Dear Huntley 158 Parents & Families,
I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing and refreshing Thanksgiving Break to celebrate with your families and loved ones. As we move into the final few weeks of the semester and another Midwestern winter, I’d like to provide further details regarding our district’s “E-Learning Day” plans. Please review the overview below in preparation for the possibility of inclement weather, as well as an update for families who are interested in reporting their student’s vaccination status and an opportunity for tax credit through the IRS Credit for Other Dependents.
Inclement Weather: E-Learning Day(s) Expectations
This year, with the increased accessibility of remote instruction for our students, Huntley 158 will be utilizing our approved e-Learning plans for all grade levels to be used in the event of inclement winter weather. Rather than exercising traditional snow days that need to be made up at the end of the year, the district will utilize our approved plans for a day of remote learning if snow, ice or cold temperatures prevent us from holding a normal day of school. In 2019, the state first allowed the use of e-Learning days in order to continue learning during inclement weather, and as a result, Huntley 158 and several other districts began planning for this possibility. We now intend to utilize these e-Learning days if necessary for the 2021-22 school year.
We want to make you aware of what to expect for your students in advance for this possibility. Communication regarding the use of an e-Learning day will be pushed out to families via SwiftReach as early as possible in the event of inclement weather. This information will also be posted on the district website. Please take a moment to review the secondary and elementary e-Learning expectations HERE.
Reporting Your Students’ Updated Vaccination Status
On November 2, the CDC approved its recommendation for the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination for children ages 5-11. While this vaccination is NOT required for any of our students, we understand many families may choose to get their child(ren) vaccinated. Vaccination status does have a direct impact on whether or not a student has to be quarantined in the event of a close contact; because of this, we ask that parents of children ages 5-11 who are fully vaccinated (two weeks after the second dose) share proof of your student(s)’ vaccination status with our health services staff and school nurses. To do so, please email a photo of your student(s)’ vaccination card at any time to your building’s health services email address. We want to reiterate that this is not a requirement for any of our students or families, but is an effective way for our staff to keep as many students learning safely in the classroom as possible.
IRS Child Tax Credit for Other Dependents
Many of you have likely heard of the opportunity for advance payments through the 2021 federal Child Tax Credit, but the IRS would like to remind taxpayers who aren’t eligible for the Child Tax Credit to look into the Credit for Other Dependents. If you’re supporting a parent or a child who doesn’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit, the IRS Credit for Other Dependents may be available to you. The IRS Credit for Other Dependents may represent up to $500 per dependent for people supporting relatives who don’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit. Learn more at: https://go.usa.gov/xME8r
I wish all of our students and families a successful end of the first semester. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Scott Rowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent
