COVID-19 Closure Update
March 31, 2020
Dear Johnston City CUSD #1 Community,
I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. Today, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced that remote learning in Illinois will be extended through April 30 in order to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
During this time, on-site learning will remain suspended but our schools’ commitment to learning and education will remain open and learning will continue for all students - just through a different format. As mentioned yesterday in my email, teachers will continue preparing Learning Packets each week for their students. Each Monday these Learning Packets will available in print versions that can be picked up at your child's school or delivered on Wednesdays through the bus routes. The exact same Learning Packet will also be available electronically on our school websites.
While it is not ideal, we want to assure you that our teachers and staff are fully engaged and willing to take on this new challenge and push forward with remote learning, engaging with students and continuing with our food distribution program.
I know this is not the school year that any of us imagined, but I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we have dealt with this unprecedented situation together.
Kathy Clark
March 30, 2020
Dear Johnston City CUSD #1 Community,
Beginning on Tuesday, March 31, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen Ayala has declared all Illinois schools must implement Remote Learning Days, until in-person instruction can resume. At this time we are scheduled to return to school on April 8th. It is important to remember that this date will likely be extended.
During these Remote Learning days students will receive a Learning Packet each week on Monday. Packets will contain a blend of new curriculum and material that has already been taught in the classroom. If you have questions regarding your student’s Learning Packet please email the teacher or call the school for assistance. The Learning Packets are not meant to cause more stress for your family. They are designed to provide continuation of learning for our students. Therefore, please keep in mind that your student’s grades will NOT be lowered if they do not perform well on the Packet. You will receive more information about this process from your student’s teacher and principal.
Please note, under the Remote Learning Day declaration, students will be held accountable for their assignments. Teachers will grade student work and while students cannot fail a class during this time period, if they do not engage, they will receive an incomplete on their report cards.
We are still providing breakfast and lunch to all students. Meals are now available on Wednesdays at Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln from 10:30 - 12:30. You will receive five breakfasts and five lunches at that time. We are also still running all bus routes to deliver meals on Wednesdays. If you are not able to get your meals on a Wednesday please contact your school to make other arrangements.
Finally, I want to remind you Governor Pritzker has closed all Illinois schools through at least Tuesday, April 7. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, it is important to note that this date will likely be extended. We will continue taking guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the State Board of Education on when it is safe to reopen our schools. As always, thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Kathy Clark
Superintendent
March 26, 2020
Learning Packets for week #3 will be available Monday, March 30th. We need to know as soon as possible how you will get your Learning Packets each week. Please use this Google form to indicate your preference for each of your students. https://forms.gle/u8QNirHoS8c9Yybs9
March 20, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope each of you have had a safe and productive week at home with your children. I have greatly missed seeing our students in the school buildings. As you know we are currently working hard everyday to provide meals and continuous learning opportunities for your child. Our cooks have worked hard this week to prepare almost 3,000 meals in just four days! I am so thankful for all of those that have jumped in to help with this daunting task; classroom aides, bus drivers, custodians, teachers, and principals. I would like to thank those that made generous donations to support our food service this week!
At this time I would like to pass along updated information regarding how the current pandemic is affecting our district. I realize there are many unanswered questions at this point. I will do my best to keep you informed with the most updated information as I receive it.
As of today our return to school date is Wednesday, April 8th. I know this could change at any moment. We will continue to provide meals by delivery and pickup; however, be aware that our current meal delivery schedule may need to be adjusted due to this constantly changing situation. Just know in these trying times our district will continue to provide continuous learning opportunities for your child.
Teachers and administrators continue to meet and work together to best support our families and students during this difficult time.
Be watching Monday for additional updates!
Thank you,
Kathy Clark
March 15, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for your extraordinary support over the past several days, as we have worked together to protect our community during the growing Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. To further safeguard Illinois from the spread of virus, Governor JB Pritzker has declared mandatory school closures for all buildings, both public and private, serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students.
