CCUSD 139 initiates 4-, 5-day learning plan

The majority of students are back to in-person instruction this week in Chester schools.

Starting Monday, Chester Community Unit School District 139 initiated its 4- and 5-day per week instructional plan with pre-K through fifth grades attending five days a week and grades six to 12 attending four days a week.

Superintendent Brian Pasero said so far the transition has gone OK, though the district still has some kinks to work out.

"It's like the first day of school again," Pasero said.

Under the plan, dismissal is at 1 p.m. each day and Wednesdays continue to be reserved for remote instruction for grades six to 12.

Though families also can choose full-time remote learning, Pasero said at least 90% of students have chosen the in-person model. "Our community and teachers were looking for this," Pasero said.

"Our teachers did a great job with remote instruction, but it's clear face-to-face time was needed. There's just no substitute for face-to-face instruction."

As Region 4 is once again facing stricter COVID-19 mitigation measures, Pasero said he is keeping an eye on the case numbers and continues to be in close communication with the Randolph County Health Department.

Pasero said the district sees such a big benefit to students being in school that it is going to do all it can to keep them there. "If we can do it, we're going to work hard to do it. If we need to reevaluate, we will."

"We're just trying to do the best we can," Pasero said.

More details about the new plans are available at chester139.com.