Huntley 158 families,
We hope your family enjoyed a restful Thanksgiving holiday, with hopes for a joyous holiday season ahead. As we approach the end of the semester, we have many updates, so please read below:
Remote Learning to Continue Through First Two Weeks of January
We are extending our adaptive pause and remaining in Remote Learning for two weeks after the Winter Break, with the earliest possible return to hybrid learning beginning January 19. Students in self-contained classrooms will continue attending beginning January 5. This extension is being made in keeping with public health recommendations to account for a likely increase in transmission during the holidays. We will keep you informed of any changes in the interim.
Remote/Hybrid Learning Planning Day Set for January 4
January 4, 2021 has been set as a Remote/Hybrid Learning Planning Day. This date will be a day of non-attendance for students while our staff undertake professional development activities. No instruction for students will take place on this day. The day will help our staff continue to improve remote instructional practices and prepare for a potential return to hybrid learning.
Additional Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings Offered
The mental health and wellbeing of our young people continues to be a top priority, and as part of our efforts we are pleased to offer our families of students ages 12-18 two new sessions of the Youth Mental Health First Aid training program in January.
Two sessions of the training were offered in November and December, which received great interest from our families. This free training provides adults, including parents/guardians, school staff, caregivers, and community members who work with young people ages 12-18, with the knowledge base and skills to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and substance use disorders in youth.
This training is offered in a virtual format that includes two hours of independent, self-paced learning activities and 5.5 hours of a live, instructor-led video conference via Zoom. District 158’s Behavior Specialists, Tracy Walsh and Allison Anderson, will serve as the instructors.
For more information on Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, please see the YMHFA One Pager and YMHFA Parent Training Information Video. Due to the sensitive and personal nature of the content being covered, each training has a limited number of seats available. The January training dates and times are listed below. Please complete this form by Wednesday, December 16, if you would like to register.
Saturday, January 9, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
*Includes two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch break.*
Thursday, January 14, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
*Includes two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch break.*
Virtual Bulletin Board
Our Virtual Bulletin Board continues to showcase a variety of opportunities for families in our community. Check it out to learn about the upcoming (Virtual) Huntley’s Got Talent Rotary Fundraiser for HHS Scholarships, free holiday concerts, online art and STEM classes, financial assistance with energy bills, and more. See what’s new and submit your organization’s flyer at http://www.district158.org/virtual-bulletin-board/.
Weekly Inspiration
Our staff members have remained amazingly flexible and creative while transforming the learning experience for our students throughout the year. As someone who came of age in the 80’s and 90’s, I particularly enjoyed one example from this past week.
Conley Elementary music teacher Britt Crowe enjoined several students to assist in the creation of the “official 2020 Conley music video,” set to the classic early 90’s hit “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. While these students weren’t even close to being born yet when this song came out, they found their groove with some outstanding dance moves while encouraging social distancing and hand washing! Put a smile on your face by watching it on the Conley Facebook page.
We remain truly blessed to be one part of our incredible community!
Sincerely,
Scott Rowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent
