Dec. 15, it allows students, families and staff the opportunity to minimize risks prior to the holidays. This provides the opportunity to isolate if desired, and protects against anyone having to quarantine over Christmas by being potentially exposed at school.

This configuration also puts GSW more in line with the feeder schools to help families with supervision and transportation issues. By returning on Jan. 11, it allows any potential exposures or quarantines to run their course following the updated CDC and IDPH guidelines after the holiday season.

Specific Details

Dec. 15 - Last day of in person learning

Dec. 16-18- Full remote learning (We will follow the remote learning plan found here): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vgOf5ZVzl52RzPOFqn-VwlSjnbk2Kdg4CJ3rKBMsPSw/edit?usp=sharing (Please note the class times for remote learning). There will be some modifications to this plan prior to break.

Dec. 16-18 - All classes will be synchronous, meaning students must attend each hour virtually, including Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Dec. 21-22 - These two days will mostly be used for at risk/failing students to work with the teachers. Students may have assignments, projects, etc. to complete on these two days. In a normal year this would have been final exam days.

Jan. 4-6- Teacher Institute and Remote Planning Days - No student attendance.

Jan. 7-8 - Remote learning days - students must attend each class virtually.

Jan. 11 - Return to in person learning at GSW.

Some students may be required to attend in person to finish certain assignments,projects, etc.

GAVC - Students may still attend GAVC in person. The GAVC bus will still depart from GSW at its regular times. There will not be transportation to GSW. As always, students need to socially distance and wear masks while on the bus and at GAVC. Due to scheduling conflicts, some GAVC students may need to make up some GSW classes remotely later in the day.

Meals - Meals will be available to be picked up Dec 16-22 and Jan 5-8. This is for any student needing a meal. Breakfast will be available from 7:45-9 and lunch 11-1.

Please continue to keep us informed of positive cases and close contacts over break as we continue to monitor local cases. You can email jdelong@gswhs73.org

Please help us by making sure your student is actively logging in each day. Grades and attendance matter. If you have questions, please contact the teacher and the office if you have further concerns. We understand the importance of in-person learning and are thankful for how well first semester has gone with all things considered. We appreciate all parties proactive measures in helping remain in person as much as we have been. We look forward to safely returning to in-person learning on Jan. 11.