Today (March 31, 2020) Illinois Governor Pritzker announced that schools will continue to be closed through April 30 as we all do our part to prevent the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. 

I know I’m speaking for all of our employees when I say that we would rather be at school, connecting with students in person. However, the health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. At this point the medical professionals are all recommending social distancing as the key to staying well during this pandemic.

Virtual Learning

We will continue to offer virtual learning online at sites.google.com/sd54.org/vlearning54. I am so grateful to the employees who so quickly adapted to this new way of teaching so they could continue to help your students thrive academically. If you need internet access at home or are having any technology problems, please email vlearning@nullsd54.org for support. Spanish-speaking families can also contact BarbaraVelez@nullsd54.org. 

Food Distribution

I am also grateful to the volunteers who are continuing to provide food for our financially struggling families. 

• Willow Creek Community Church will also be running a mobile food truck distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center parking lot, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg. 
• District 54 staff will be working with Township High School District 211 to distribute meal bags with five days of lunches, five days of breakfast and a half gallon of milk from 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday at Hoffman Estates High School, 1100 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates. This is a drive-through pickup. When you arrive at the school, please stay in your vehicle. We will load the bags into your trunk or back seat.

You can find more information about food distribution and how to support local food distribution on our website.

Finally, I want to thank you, the parents and guardians of our students. I know you are trying to help your children stay focused on their studies at home while also working remotely, cooking, cleaning and keeping everyone healthy. Many of us are parents too. We understand that it’s not always easy. We are here to support you. Here is a resources you may use to talk about the coronavirus with children: National Association of School Psychologists Parent Resource – Talking to Children About COVID-19.

Also please reach out to your children’s teachers, your school principal, assistant principal, social workers or psychologists if there is anything you need. As long as we work together for the children, they will grow and thrive.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Andy DuRoss

Actualización en español

Estimada comunidad del Distrito 54:

Hoy, el gobernador de Illinois, Pritzker, anunció que las escuelas continuarán cerradas hasta el 30 de abril, ya que todos hacemos nuestra parte para evitar la propagación del nuevo coronavirus 2019.

Sé que estoy hablando por todos nuestros empleados cuando digo que preferiríamos estar en la escuela y conectarnos con los estudiantes en persona. Sin embargo, la salud y seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal es siempre nuestra principal prioridad. En este punto, todos los profesionales médicos recomiendan el distanciamiento social como la clave para mantenerse bien durante esta pandemia.

Aprendizaje virtual

Continuaremos ofreciendo aprendizaje virtual en línea en sites.google.com/sd54.org/vlearning54 . Estoy muy agradecido con los empleados que se adaptaron tan rápidamente a esta nueva forma de enseñar para que puedan continuar ayudando a sus estudiantes a prosperar académicamente. Si necesita acceso a Internet en su hogar o tiene algún problema tecnológico, envíe un correo electrónico vlearning@nullsd54.org para soporte. Las familias de habla hispana también pueden contactar BarbaraVelez@nullsd54.org .

Distribucion de comida

También estoy agradecido con los voluntarios que continúan brindando alimentos a nuestras familias con dificultades financieras.

• Willow Creek Community Church también llevará a cabo una distribución móvil de camiones de comida de 11 am a 1 pm todos los miércoles en el estacionamiento del Centro de Administración Rafferty del Distrito 54, 524 E. Schaumburg Road en Schaumburg.

• El personal del Distrito 54 trabajará con el Distrito 211 de Township High School para distribuir bolsas de comida con cinco días de almuerzos, cinco días de desayuno y medio galón de leche de 9 am a mediodía cada jueves en la escuela secundaria Hoffman Estates, 1100 W. Higgins Road en Hoffman Estates. Esta es una camioneta drive-through. Cuando llegue a la escuela, quédese en su vehículo. Cargaremos las bolsas en su maletero o asiento trasero.

Puede encontrar más información sobre la distribución de alimentos y cómo apoyar la distribución local de alimentos en nuestro sitio web .

