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Update on COVID-19 related scheduling changes
CCSD 89 families:
At this time, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in any CCSD 89 schools.
However, with the number of cases in Illinois increasing and in consultation with local and state health officials, Community Consolidated School District 89 will be limiting outside visitors to our schools through at least April 10.
Schools will remain open at this time but the district is taking the following steps:
- Large gatherings that would include visitors who are not CCSD 89 students or staff are canceled. This includes:
- Interscholastic athletic events that would bring another school to a CCSD 89 building or send CCSD 89 students to another building.
- Fine arts shows and performances that would bring the community into the school.
- Social events (dances, socials, fundraisers) that would bring outside groups to the schools.
- All field trips are canceled.
- Assemblies are canceled.
Additionally, outside organizations that use CCSD 89 schools after school (such as sports leagues, Scout groups, PTCs) will not meet in CCSD 89 buildings through April 10.
These are events are being closed to limit student exposure and to give CCSD 89 custodial teams additional time to clean buildings.
At this time, events that only include current CCSD 89 students (such as athletic practices, intramurals, clubs, and in-school performances) will continue as scheduled.
We know many students and families were looking forward to these events and we apologize for the inconvenience. The district will also look to see if the event can be rescheduled for a later date.
This is an unprecedented time and we appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we respond to rapidly changing circumstances.
At this time, health officials are not recommending to close schools. In an effort to be proactive in case schools do have to close, the district is preparing a variety of remote learning possibilities. On Friday afternoon, students will be coming home with learning resources. For fourth- through eighth-grade students, they will be coming home with computers. If schools were to close, the district would be sharing more information about how these learning tools would be used.
The district will continue to communicate any schedule changes through email, the district’s website (www.ccsd89.org), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CCSD89), and Twitter (@CCSD89).
District continues to follow health recommendations
The district continues to follow the practices recommended by county, state, and federal health officials. District officials have daily contact with these organizations so that we have the most up-to-date information. We are preparing for multiple different scenarios, including remote learning. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and we will communicate with families if there are significant changes that you need to know about.
All CCSD 89 schools continue to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in the evenings. Buses are also being cleaned daily. In addition to the night cleaning, our custodial staff is also sanitizing “high-touch” objects like door handles, sinks, and drinking fountains during the day by cleaning products that are EPA-approved to combat coronavirus. The high-touch surfaces are being cleaned before school, after students arrive, before and after lunch, and then again at night.
In the classroom, teachers have been discussing good hygiene practices with students. We ask that you reinforce the importance of these practices at home. The CDC recommends:
- Keeping your child home if they are sick. They should stay home until they are 24 hours fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medications).
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
- Consulting your healthcare provider if you or a family member show symptoms of illness.
- Consulting advisories when preparing to travel outside of the country, particularly to already-impacted areas.
The district will continue to follow the recommendations of the health experts with DuPage County Health Department, as well as state and federal health officials. Our staff is holding regular meetings so we are prepared for different scenarios.
Here are some resources for talking to your children about COVID-19:
Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource
Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the Coronavirus
How to Talk With your Kids about Coronavirus
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
More information about COVID-19:
DuPage County Health Department https://www.dupagehealth.org/590/Coronavirus-Information
Illinois Department of Public Health http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html