Huntley 158 families,
We wanted to provide you with a brief update on our current efforts as well as a few of the things we will be looking at with an eye toward the future. As you likely know, Governor Pritzker has extended the State’s stay-at-home order through May 30. As schools were already ordered to close buildings and use e-Learning for the remainder of the school year, this extension does not have a great immediate effect on our ongoing operations.
However, as we previously communicated, we have begun looking at options for students and families to visit schools to collect items from lockers and classrooms. While we are still examining options for doing so safely and effectively, we now know this will not be occurring until at least after May. We’ll keep you informed as plans take shape.
In keeping with guidelines to minimize gatherings, our Board of Education Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for May 7 is cancelled. The Board will instead discuss and take action on agenda items as needed during its Regular Meeting May 21. The Regular Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. The District website will be updated with full information on viewing and participation.
In addition, we want to gather your questions and concerns looking ahead to summer and next school year. We’ve launched a ThoughtExchange forum for our families to submit thoughts and rate those of others. We encourage you to contribute to this exchange to help us craft FAQs and plans as we move forward: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/#429553877/
Lastly, we want to share a few social and mental health resources shared with us from local partners.
- auntbertha.com: The Social Care Network’s searchable directory of free or reduced cost services like medical care, housing, food, and more.
- From Crisis to Calm: Free parenting classes from McHenry County College to help you and your child navigate COVID-19
- The Three C’s of Wellness: A Short Video on Wellness during times of stress from Allison Kranich, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor at Northwestern Medicine.
- Virtual mental health and addictions public forum: April 29, sponsored by Sen. Craig Wilcox
- Grafton Food Pantry: The food pantry remains open for families in need. Currently, the pantry is seeking donations of cleaning products, detergent, hand soap and sanitizer, dish soap, food bags and storage containers, garbage bags, aluminum foil and plastic wrap. In addition, financial contributions are always welcome at https://graftonfoodpantry.org/donate-volunteer.
In addition, the District’s food services program continues to operate our drive-up service Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-noon (including remote learning planning and institute days). Please reach out to your building administrator if you are experiencing needs, and the District will work to get you support in whatever ways possible. Thank you and good health to you.
Sincerely,
Scott Rowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent
