Dear Huntley 158 Parents & Families,
I hope this message finds you all well. As we pass the midpoint of this first semester, we have several important updates to share with you. Most importantly, however, I’d like to acknowledge our team of principals in Huntley 158 in honor of Principal Appreciation Week. Each building in our district is special with a unique and talented student body and teaching staff. Across all nine of our buildings, I am proud to say that these communities are managed by nine exceptional leaders and educators. Thank you to our principals and all of our staff for their ability to elevate how we serve All Students Always. I encourage our families to join us in celebrating their efforts!
Updated McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) Guidelines
The McHenry County Department of Health has released updated guidance related to exposure to COVID-19 in P-12 schools, as well as a helpful infographic detailing the most up to date guidance.
Please remember, the modified options outlined below do not apply to vaccinated students. If your student is vaccinated and deemed a close contact, no exclusion period is required.
Additionally, please know that these options may change during an outbreak situation. If an outbreak is declared by the local health department, MCDH will determine which options can be used by our students on a case-by-case basis after evaluating the level of risk associated with the situation. Please see the most important changes outlined below:
- School districts may utilize the Test to Stay program (Option 4) for students who are deemed a close contact to a positive case of COVID-19 on the bus IF:
- Mitigations are in place on the bus (i.e. windows are open, masks are worn properly and students adhere to a seating chart).
- While participating in the Test to Stay program (Option 4), students deemed a close contact may now continue to ride the bus as long as all tests remain negative.
- Students participating in Test to Stay may return to all activities in the school setting (including extracurricular activities and competition) after Day 8 as long as all tests remain negative.
Parent Teacher Conferences: November 22 & 23, 2021This semester, Parent Teacher conferences will be held on Monday, November 22 and Tuesday, November 23 for families across the district. While our staff will be conducting these meetings in-person in our buildings, we would also like to offer our families the opportunity to participate in conferences virtually. If you would like to conduct your Parent Teacher conference over Zoom, please follow the process established by your student(s)’ building. Details will be shared by your student(s)’ principal prior to November 22 and 23. We look forward to connecting with you regarding your student’s progress in the coming weeks.
Notification of AHERA ComplianceIn accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), we are notifying you that Huntley 158 is in compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). All Huntley 158 schools and the administrative offices are asbestos free to the best knowledge of all parties involved in the construction of these facilities. To see a copy of the management plan or if you have questions, please contact Doug Renkosik, Director of Operations and Maintenance at (847) 659-6158.
Email Notifications: Lawn Care & Pest Control Product ApplicationsAs required by School Code, notifications of scheduled applications of pesticide, herbicide, and/or fertilizer products must be made to interested community members, parents and staff prior to applications of such products. Huntley 158 will offer email notifications to interested parties prior to all applications and in the event of a cancellation of a scheduled appointment. If you would like to receive notice of product applications, please send an email to [email protected] with “Product Applications” in the subject line.
Huntley 158’s Positive Outlier Campaign
October 21, 2021 marked the beginning of an exciting new tradition in Huntley 158. At last week’s Board of Education meeting, we honored our first POSITIVE OUTLIER of the year: James Overstreet, or as most know him in Huntley, Mr. O, was recognized by our staff, board members, and community. As part of our #HuntleyHappy campaign and inspired by Shawn Achor’s groundbreaking research published in The Happiness Advantage, Huntley 158 has defined a Positive Outlier as someone who goes above and beyond to spread positivity and lift up the community around them.
As the founder of our fan favorite “Hey Hey Huntley!” and long-time supporter of Huntley 158 athletics, Mr. O has been a source of pride and spirit in our schools for over 2 decades. Over the years, Mr. O became a beloved community figure and supporter of Huntley 158. Our community responded with resounding support and gratitude for all that Mr. O has contributed to Huntley 158 over the years. His recognition reached over 7,650 community members on social media and garnered over 700 positive reactions! We invite you to stay tuned as we continue to recognize the Positive Outliers in our schools and community who consistently #ChooseHappy and truly raise the curve. We hope you’ll consider recognizing a Positive Outlier in your own life, as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this week’s updates. Please enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween weekend with your students and families!
Sincerely,
Scott Rowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent
