Du Quoin teachers return Monday for 2020 school year
Teachers in Du Quoin Unit District 300 returned to work on Monday a full week ahead of students, in order to get prepared for the start of a school year unlike any other.
The school board will meet Thursday evening to finalize plans for the Aug. 17 opener and for the "blended" class scenario - which for most students will be a combination of in-school and remote learning. Some students will start the year on an "all-remote" program.
The "blended" approach is intended to cover the first few weeks of school and will be reevaluated as COVID-19 conditions change in Perry County. District 300 say their goal is to have all students in attendance every day, but only when it is safe for them to do so.
Armed with sanitizing spray, Pam Pursell, a 7th- and 8th-grade resource teacher, enters for the first day.
Jon Montgomery photo
From left: Dacia Harsy, second-grade teacher; Kylie Sizemore, a first year second-grade teacher; and Rhonda Knapp, Tri-County Special Education teacher, haul in at least some of their "teacher stuff" as they prepare to begin the 2020-21 year. See more photos inside.
Jon Montgomery photo
Du Quoin Middle School Dean of Students Jeremy Cornett ponders the new school year as he enters on the first day.
Jon Montgomery photo
It's a new year for Tim and Jennifer Davis as they enter Du Quoin Middle School. He is a 7th grade Social Studies teacher; she is a 7th grade resource teacher.
Jon Montgomery photo
Special education teacher Lanae Leposky opens the door to Du Quoin Elementary School.
Jon Montgomery photo
Suzan Day, a first-grade teacher, is ready for the new year, whatever comes.
Jon Montgomery photo