Finalmente, quiero agradecer a los padres y tutores de nuestros estudiantes. Sé que está tratando de ayudar a sus hijos a mantenerse concentrados en sus estudios en casa mientras trabajan remotamente, cocinan, limpian y mantienen a todos saludables. Muchos de nosotros somos padres también. Entendemos que no siempre es fácil. Estamos aquí para apoyarte. Aquí hay un recurso que puede usar para hablar sobre el coronavirus con niños: Asociación Nacional de Psicólogos Escolares Recurso para Padres – Hablando con los Niños sobre COVID-19 .

También comuníquese con los maestros de sus hijos, el director de su escuela, el subdirector, los trabajadores sociales o los psicólogos si necesita algo. Mientras trabajemos juntos por los niños, crecerán y prosperarán.

Sinceramente,

Superintendente Andy DuRoss

Dear District 54 families,

This afternoon, Governor Pritzker issued a “stay at home” order for the entire state of Illinois through April 7, 2020, to help prevent the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Governor also extended the school closure order. At this time schools would reopen on April 8, but Governor Pritzker also announced that he may extend this date as well.

This week was our first week of V-Learning in District 54 and the engagement between our students and staff was simply amazing. Thank you for your part in making this a success. Next week is our spring break. We will take that week to recharge. Spend time as a family playing games, reading books and reconnecting.

On March 30, District 54 will continue to interact with students through the D54 V-Learning Website. If you’re struggling to connect or do not have Internet access at home, please email VLearning@nullsd54.org. Spanish-speaking families who need assistance can contact BarbaraVelez@nullsd54.org or call 847-357-5074.

In the meantime, if you or any member of your family is diagnosed with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, please let your principal know. We will notify our families, should we have a confirmed case affiliated with our schools. 

While we miss spending time in school with our students, we know it is the right decision to put the safety and well-being of our students and their families first. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to the day we can return to the classrooms.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Andy DuRoss

As the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to change, District 54 is working with amazing community partners to provide food to families who are struggling financially. Families needing assistance may benefit from the following.

• Wednesdays:  Willow Creek Community Church will host a mobile food truck distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center parking lot, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
• Thursdays:  District 54 staff will be working with Township High School District 211 to distribute meal bags with five days of lunches, five days of breakfast and a half gallon of milk from 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday at Hoffman Estates High School, 1100 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates.
• Fridays:  Willow Creek Community Church will host a food distribution from 4 to 6 p.m. every Friday at Keller Junior High School, 820 Bode Road in Schaumburg. CANCELLED ON APRIL 10 DUE TO LOW SUPPLIES
• The Schaumburg Township Food Pantry is now running a drive-through pickup from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the township office, One Illinois Blvd. in Hoffman Estates. For more information, please call (847) 732-7166.
• Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry, 1451 Bode Road in Schaumburg, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. near the garages.
• Living Hope Food Pantry, 777 Meacham Road in Elk Grove Village, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 11:30-noon.
• Trinity Charities Food Pantry, 927 Plum Grove in Schaumburg, is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

We would like to thank the number of individuals and organizations who have inquired about how to make donations to help those in our community who may be struggling. We feel the best practice is to work with organizations who are currently offering these services in our community and will therefore not be collecting food. Please do not bring food donations to the district office as previously mentioned.

The Schaumburg Township Food Pantry and many faith-based charities are providing food to families in our community. Click here to access a list of these pantries on the Schaumburg Township website. In order to encourage social distancing, these organizations are not collecting food at this time.

The District 54 Education Foundation has also created a new fund called the D54 Foundation Crisis Fund, which will be used to support our most at-risk families, including the 20% of students who qualify for free lunch. This emergency fund will help families impacted by this virus, and could be used in the future to provide immediate access to financial assistance for financially struggling families.

