Huntley 158 families,
This is a time of both gratitude and sadness for many of us. Under normal circumstances, tomorrow evening we would be celebrating our graduates with a ceremony that they have envisioned for years, and that they have earned. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
However, I am glad that Dr. Belin and his team at HHS have been able to formulate a plan that will allow us to celebrate as a community with a virtual ceremony, and then individually as families, as he travels to graduates’ houses individually to deliver diplomas and take photos. While it will not replace the trappings of a traditional ceremony, this approach is student-centered, celebratory, and safe.
I will also note that our middle schools have also done a great job to plan similar ways to celebrate our 8th graders moving into high school. Please see the previous communications from our schools on our website for details on these plans.
If you are feeling discouraged for our students, please know that these challenges have not broken their spirits. If you need evidence, please check out this beautiful remotely recorded performance by the Huntley High School choir. It’s just one example of the outstanding work our students have continued to complete during the remote learning period.
Please continue reading for other important information and celebrations.
Retrieving Student Belongings/Locker Clean Out
Our schools have each created processes and schedules for families to retrieve student belongings from lockers and classrooms and to return any school property still in student possession. Please see this link for information for your school(s).
Kindergarten Registration – Please Spread the Word!
If you or your neighbors have a student entering kindergarten in the 2020-21 school year, please register online (or ask your neighbors to) at district158.org/kindergarten-registration.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The in-person registration events scheduled for June 2, 3, and 4 have been cancelled, with a possibility of rescheduling later this summer.
- A physical is not required to complete the registration process. It may be provided via email any time prior to the start of school.
- We ask incoming kindergarten families to register online as early as possible to help us with preparations for the new school year.
Food Services to Continue Through at Least June 30
Our drive-up breakfast and lunch sack meal services will continue through at least June 30.
- The service will remain the same, with pickup available Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-noon at Marlowe Middle School.
- The service will NOT be available on Memorial Day (May 25)
- Starting Monday, May 18, pickup will move to the back of the school (instead of turning left toward the front of the school, continue around to the back of the building).
#GraduateTogether
In addition to our own recognitions, I invite everyone to celebrate the Class of 2020 with the national #GraduateTogether Initiative. This one-hour primetime event, sponsored by the LeBron James Family Foundation, will be broadcast live and commercial-free Saturday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m., on all three major television networks plus a number of social media and online outlets. Find full information at https://graduatetogether2020.com/.
Huntley Area Public Library Summer Reading
The Huntley Area Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is a great way to help your student continue learning and growing over the summer. The library has adapted its program with online services. Check out this promo video for more information.
Expect Further Updates Over the Summer
While the upcoming summer season will provide a long break from the rigors of daily e-learning for our students and families, the District will still be busy working to prepare for next school year. Several of our staff working groups have begun meeting virtually to plan for school under our new normal, whatever that may be next fall.
We will continue to work with the State to implement guidance and communicate information about shifting guidelines, expectations, deadlines, and other changes that we expect to come over the summer. In addition, we will be reaching out to you for feedback on the remote learning period and other aspects of our operations to help us plan for the different circumstances we may encounter next school year.
While we strongly encourage you to take time away from the devices to which many of us have been glued, I do ask that you check email and our website for updates that will be coming over the summer. Thank you, and as always, I wish good health to you and yours.
Sincerely,
Scott Rowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent
