Illnesses prompt shift to all-remote school learning in Collinsville district

Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 is shifting to an all-remote school day starting today, Tuesday, after a surge of COVID-19 cases in the community.

That announcement was made at 5 p.m. Monday by Collinsville Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich.

“Today our Board of Education and district administration closely studied the current COVID-19 metrics in Madison and St. Clair Counties,” Skertich said in a statement. “Over the weekend, the continued rise in the rate of positive cases in our communities resulted in the State of Illinois placing restrictions on our region that go into effect tomorrow, August 18, 2020.

“Our district had planned to start the school year tomorrow in the Hybrid/Blended model with in-person learning, however, due to rising cases in our communities – including district staff who reported positive results over the weekend or have been quarantined due to exposure to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19  – we must transition to districtwide remote learning effective immediately.

“We understand this last-minute decision will create hardships for our students, parents and staff, but we continue to operate with the safety of our students and staff as our first priority. Our Return to Learning plan was built with quick changes like this in mind as we respond to an ever changing public health situation.”

Starting Tuesday, August 18, 2020:

– Students in grades 7-12 at Collinsville High School and Collinsville Middle School will be in the 100 percent Remote Learning model.
– Grades K-6 will hold their previously scheduled student/parent orientation and small group meetings as planned on Tuesday and Wednesday.  K-6 students will begin 100 percent Remote Learning on Thursday, Aug. 20.
– Remote learning will continue through at least Friday, Sept. 4.  County health metrics will be reconsidered the week of August 31st and we will announce on Thursday, Sept. 3, whether the district transitions to a Hybrid/Blended model or continues in Remote Learning after Labor Day.

“Please expect to receive communication from your child(ren)’s schools and teachers regarding expectations for remote learning,” the statement said.

“We are frustrated and saddened by these events.  Our goal has always been in-person instruction for our students.  We want to remind everyone that by strictly adhering to public health guidelines such as wearing a mask, proper hand hygiene, avoiding crowds and staying home if you feel ill, we can move toward getting our students and staff back in their classrooms.”