To donate, visit any of the following websites:

• District 54 Education Foundation – select Crisis Fund
• Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Schaumburg Township Food Pantry

Lugares de despensa de alimentos y oportunidades de donación

A medida que la situación en torno al nuevo coronavirus de 2019 continúa cambiando, el Distrito 54 está trabajando con increíbles socios de la comunidad para proporcionar alimentos a las familias que tienen dificultades financieras. Las familias que necesitan asistencia pueden beneficiarse de lo siguiente.

• Miércoles:  Willow Creek Community Church llevará a cabo una distribución móvil de camiones de comida de 11 a.m. a 1 p.m. todos los miércoles en el estacionamiento del Centro de Administración Rafferty del Distrito 54, 524 E. Schaumburg Road en Schaumburg.
• Jueves:  Distrito 211 de Township High School, cinco días de almuerzos, cinco días de desayuno y medio galón de leche de 9 am a mediodía cada jueves en la escuela secundaria Hoffman Estates, 1100 W. Higgins Road en Hoffman Estates. Esta es una camioneta drive-through. Cuando llegue a la escuela, quédese en su vehículo. Cargaremos las bolsas en su maletero o asiento trasero.
• Viernes:  Willow Creek Community Church también llevará a cabo una distribución móvil de camiones de comida de 4 a 6 p.m. todos los viernes en la escuela Keller, 820 Bode Road en Schaumburg.
• Schaumburg Township – La despensa de alimentos del municipio de Schaumburg ahora está llevando a cabo una recolección de 1 a 3 p.m. los martes y jueves en la oficina del municipio,  One Illinois Blvd. en Hoffman Estates. Para obtener más información, llame al (847) 732-7166.
• Iglesia del Espíritu Santo Despensa, 1451 Bode Road en Schaumburg, ofrece servicio de recogida los jueves de 2 a 5 p.m. Cerca de los garajes.
• Living Hope Food Pantry, 777 Meacham Road en Elk Grove Village, ofrece servicio de recogida los jueves de 11:30 a mediodía.
• Trinity Charities Food Pantry, 927 Plum Grove en Schaumburg, está abierto de 4 a 6 p.m. Jueves y de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. Sábados.

Nos gustaría agradecer a la cantidad de personas y organizaciones que han preguntado cómo hacer donaciones para ayudar a aquellos en nuestra comunidad que puedan estar luchando. Creemos que la mejor práctica es trabajar con organizaciones que actualmente ofrecen estos servicios en nuestra comunidad y, por lo tanto, no recolectarán alimentos. No traiga donaciones de alimentos a la oficina del distrito como se mencionó anteriormente.

La despensa de alimentos del municipio de Schaumburg y muchas organizaciones benéficas religiosas están proporcionando alimentos a las familias de nuestra comunidad. Haga clic aquí para acceder a una lista de estas despensas en el sitio web del municipio de Schaumburg. Para alentar el distanciamiento social, estas organizaciones no están recolectando alimentos en este momento.

La Fundación Educativa del Distrito 54 también ha creado un nuevo fondo llamado D54 Foundation Crisis Fund, que se utilizará para apoyar a nuestras familias más expuestas, incluido el 20% de los estudiantes que califican para el almuerzo gratuito. Este fondo de emergencia ayudará a las familias afectadas por este virus y podría usarse en el futuro para proporcionar acceso inmediato a asistencia financiera para familias con dificultades financieras.

Para donar, visite cualquiera de los siguientes sitios web:

• District 54 Education Foundation – select Crisis Fund
• Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Schaumburg Township Food Pantry

Dear District 54 Community,

As you know, on Friday Illinois Governor Pritzker announced the mandatory closure of all public schools through March 30. While our staff would prefer to be at school, interacting in person with your children, we know this is the right decision to keep our community healthy and safe.

Please know that the closure may continue beyond March 30. The situation is incredibly fluid, and the state is waiting to announce what will happen after March 30 until we get closer to that date.

Because this statewide closure was mandated, all of the days are considered Act of God Days in Illinois, and therefore will not be made up at the end of the school year. However, school districts across the state are encouraged to provide virtual learning opportunities for students.

