All CCSD 89 schools closed through at least April 3
CCSD 89 families:
Community Consolidated School District 89 will be closed for the next three weeks, beginning Monday, March 16. The earliest that schools would re-open is Monday, April 6.
Updated March 20: All schools will now remain closed until at least April 7.
At this time, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in any CCSD 89 schools. However, the district has decided to close in an abundance of caution and in an effort to reduce the number of large gatherings in the community.
Monday, March 16, will be a non-attendance day with no assignments for students. The district’s goal is to begin providing remote learning opportunities on Tuesday, March 17. The district will be communicating how to access those plans through emails, the district’s website, and social media channels. We understand that this learning will take many different forms based on family circumstances. We will be prepared to accommodate all situations.
March 30 through April 3 will be spring break with no assignments for students.
The district expects to have meals available for students who need food during the break. More information will be shared via email, the district’s website, and social media channels.
At this time, we do not yet know how this closing will affect the date for the end of the school year. We will communicate that as soon as we have clarity from state and county officials.
The district will be posting updates and information at www.ccsd89.org/COVID as well as on the main webpage and social media sites.
This is an unprecedented situation and we appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility. We know that unexpected situations and complications will continue to arise, and staff will be available to help families navigate these learning situations. We will continue to communicate regularly.
Learning at home
While buildings are closed to students, Community Consolidated School District 89 believes that it is important for learning to continue as best it can. The district has not previously used a plan for remote learning that would last for this duration so adjustments may need to be made during the closure.
Students will not receive two weeks of assignments on the first day. Teachers will continue to develop remote-learning lessons during the closure.
For students with internet access at home, work will be emailed to parents or students - or posted to Google classroom - by 8:30 a.m. each day. The work should be completed and turned in by 9 p.m. on the remote-learning day. Teachers will be checking in the work on the next day to determine participation and verify attendance. Again, we understand that families have many different circumstances. Teachers will work with students and families to accommodate different learner’s needs.
Teachers and specialists will be available for student support from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Parents and students can email staff, post a question in Google classroom, or call and leave a voicemail. Teachers can retrieve school voicemails remotely.
Service staff, case managers, and English language teachers will reach out to teachers and families of students on their caseload to share activities that coincide with students’ goals. They will provide assessments and/or assignments related specifically to the students’ goals and needs.
Learning tools
On Friday afternoon, CCSD 89 students were sent home with learning resources. While school is closed, further resources will be made available via email, the district’s website, and to pick up at buildings.
Fourth- through eighth-grade students were sent home with computers, a power supply, and a cord. Students should use these devices for school-related purposes only, and treat them the same as when they are issued a device in school. The computers have filtering and monitoring applications that should block inappropriate content at school and at home. The district’s Acceptable Use Policy applies: https://bit.ly/2U1LWbq.
When handling the computers:
- Use caution when carrying it around the house.
- Store it with the lid closed and nothing on top when not being used.
- Use it for class-related
- Keep the device plugged in when not using it.
- Keep food and drinks away from the device.
We know that some families do not have internet access at home and some other sources of free internet may be closed. We will work with families to make sure that all students have learning opportunities. If you need help accessing the internet, please call (630) 545-3581 or email info@ccsd89.org.
Students with IEPs will continue to receive services via phone and email. All scheduled 504 and IEP meetings will be held in person at the scheduled place and time. Contact your case manager directly with questions.
CCSD 89 buildings
Buildings will remain open with very limited staff in the buildings. Teachers can use their classroom space to create lessons or do work.
Administrators will be available to answer questions and provide learning packets to families that need to pick up resources.
Other information
At this time, we believe Glen Crest will remain open as a polling place on Tuesday. If the state makes a change to that policy, it will also be shared on the district’s website and social media channels.
All events are canceled at this time. Kindergarten and new student registration, scheduled for March 23 through March 25, will be rescheduled.
Communications resources
District website: www.ccsd89.org
District COVID-19 and remote learning information: www.ccsd89.org/COVID
District Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CCSD89
Twitter:@CCSD89
District office number: (630) 469-8900
District general email: info@ccsd89.org
Posted: March 13, 2020