When New Trier High School senior Lilly Gaechter shopped for two new dresses last month, she was hopeful that the COVID-19 school closures would be lifted in time for her to enjoy her high school graduation and prom.
With Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announcing last week that schools across the state will be shuttered for the remainder of the school year, the Winnetka teen is trying to wrap her mind around the reality that she will not be returning to campus, nor participating in the long-awaited celebrations.
“It’s kind of a bummer, and I’m frustrated, because I already bought my graduation dress and prom dress, which are now under covers in the attic,” Lilly said.
“I also think it’s a lot easier for me to focus in the classroom, and I get distracted on the Zoom calls,” Lilly said, referring to the high school’s transition to online learning. “But being stuck at home, I’ve had a lot of time to pick up things I enjoy doing, like art, so I’m just trying to make the best of it.”
Lilly’s mom, Carolyn Gaechter, said given her daughter’s disappointment, she’s been an extremely good sport.
“She was studying hard and looking forward to all of this for three and a half years, and I feel very sad for her and for all of the seniors,” Gaechter said. “I had kind of been hoping they maybe might have re-opened in mid-May, so they could finish the school year. But now, everything they do will be online.”
Pritzker acknowledged that disappointment at his daily news conference announcing the move.
“Folks, I’ve said time and time again my decisions are hard ones, but they will follow the science and the science says our students can’t go back to their normal routine,” Pritzker said Friday.
“We know that there are many school districts with unique challenges, and we will work with them on any issues that may arise. I know that many have felt that this was inevitable,” Pritzker said. “But trust me when I say this was not a decision I made lightly.”
Schools statewide, both public and private, have been closed since March 17 and students will now finish out the remainder of the school year with remote learning.
Pritzker expressed empathy for students, especially high school seniors, having end of year rituals such as prom and even student pranks taken away from them.
Students gathering in large groups at schools and for extracurricular activities and events “is a source of joy for so many, but also opens up a nearly limitless opportunity for potential COVID-19 infection in a time when our health care workers, our researchers, our scientists and our first responders need us to bend the curve downward,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker’s office and the Illinois State Board of Education are recommending that any grades given to students during the pandemic “reflect the unprecedented circumstances in which students are attempting to continue their studies.” Students should not be given a poor grade because they have a spotty internet connection at home that interferes with remote learning, for instance, he said.
“Grades should deliver feedback and not be used as a tool for compliance,” Pritzker said. “COVID-19 is forcing far too many of our students to deal firsthand with concepts that even adults find nerve-wracking, let’s recognize that and be supportive of all of our students.”
Eric Witherspoon, superintendent of Evanston Township High School District 202, in a note to parents, said the school is still exploring ways to recognize this year’s seniors.
“ETHS continues to explore options to celebrate the Class of 2020 through special events like graduation,” he wrote this week. “Details will be shared as soon as they are available.”
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In response to feedback from parents and students, Glenbrook High Schools District 225 has altered its e-learning plans for the remainder of the year. Starting April 20, the high schools moved to a four-day school week for students.
The district also plans to honor seniors in some way.
“We plan to do everything possible to celebrate the class of 2020 in a manner that honors important milestones and promotes safety,” according to the District 225 website. “It is our goal to rethink or reschedule prom, graduation and honors and awards rather than cancel them entirely.”
In a letter to parents, New Trier officials detailed early plans for senior activities.
Prom will no longer be held and the last day for seniors will remain May 21. Senior awards will take place virtually, according to the school. Graduation plans will be determined by the state’s guidance.
“Commencement cannot take place on May 31 as planned,” according to the letter. “We plan to mark that original date in a special way and continue to hold out hope that our back-up date of July 12 will allow us to gather together at the Sears Centre. If large gatherings are still prohibited in July, we will hold a virtual commencement on July 12 and will plan a future sendoff for the Class of 2020.”
Karen Ann Cullotta and the baiduhai contributed.