This mandatory closure takes effect Tuesday, March 17. Currently, we are scheduled to reopen on March 31. All days missed due to COVID-19 shall be considered Act of God days and are not required to be made up. The last day of school will be May 22nd for students.
Food Distribution:
Free breakfast and lunch will be available beginning Tuesday, March 17 for anyone 18 and under. These meals will continue to be available Monday through Friday ending on Monday, March 30.
Here are the 2 options for receiving free breakfast and lunch:
Option 1: If your student rides a bus, buses will deliver food each day on all district bus routes beginning at 10:00 am. Buses will follow your AM bus route pickup schedule. If your family is interested in this option, please be watching for the bus to meet them outside for delivery. Times will vary, so please be patient as to when the bus will arrive.
Option 2: Distribution centers will also be set up at these locations; Jefferson, Washington and Lincoln. There will be breakfast and lunch available for pick up from 10:30-12:30 at each building. Designated pick up areas will be:
Lincoln - East Gym Doors
Washington - East Gym Doors
Jefferson - South Gym Door
- You may pick up breakfast and lunch at any location. Whatever is the most convenient for your family.
- If you are ill or unable to pick up from the designated pick up areas, please contact your child’s school to make arrangements.
Student Learning:
We are committed to keeping students engaged in their learning during this statewide school closure. Teachers are developing educational activities in order to provide a continuity of education. It is our hope to keep students engaged in learning throughout this closure. If you have any questions regarding your students work, please email your child’s teacher through Teacherease.
Each school will be open to parents, guardians and students to come and pick up textbooks, notebooks, learning packets, medication and personal items on Monday, March 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. However, if you cannot attend Monday evening please contact your child’s school to schedule a pick up time.
We will inform you about mandated state assessment dates (IAR & SAT) when we receive updates from the State Board of Education
To supplement our services, the Illinois State Board of Education has compiled a library of resources at www.isbe.net/keeplearning.
Athletic Information:
All athletic events, practices and extracurricular activities are cancelled during the mandatory school closure.
Per IHSA Guidelines:
- Our spring season is temporarily suspended, therefore, our athletes should not practice or compete with their non-school (club/travel) teams or they will be ineligible for the high school team if and when the suspension is lifted.
Per SIJHSAA Guidelines:
- The volleyball state series has been canceled until further notice.
Additional Guidance:
Concern over this new virus can make children anxious. It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If adults seem overly worried, children’s anxiety may rise. Adults should reassure children that health and school officials are working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy.
Children also need factual, age-appropriate information about the potential seriousness of disease risk, so the focus of conversation should be concrete instructions about how to avoid infections and the spread of disease. Teaching children positive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infections can help reduce anxiety. Please talk with your children about precautions they can take to stay healthy, including these recommendations by the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health:
- Avoid gathering in public places - especially in close proximity or others.
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is best, especially if they are visibly dirty. An alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is a suitable alternative. Consider showing your children one of these videos about proper handwashing technique: www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Stay home if you are able to stay home. Avoid travel if you can.
- Try to limit who you and your children interact with to the same people you typically are around.
To reduce anxiety students and families should:
- Avoid excessive media coverage of COVID-19.
- Take care of their bodies. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Spend time outside - fresh air and exercise is one of the best things you can do over the next few weeks.
- Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with friends or family members. Maintain healthy relationships.
- Use your technology and social media for good purposes-support one another and show that you care for one another.
- Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking.
We will continue to inform you as quickly as we can about any further changes to school services. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school.
We appreciate our partnership in keeping our students and community safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Kathy Clark
Superintendent
The Johnston City C.U.S.D. #1 has initiated a new Therapy Dog Pilot Program. The goal of our pilot program is to introduce a therapy dog into the school environment so that we can evaluate the effects of the dog on our entire school community. It is our hope that the presence of George the therapy dog will lead to an enhanced experience for all. We are excited to get George to school soon, and we look forward to the wonderful opportunities this program will bring.