Today was an institute day in District 54 so that we could train our employees on the new District 54 Virtual Learning platform, which will allow us to provide continuous instruction to the more than 15,000 students we serve during these unique times. 

Timeline

• March 17:  closed for the elections as previously planned.
• March 18-20:  first week of virtual learning
• March 23-27:  spring break
• March 30:  virtual learning day

District 54 V-Learning Platform

On Wednesday morning, students will be able to visit the D54 V-Learning Website. Once you are on the site, click on the link that corresponds to your child’s age group and watch the welcome video. The website also contains a parent guide, a student guide and frequently asked questions.

• Junior high V-Learning classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and students will follow their current schedule (including a break for lunch). 
• Elementary school and Lincoln Prairie classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
• Early Learning Center students can also visit the site with a trusted adult at any time. Students brought home bags last week to compliment the Choose Your Own Adventure virtual learning platform designed for their age group.

Since these classes are virtual and we understand that this schedule may not work for some families, students have the flexibility to complete tasks at any time. However, students participating during these V-Learning times will be able to interact in real time with their teachers. Student work during this time will not be graded. 

All students in kindergarten through eighth grade should have brought home their District 54 iPads and Chromebooks on Friday. For those families who do not have Internet access at home, please email VLearning@nullsd54.org.

Reporting 2019 Novel Coronavirus 

If your child is sick and cannot participate, please email your school principal. It is especially important for us to track illnesses while the COVID-19 virus is spreading in our state.

Students Receiving Free Lunch

Thank you to everyone inquiring about how we can continue to support our students receiving free lunch. We distributed food to families this week. Anyone wishing to donate can donate to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry online. (Updated 3-19-20)

Thank you again for working with us, as we all do our part to prevent the spread of this virus in our community. As I’ve stated before, these are unprecedented times, but in District 54 we will continue doing what we do best – caring for our students and ensuring their academic success.

Good afternoon,

This has been another great week of V-Learning.  We know that this can be challenging for students, staff, and families not to be in school, but by working together we are constantly reminded just how amazing our students are and how dedicated they are to their learning.  Parents, thank you for being patient as we work through this new type of learning and for your support. We are extremely fortunate to have such a great parent community to support each other during this time. We truly are, Better Together!

Have a wonderful and safe weekend,

Steve Kern and Carol Novak

Parent Input Form

If you can believe it, it’s already time to start thinking about the 2020-2021 school year.  We would like to give you an opportunity to express insights that will help us make appropriate class placements.  If you would like to share considerations with us, kindly complete and email the attached form to SteveKern@nullsd54.org by Friday, April 17th.  Please remember that when giving your input, we ask that you be as specific as you can about the needs of your child, but to not request friends or a specific teacher.   Churchill Parent Input Form 20-21.doc

Support During School Closing

If your child is feeling anxious during the school closure and you would like support, please feel free to reach out to our school support team:

Mary Brodi, Social Worker MaryBrodie@nullsd54.org

Rebecca Gadomski, Psychologist RebeccaGadomski@nullsd54.org

Leslie Baker, Psychologist LeslieBaker@nullsd54.org

V-Learning Support

If you have been having difficulty this week, remember you can always visit the D54 V-Learning Website to have a better understanding of how the process of V-Learning works.  If you have specific questions after going through the website, email your questions to VLearning@nullsd54.org. This email address is being monitored by D54 technology specialists and they are happy to help families in any way necessary.  And as always, feel free to email any of us if you have questions or concerns as well.

Yearbook

Due to the Coronavirus and being out of school we are extending our online sales until April 30. This will be the only way to reserve your copy. To purchase your yearbook with a credit card  please visit the website www.balfour.com. Price is $19 plus $1 transaction fee ($20). Reserve your copy today!

PTA Scholarship

As part of its commitment to life-long learning, the Schaumburg Township Council of PTAs (STC) offers scholarships for summer programs and camps to District 54 students currently in kindergarten through seventh grade who wish to broaden their education, talents and experiences.

