Immediately following its regularly scheduled meeting on May 4, District 203 officials announced changes to summer learning programs. The changes were approved by the Board of Education and comply with current State of Illinois regulations regarding safety measures in place to navigate the state past the apex of its COVID-19 cases.

As was largely expected, the Board moved to replace traditional on-site summer school with remote learning instruction. Several of the district’s additional and typical summer opportunities have been cancelled altogether. For specific details about how you or your family might be impacted by these changes, check the Naperville 203 website.

For your convenience, we’re reprinting here the full text of an email sent out via Talk 203 to all families in the district. Note that the email includes information about all levels from kindergarten through high school. The email is signed by Christine Igoe, assistant superintendent for student services, and Kevin Wojtkiewicz, director of summer learning.

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Dear Naperville 203 Families:

We hope that this email finds everyone in your family safe and healthy.  As you are aware, the Governor has extended the current Shelter In Place order until Sunday May 31, 2020, which has required the District to make some difficult decisions about our summer learning programs.  First we would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked to rethink our summer learning programs to ensure the safety and health of students and staff, to align with the state executive orders, and support students’ continued learning. 

On Monday, May 4, 2020, the Board of Education approved a modified summer learning plan that includes remote/online learning programs focusing on literacy and math at the elementary and junior high and graduation requirements at the high school. It is important to note that summer remote learning will not be the same as the remote learning we are currently experiencing. All courses will be run through Canvas, our learning management system, and teachers will be providing ongoing direct instruction through alternative formats.

Summer learning for students in grades K-7 will now run from June 15-July 10.  Classes will meet 5 days per week for this four week period. There are no changes to the high school schedule, classes will still run from June 2-July 10. No classes will be held on Friday, July 3rd in observance of the 4th of July holiday. The complete list of classes being offered and registration information can be found here. Please note that high school registration for first semester classes ends on May 22, 2020.  Elementary and Junior High registration will reopen on Tuesday, May 5th and has been extended to June 1, 2020. 

The summer learning program for students who are eligible for Extended School Year (ESY) and Early Childhood summer learning have also been adjusted. Students will attend from June 15-July 10 and classes will meet 4 days per week.  Please contact your student’s case manager or early childhood teacher for registration information. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide enrichment courses, as well as Summer Science and Music Camps.  All these courses have been canceled. While we cannot fully replace these valuable in-person experiences for students, enrichment activities and resources will be posted on the District website for families to access over the summer. 

Due to the uncertainty of when the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will reopen and begin to issue permits, we are canceling Drivers Education for the summer as well. Students who were enrolled in this course should contact their school counselors if they wish to be added to Driver Education classes in the fall. If allowable by the social distancing guidelines, we will be offering Behind The Wheel instruction for students who were enrolled in Drivers Education during the Spring 2020 semester. 

We are aware that these changes may impact your student’s ability to participate in summer learning.  Refunds/credits will be issued for any courses that have been canceled and for courses that no longer fit within your summer schedule. We are currently working on a process to ensure refunds/credits are issued in a timely and efficient manner. Additional information will be provided as soon as available.  

As always, if you have any questions, please contact the site director for your program.  A list of site directors and their emails can be found at, https://www.naperville203.org/Page/6521.  

Thank you again for your understanding and patience as we adapt our programs to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. While this is not the learning we had planned for our students this summer, we are confident that it will support students’ continuous learning and help to support their readiness for next school year. 

Stay Well, 

Christine Igoe                                                  Kevin Wojtkiewicz

Assistant Superintendent                                Director of Summer

for Student Services                                       Learning