Frequently Asked Questions
How can I receive meals for my children during the closure?
Mondays- Fridays (9am to 1pm) Galapagos will provide families the option to pick-up free, pre-packaged breakfasts and lunches for their scholars and children under 18. Pick-ups are at our Lower Academy, School St. entrance.
How long will E-learning last?
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced that schools will remain closed to in person instruction for the remainder of the current school year. As we move into Phase two of our E-Learning plan, we will provide remote instruction until the end of the school year (June 3rd).
Will scholars have to make up these missed days?
The missed days through March 30 are “Act of God Days” according to the Illinois State Board of Education and do not need to be made up. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Remote Learning Days begin statewide on March 31. Those days will continue for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
What about special education, IEP and 504 plans?
Scholars with active IEPs will have the support of their special education instructors, instructional aides, and related service professionals via video conferencing during the closure. Accommodations and modifications will be followed as closely as possible in a remote environment. If your child has an upcoming IEP meeting scheduled, we will be in contact with you to set up a virtual meeting via video conference.
What if I don’t have access to a device?
If you have already communicated your need to your child’s instructor, we are getting ready to contact you regarding technology distribution. We have contacted all families who have communicated technology. As of April 17, we have made devices available to over 200 scholars.
If you have not spoken to your child’s instructor or have additional concerns about whether or not your technology will support the e-learning programs at GRCS, you should contact your campus Dean of School Culture.
Lower Academy- Tyler Smith (815) 315-3731
Upper Academy- Rajan Sharma (779) 772-3339
Technology concerns may include:
Does the household have access to equipment that is appropriate for e-learning?
- Does it allows for a scholar to easily type out questions or answers?
- Does it allow for a scholar to view videos?
- Is available for the scholar for 2-3 hours a day?
Is there Internet connectivity?
- Is the equipment capable of connecting to the internet?
- Does the household have consistent internet service?
What if I don’t have Internet access at home?
Comcast has implemented Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone. Over the next 60 days, Comcast will provide free access to qualifying families. Please go to http://ow.ly/JLSs50yO95i to apply with Comcast for this service.
Additionally, WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
How will instruction be provided during the closure?
Instructors have created virtual classroom environments in Google Classroom. Instructors will post daily video instruction and assignments in core content areas. Enrichment instructors will also provide instruction and assignments on a weekly basis. Instructors will give feedback on all submitted assignments, be available during set office hours to answer questions, and schedule 1:1 and small group instruction with scholars.
Instructors will provide information to you directly about how to access their Google Classroom pages. If you have not received this information from your child’s classroom instructors, please contact your Dean of Instruction.
Lower Academy- Stacey Puckett, (779) 772-3332
Upper Academy- Mariam Al-Yousuf, (252) 314-5417
How can we stay connected to the Galapagos community?
Instructors will be hosting daily classroom meetings and a weekly community circle meeting via video conference. We are looking forward to seeing your smiling faces in these meetings daily. You can find the links to classroom and community meetings in Google Classroom.
We have also created a grade level Facebook private group for all grades K-8. If you would like to be added or invited to a grade level group, please e-mail your Dean of School Culture.
Lower Academy- Tyler Smith, (815) 315-3731
Upper Academy- Rajan Sharma, (779) 772-3339
What does this closure mean for the end of third quarter and third quarter grades?
Thank you to the nearly 85% of families who participated in Q3 Report Card conferences virtually on April 10th. Please contact your child’s instructor if you were unavailable that day, our goal is always 100%.
What is happening with spring standardized tests?
Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order suspending state assessments for spring 2020. We will not take state tests for the 2019-2020 school year.
