Dear Parents and Students, 

At last night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the recommendation to continue remote learning until the end of the semester.  This difficult decision was based on two factors: the increase in COVID-19 positivity rates for our region and county, and the disruption of learning that would occur with a mid-semester shift to the hybrid model of instruction. 
 
Increase in Positivity Rates 
The health and safety of our students and staff is at the forefront of all decision making as it relates to COVID-19.  Unfortunately, we continue to see a rise in cases.  In late July, when the Board approved beginning the school year remotely, our region was at 5.7%, and when the Board approved the continuation of remote learning until November 10, our region was at 7.5%. Though our region previously experienced a decrease in positivity rates, we are now at 8.6% for the region and Will County is at 8.9%.  This trend, unfortunately, seems to continue in an upward direction.       
 
Disruption of Learning 
In addition to health concerns, returning to school mid-semester would be disruptive to the continuity of learning taking place in our virtual classrooms.  Responses from the second parent survey indicated an increase in the number of students opting to continue the year remotely.  This increase would cause many students’ schedules to change mid-semester and a disruption to the learning environment.  Continuity of learning is important, especially in this time of uncertainty; therefore, a shift to hybrid learning is not an appropriate option during first semester. 
 
Semester 2  
Semester 2 classes begin January 6, 2021.  We will continue to monitor COVID-19 metrics and are hopeful we can begin the new semester and year with our hybrid model.     
 
Lorraine Guerrero Neumayer Appointed to Serve on JTHS Board of Education 
Lorraine Guerrero Neumayer was appointed to serve on the Joliet Township High School Board of Education at last night’s October 20, 2020 meeting.  The Board of Education selected Ms. Guerrero Neumayer after conducting interviews to fill the spot vacated by Dr. Tracy Spesia who resigned in September.  Ms. Guerrero Neumayer will serve on the Board of Education until the April 2021 election. 
 
Ms. Guerrero Neumayer is a proud Joliet Central High School alumna from the class of 1998 and a Joliet Public School District 86 graduate.  She is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Illinois and holds a master’s degree in social work from Aurora University with a school social work concentration and Type 73 license. She earned her B.A. in social work from Lewis University. 

“The JTHS Board of Education warmly welcomes Lorraine as our newest member,” said Board of Education President Frank Edmon, Jr.  “Lorraine comes to us with a wealth of knowledge, having served on the District 86 Board of Inspectors, in addition to her involvement within organizations such as the Spanish Community Center, Big Brother Big Sisters, Guardian Angel Community Services, the Housing Authority of Joliet, and United Way.  Lorraine not only knows our community, but she also knows our students through her work as Senior Trauma Therapist at the Children’s Advocacy Center, her volunteer service within the Zonta Club of Joliet, and as a JTHS Bridge Builder.  Lorraine’s passion and heart are truly with our students, community, and school district.”     
 
Ms. Guerrero Neumayer was administered the Oath of Office at the October 20 meeting. 
 
Afterschool Online Tutoring 
Starting today, students may request an appointment for free afterschool virtual tutoring provided by JTHS teachers on a date that is convenient, including evenings and weekends. Parents may also request a tutoring session on behalf of their student.  Tutoring will be available for the subjects of English, Math, Social Science, and Science.   

Students and parents should request appointments using the online forms below.  These forms initiate three-way communication and ensure a streamlined process.  Tutoring program facilitators will schedule tutoring sessions for individual students or groups of students with similar academic needs within 48 hours of the request.  

Students may visit the following link to request tutoring for themselves: https://tinyurl.com/y4xzqz5y   

Parents may visit the following link to request tutoring on behalf of their student: https://tinyurl.com/y56933k2   
 
Remote Learning Day on Friday 
This week’s schedule is below.  As a reminder, Friday, October 23 is a Remote Planning Day and students do not participate in remote learning.  Students should use this extra time to complete assignments, projects, and/or study. 

Dr. Karla Guseman 
Superintendent