**Please note the parent/guardian must be a PTA member at the school attended by the child applying for the scholarship.  You must be a PTA member by March 1, 2020.**

Click here for more information about the scholarship

Registration for 2020-2021

Registration for the 2020-21 school year is now open and available through the Infinite Campus Portal. If you have previously created a portal account and cannot recall your username or password, you can reset them yourself from the portal website. Go to http://sd54.org and click on Infinite Campus Parent Portal under Popular Links.

If you have not previously created a portal account, please email portalsupport@nullsd54.org to create one.

To enroll your child for the 2020-21 school year:

Update Your Information:  Log on to the parent portal by Monday, May 4, 2020 to review the current information and make any necessary changes. You must hit the SUBMIT button after reviewing the information, even if you don’t make any changes. If your child(ren) will not be attending District 54 schools next year, please inform our office where your child will be attending school in the fall so that we can prepare your child’s records for transfer.  You can email our secretaries at LoriSall@nullsd54.org or LauraHuyser@nullsd54.org

Residency:  All families are required to prove that they live within District 54 boundaries every year.  If we were unable to verify your residency electronically, you will have the ability to upload your residency electronically through your portal.  If you are unable to upload the documents needed at this time, you will be able to provide them in person when our offices reopen.

If your address information was verified electronically, you will not be prompted to upload residency documentation and will not need to provide any documents.

Information about busing and material fees will be communicated this summer. Should you have any questions, please contact your child’s current school office at the above email. Thank you very much.

Food Pantry Locations and Donation Opportunities 

Families needing assistance may benefit from the following. The District 54 Foundation has created a Crisis Fund to provide support to our most at-risk students and families during this great time of need.  Please click the link for the most up to date information on Food Pantry Locations and Donation Opportunities. https://sd54.org/2020/03/19/food-pantry-locations-and-donation-opportunities/

Foundation Crisis Fund

District 54 has received several inquiries from families asking if they can make a donation to support those in need during the school closure.  Thank you for your care and concern for our community. Anyone wishing to donate is welcome to make a financial contribution to our District 54 Foundation Crisis Fund linked here.

Good afternoon,

We are so proud of the Churchill students who became fully invested in our first week of V-Learning! We are so grateful for the hard work of our staff, students, and parents as we adjust to a new platform for learning. Thank you for making it a priority to ensure that learning is continuing in our VClassrooms!

By now you should have seen Superintendent DuRoss’ email. He communicated that our time learning at home has been extended beyond spring break to at least April 8th.  This makes it very important that students are logged in for learning on March 30th by 9:00am!

If you have been having difficulty this week, remember you can always visit the D54 V-Learning Website to have a better understanding of how the process of V-Learning works.  If you have specific questions after going through the website, email your questions to VLearning@nullsd54.org. This email address is being monitored by D54 technology specialists and they are happy to help families in any way necessary.  And as always, feel free to email any of us if you have questions or concerns as well.

Families needing assistance may benefit from the following. These organizations ask that you please check their website before coming to ensure that they still have the food supplies.

• The Schaumburg Township Food Pantry is now running a drive-through pickup. People can call ahead to schedule an appointment at (847) 884-0030.
• Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry, 1451 Bode Road in Schaumburg, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. near the garages.
• Willow Creek Community Church will also be running a mobile food truck distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, in the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center parking lot, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
• Living Hope Food Pantry, 777 Meacham Road in Elk Grove Village, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 11:30-noon.
• Trinity Charities Food Pantry, 927 Plum Grove in Schaumburg, is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Reporting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

As a reminder if your child is sick, please email me at stevekern@nullsd54.org.  It is especially important for us to track illnesses while the COVID-19 virus is spreading in our state.

Yearbook

Due to the Coronavirus and being out of school we are extending our online sales until April 30. This will be the only way to reserve your copy. To purchase your yearbook with a credit card  please visit the website www.balfour.com. Price is $19 plus $1 transaction fee ($20). Reserve your copy today!

