Huntley 158 families,
Last night we shared information with all of our families about moving forward with a return to 5-day, full-day in-person learning at the secondary (6-12) level, for those who opted for it, beginning April 5. We are pleased that this much-anticipated shift has been made possible, largely through the continued hard work and sacrifice of our staff members and families. I’d like to shed light on a few additional points regarding this shift.
Secondary families who previously opted to remain remote were offered an opportunity over the last week to opt in to full in-person learning, should it become available. We are able to make this transition with just enough transportation capacity to bus current hybrid students in need of transportation. We do not yet have capacity to bus students who have previously opted for remote learning, due to the State’s 50-person limit on bus ridership and ongoing nationwide bus driver shortage.
We are continuing to work on meeting that challenge. However, the right thing to do is to move forward with this transition for those who had previously committed to in-person learning, as well as allowing those who can self-transport to do so, while we continue to work on expanding our transportation capacity to meet the needs of all students. Please know that this decision is not about providing opportunity only to certain groups of students, but rather about maintaining our commitment to families in returning to in-person learning as quickly as possible while continuing to combat challenges imposed by State guidelines.
A few other points:
- The block schedule that has been in use at middle and high schools will be maintained.
- There is no option to remain hybrid or attend in-person on only select days. Our middle and high school students will be either in-person or fully remote starting April 5.
- Please stay tuned to communications from your school for any building-specific updates.
Changes to Symptom Screeners
Those who closely read the daily student COVID-19 symptom-free self-certification form sent to in-person students at the secondary level may have noticed a minor change earlier this week. The symptom screener has been updated in keeping with revised guidance from the IDPH, which made small modifications to the list of symptoms/conditions to be checked for.
The changes are also reflected on the elementary daily self-certification paper form for 3/22/21 – 4/23/21.
Spring Break Meal Service
We are committed to continuing our free curbside pickup meal service to meet our families’ needs over Spring Break. Families can pick up free meals for all children 18 and under. To cover the Spring Break period, we will be handing out multiple-day meals next week, according to the following schedule:
- Wednesday, March 24: Pick up meals for March 24, 25, 26
- Thursday, March 25: Pick up meals for March 29, 30, 31
- Friday, March 26: Pick up meals for April 1 and 2
Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22
If you or someone you know has a child entering kindergarten next fall, please visit www.district158.org/kindergarten-registration to find information and the link to complete the fully online registration process. Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2021 to register for kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year.
Reminder: 5Essentials Survey – Please Complete this State-required Survey
This is a reminder to please complete the 5Essentials Survey if you have not yet. Please do so TODAY: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/. The 5Essentials survey is a statewide effort by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to gauge school climate and learning conditions in Illinois schools.
International Travel Information
The District is following CDC/IDPH recommendations for international travel.
Visit the CDC’s website for information on testing and quarantine after traveling. On this site you are able to type your destination country in the search bar or click on the country on the world map you will see country specific guidance based on travel risk. We do require a 14-day quarantine after return from international travel, unless the CDC requirements are met. To decrease the length of the quarantine the CDC requirements you must do the following and review specific requirements on the above CDC website.
Information we will need prior to your child(ren) returns to in person learning includes:
- What country you traveled to
- What date you return to the US
- Completion of CDC requirements post travel
Travel to most destinations will have similar requirements including varying lengths of quarantine and testing options. Until requirements have been met, and your student has been cleared by the school, your children should quarantine at home upon return from travel. Please feel free to reach out to your school if you have any questions and after you have reviewed the CDC requirements.
We’re Hiring
We are hiring for a number of critical positions, both to support our pathway for increased in-person learning and future success. Positions range from full-time, benefited roles to flexible hourly positions.
If you or someone you know is looking for employment, please visit https://www.applitrack.com/mchenry/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url=&choosedistrict=true&district=677 to view and apply for positions.
Weekly Inspiration
Conley music teacher Britt Crowe has captured the imaginations of her students, as well as their voices, and put them to good use in this powerful video, titled Wish. The video features the singing of Conley 4th and 5th graders, paired with student artwork expressing the broad range of wishes they have for their lives and our world. I encourage you to check it out!
As always, I wish good health to you and yours.
Sincerely,
Scott Rowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent
