Dear GP Parents:  

Without doubt, the past year has provided many challenges and obstacles. At the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, the administration and staff were faced with the difficult task of formulating both an in-person learning schedule as well as a “remote-only” option as required by ISBE. This daunting task was completed, and achieved, due to the efforts, dedication, and cooperation of the entire GP Staff.  I find it ironic that a year ago today, school districts were notified that a “required closure” would be occurring. Today, I am happy to inform you that we will be expanding our in-person learning schedule, beginning Tuesday, April 6th.  

As you may know, we reconvened the Transition Committee in February with the sole objective of discussing the possibility of expanding our in-person schedule. It was a very productive and inspirational meeting, as each stakeholder had the opportunity to provide critical input.  Without doubt, there was an overall sentiment to extend our in-person schedule and provide a “normal” structure for our students and staff.  However, prior to that decision being made, we wanted to ensure that all guidelines continue to be followed as well as finding solutions for obstacles.   

I am pleased to announce that the students of Grant Park School District will be returning to a full-day schedule (8:08AM - 3:10PM) on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 (after Spring Break). Ultimately, the decision was made with the mindset that our students need to have the opportunity to return to a full-day schedule to maximize academic and social-emotional benefits.  With this announcement, we also wanted to provide flexibility for students who are currently in the remote setting.  If you would like your child to return to the in-person schedule on April 6th, please notify your building principal by March 25th so accommodations can be made.  

Please know that this was a very difficult decision, as there are many different opinions and philosophies on the return to a full schedule.  However, in the end, I believe that this decision is in the best interest of our students.  I strongly believe that the academic, as well as the social-emotional, benefits of offering this opportunity is extremely important for our student body at the current time.  We will continue to reinforce all safety measures as established by the IDPH for our full, return-to-learning plan.  Parents still have the choice of remote learning for the remainder of this school year.  

Finally, I would like to offer my sincere thank you to our parents, as well as the GP employees, for the support, compassion, and dedication this past year.  Personally, it was incredible and rewarding to watch the GP family work together and find solutions for our students.  I applaud our staff, and I look forward to our continued path to “normal” as we begin our full-day, in-person schedule on Tuesday, April 6th.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school or district office.  

Sincerely, 

Dr. John Palan

Superintendent, Grant Park #6