March 13, 2020
Dear Families,
March 13, 2020
Dear D114 Families,
As you are aware, we are closed effective tomorrow, Saturday March 14 through at least Sunday, March 29. Information about this closure was sent out earlier today and is posted below.
I will be in regular communication with you with updates, information, and supports. For now, please see below for helpful information:
- Grab and Go meals will be available for our families at Lotus and Stanton Monday, 3/16-Friday, 3/20 at Lotus and Stanton from 7:30-9:00AM. Please come by!
- Click here to access our Remote Learning page.
- Click here to access our COVID-19 update page.
Please continue to watch for updates. I will use emails, calls, and social media to keep you informed.
If you need to reach me at any point, please call 847-973-4028.
Stay well!
Heather Friziellie, Superintendent
MESSAGE SENT OUT 3/13/20 at 1:30 PM:
To safeguard the health and wellness of all students and staff, we have decided to close District 114 schools to students beginning Saturday, March 14 through at least Sunday, March 29, following Spring Break. Future plans will be shared as soon as information is available, including if schools are re-opened on March 30. This decision was made after consultation with area school officials and following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding limiting the gathering of large groups in an abundance of caution and as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) illness in our community. By closing schools to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community, we also help lessen the burden on hospitals that will need to focus their energy on people who are ill. THIS MEANS TOMORROW’S PTA EVENT IS CANCELLED. All of today’s after school events and child care will continue as planned.
We are not currently aware of anyone in D114 who has been infected with the Coronavirus. This is a purely precautionary measure to help safeguard our community.
REMOTE LEARNING
We have put into place remote learning plans for students in grades K-8. Packets that combine hard copy and online work tasks are being sent home today so you have exactly what you need for remote learning. A cover letter describes our remote learning plan, and all the resources you need can be found at https://www.d114.org/remote-learning. Please note that we DO NOT expect students to complete remote learning tasks during Spring Break (March 23-27), nor will teachers be accessible during this time.
ACCESS TO BUILDINGS LIMITED
As an additional precaution, and following the example of other institutions, we are implementing procedures to limit access to our buildings. We are canceling all before and after school activities from March 16 through at least March 30. Beginning Monday, families are discouraged from visiting the schools until students return.
TRAVEL
Currently, the IDPH states that if you are returning from an area identified by the CDC as "Level 3" (currently China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran) that you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days after the day you return to the U.S. Please note that areas listed as Level 3 may change. It is important for you to note that it is your responsibility to check the CDC website every day for the latest update regarding areas identified as Level 3. For more information, please visit the CDC website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
As a reminder, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to follow the standard preventive practices. There are a number of steps we can all take to minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Since the public announcement of the outbreak of the coronavirus, District 114 has been taking additional proactive steps to ensure the safety and health of its students and staff. We are using antiviral cleaning agents on all surfaces. D114's custodial staff is treating surfaces such as handrails, doorknobs, lockers, chairs, desks, and all other surfaces that students and staff may touch at least daily. They will continue to do this throughout the school year. This EPA-registered and USDA-accepted surface protection will enhance all of D114’s current disinfection practices. We will use the time that our buildings are closed to deep clean all surfaces and spaces.
D114 posts information to its Coronavirus Updates website page. More information about COVID-19 is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC COVID-19. The IDPH also has information available on its website, including a coronavirus hotline: IDPH COVID-19.
As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately
The decision to close school is not one we are making lightly. We are fully aware of the complications that this will cause in the lives of our students and their families — and for our faculty and staff as well. Whatever the downsides of closing school may be, we believe that as a public school we have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff and the broader community.
At this time, all voting stations remain open on Election Day, March 17. You can also early vote through Monday to avoid the lines and make sure your vote is counted. Remember that the D114 ZERO RATE CHANGE proposal is on the back of the ballot.
We will continue to keep you informed throughout this process. Thank you for your partnership and understanding. I sincerely hope you and your family remain healthy.
With commitment to our students,
Heather Friziellie, Superintendent of Schools
