April 17, 2020
Dear students and parents,
I hope this letter finds all of you safe and healthy. The current state of education has caused stress, frustration, and anxiety for all of us. I cannot begin to tell you that I understand everything that you are experiencing in your home. What I can do is offer you my thanks for all that you are doing to try to fill the void in your child’s education. All of you are doing your best, so thank you again.
I would also like to offer all of you support. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please contact me via email at mgrady@dps170.org or (815) 453-4966. The administrative staff is in the office from 7:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. No one should feel like they are alone in this situation, so please reach out if needed.
One issue that students and parents have asked me about is grading for this semester. Dixon Public Schools are following the advice of the Illinois School Board Association stating that remote learning will not harm a student’s grades. What that means to a Dixon High School student is that if they were passing their classes as of March 13, 2020, they will receive a “p” for passing. This grade will not adversely affect their cumulative grade point average. Students who were failing a class as of March 13, 2020, have an opportunity to complete make up work so that they can earn a “p” for those classes. We are encouraging all students to complete as much remote learning work as they can so that they do not have a gap in their education. The more work they complete now, the easier their transition will be for next year, whether that be back at Dixon High School for their sophomore, junior, or senior year or if it is on to a career, college, or the military. Students who complete 60% of the remote learning at a 60% success rate will earn a final exam exemption for the Fall 2020/21 semester.
I hope this answered this question for those out there who were confused. If not, please call. Continue to support each other in these unprecedented times and reach out if you need help. Thank you for everything that you are doing for your children.
Respectfully,
Dr. Michael L. Grady
Dixon High School Principal