Support During School Closing

If your child is feeling anxious during the school closure and you would like support, please feel free to reach out to our school support team:

Mary Brodi, Social Worker MaryBrodie@nullsd54.org

Rebecca Gadomski, Psychologist RebeccaGadomski@nullsd54.org

Leslie Baker, Psychologist LeslieBaker@nullsd54.org

Foundation Crisis Fund

District 54 has received several inquiries from families asking if they can make a donation to support those in need during the school closure.  Thank you for your care and concern for our community. Anyone wishing to donate is welcome to make a financial contribution to our District 54 Foundation Crisis Fund linked here.

Talking to Children about Covid-19

Understanding what is happening in our world can be a challenge for students of all ages. Sometimes as parents we also need resources to help us as we try to explain to our children what is going on. The following publication (Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource), produced by the National Association of School Psychologists might be helpful for you as a parent.

Registration for 2020-2021

Registration for the 2020-21 school year will open on Monday, March 30 through the Infinite Campus Portal.  Please login to review the current information and make any necessary changes. If you do not have a portal account, you should have received an email on March 14 inviting you to create one.

As a reminder, all families are required to prove that they live within District 54 boundaries every year. If we are unable to verify your residency electronically, you will receive a letter by U.S. mail, which will list the residency documents you can provide to the school office to complete your registration.

You are also able to pay the $50 consumable fee for 2020-21, as well as purchase milk and sign up for the instructional device insurance through the portal.  If you believe you will qualify for the Free Lunch Program in the 2020-21 school year, and therefore will receive a fee waiver, do not pay the consumable material fee now. Applications will be available in August for the Free Lunch Program.

Information about busing will be mailed the first week in June.

We wish you a safe and healthy spring break.  We will resume V-Learning on Monday, March 30.

Sincerely,

Steve Kern, Principal

Carol Novak, Assistant Principal

Dear Churchill School Community,

Our schools may be closed through March 30, but our staff is looking forward to connecting with all students online this week through the new District 54 V-Learning Website.

All students can visit the D54 V-Learning Website, click on the link that corresponds to the correct age group and watch the welcome video. The website also contains a parent guide, a student guide and frequently asked questions. Families who do not have Internet access at home, can email VLearning@nullsd54.org.

• Junior high V-Learning classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and students will follow their current schedule (including a break for lunch).
• Elementary school and Lincoln Prairie classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Early Learning Center students can log in with a trusted adult at any time. Students brought home bags last week to compliment the Choose Your Own Adventure virtual learning platform designed for their age group.

Since these classes are virtual and we understand that this schedule may not work for some families, students have the flexibility to complete tasks at any time. However, students participating during these V-Learning times will be able to interact in real time with their teachers. Student work during this time will not be graded.

Reporting 2019 Novel Coronavirus 

If your child is sick and cannot participate, please email me at stevekern@nullsd54.org. It is especially important for us to track illnesses while the COVID-19 virus is spreading in our state. Should we have a case of COVID-19 affiliated with our school, we will let you know.

Food Donations

District 54 has received several inquiries from families asking if they can make a donation to support those in need during the school closure. Anyone wishing to donate food, may drop off nonperishable food items at our administration center, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg, between 9 and 11 a.m. Mondays throughout the shutdown of school.

Please know that the closure may continue beyond March 30. The situation is incredibly fluid, and the state is waiting to announce what will happen after March 30 until we get closer to that date. I know our staff would prefer to be in school with our students, but we will do our best during this closure to remain connected as a school community.

Sincerely,

Steve Kern and Carol Novak

Dear Churchill families,

District 54 and Willow Creek Church will be offering packages of food for community families in need on Wednesday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations. Please choose the location that works for you.

