We are Present, Powerful, and Empowered by Reading

In D60, every minute of instruction matters, and we are focused upon teaching and learning. Therefore, we expect students in school following their established class schedule during each instructional day. We are aware of posts circulating on social media regarding supposed student-led protests. Though these posts may contain school logos, they are not authorized, endorsed, nor sanctioned by any D60 schools or the district. D60 is not organizing any such events for students.

We have communicated with our families and students that teaching and learning will continue, as scheduled, each instructional day. We have also shared with our families that we cannot verify the origin of these posts and that we are gravely concerned for the safety of any student who chooses not to come to school. We are committed to ensuring students’ safety while students are in attendance at school, and we will continue to share clear expectations with our students regarding their continued adherence to our student code of conduct and attendance expectations, including being in scheduled classes and following the instructions of adults in our schools. 

Families of course may choose to take their students out of school for appointments, etc., and we understand that families may choose to keep students home to attend events. Students who do not attend school and do not have an excused absence in accordance with D60 policy will be counted as absent, unexcused. This also applies to any student who chooses to leave school without permission, even after being redirected by adult supervision. D60 requires that schools then notify the student’s family that the student has left school without authorization. 

Additionally, students who miss school (or any part of the school day) and do not have an approved, excused absence may not participate in activities and/or athletics, including practices and meetings, even after school hours. If students miss school on the last instructional day of the week, they then cannot participate in any activities or athletics until after they return to school the following week. 

We are ensuring that our principals, athletic directors, sponsors, and coaches are reminding students of the expectations we have for attendance and engagement in learning during the instructional day. 

Again, our focus in D60 is upon ensuring our students are Present, Powerful, and Empowered by Reading for every moment of every instructional day.