· Addams Junior High School, 700 S. Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg
· District 54 Early Learning Center, 520 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg
· Eisenhower Junior High School, 800 W. Hassell Road in Hoffman Estates
· Enders-Salk Elementary School, 345 N. Salem Drive in Schaumburg
· Fox Elementary School, 1035 Parkview Drive in Hanover Park
· Frost Junior High School, 320 W. Wise Road in Schaumburg
· Keller Junior High School, 820 Bode Road in Schaumburg
· Lakeview Elementary School, 615 Lakeview Lane in Hoffman Estates
· Mead Junior High School, 1765 Biesterfield Road in Elk Grove Village
· Muir Literacy Academy, 1973 N. Kensington in Hoffman Estates
· The Preserve at Woodfield (near the rental office), 4700 Arbor Drive in Rolling Meadows

Please look for the District 54 truck or the Willow Creek Mobile Food Truck in the parking lots of these locations.
Sincerly,
Steve Kern

As the 2019 Novel Coronavirus continues to spread in our state, our country and worldwide, School District 54 wants to do everything in our power to protect our students, our staff and their families. The Centers for Disease Control continues to recommend social distancing as the best way to prevent the spread of this virus.

To that end, we are cancelling school the week of March 16-20. We are also closed the following week, as previously scheduled for spring break. After-school, evening and weekend activities are also cancelled, including the before- and after-school programs hosted in our schools by the Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates Park Districts and YMCA.

As this situation is constantly evolving, we are unsure at this time when schools will reopen. We will continue to evaluate the situation with guidance from the state and county health departments.  Our schools will be open during regular hours on Monday, March 16, should you need to pick up anything your student may have left at school.

Staff will be at school on Monday, March 16, for training on the new District 54 virtual learning platform. Another email will be sent to District 54 families on Monday, with a link to access the platform. This email will also include more information about what to expect when students log in on the first day of virtual learning, which will be Wednesday, March 18. We will not have V-Learning classes during spring break (March 23-27).

All students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be reminded to bring home their iPads and Chromebooks today. For those families who do not have Internet access at home, please email VLearning@nullsd54.org. Early Learning Center students brought home bags yesterday, March 12, to compliment the Choose Your Own Adventure virtual learning platform designed for their age group.

We know this is an unprecedented decision, but these are unprecedented times and we are committed to doing our part to mitigate the impact of this pandemic. Thank you for your understanding and for working with us to keep our students, our staff, our families and our communities healthy.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Andy DuRoss

Dear District 54 Community,

I know this is the second email you have received from me this week, but I feel it’s important to keep our families and staff informed as the situation with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to evolve. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is my top priority.

At this point, School District 54 has no known cases of COVID-19 in our school community.

However, yesterday the World Health Organization declared this a pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is now advising that schools should consider adjusting or postponing large gatherings and activities that mix between classes and grades.

With that in mind effective today, March 12, District 54 schools are open. However, we will be cancelling field trips, before- and after-school clubs, sporting events, evening activities, assemblies that bring in outside people and other activities with outside visitors. This includes the use of our buildings by outside organizations who rent our facilities, as we work with CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. It also include the orchestra festival at Mead on Saturday, March 14.

If your child is in the before- and after-school care programs offered by the YMCA, or the Schaumburg or Hoffman Estates Park Districts at one of our schools – those programs are not cancelled.

As you know, our schools are closed next Tuesday on Election Day (March 17), a decision we made years ago for safety concerns. Only a small area of each school is open to voters and that area will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected that evening after the polls close.

While it is my hope that we will be able to keep our schools open, we are following the guidelines of the federal, state and county health departments and we have a plan in place to respond if we have cases of COVID-19 in our schools. As part of that plan, we have created a virtual learning platform to keep students connected to their teachers and engaged academically should it be necessary to close schools. 

We will be sending iPads home with all kindergarten through second-grade students effective today, March 12, so the students are comfortable using them at home. This also allows families to connect those devices to their home WiFi. If you do not have WiFi connectivity at home, please let your child’s school know. Our older students are already bringing home their Chromebooks daily.

Again District 54 schools are open at this time. However, this is an evolving situation. We urge our families to be prepared should schools need to be closed.

Thank you for your understanding and for working with us as we all do our part to prevent the spread of this virus in our community.