Message from May 15, 2020
As I visit teachers’ digital classrooms and see all the ways that kids are engaging remotely, I can’t help but feel so very proud of our community. I have received a wide range of feedback, and every family’s situation and learning preferences seems to be different. Yet we are all finding ways to engage children in learning that suit our students' and families’ needs. Know that we miss you all so much and will continue to connect in creative ways. We will get through this time together, and when we are able to return to in-person learning, know that we will meet our students where they are. As always, we will assess where students are at in relation to the grade level standards and make adjustments as needed to support each student's growth. Students will not be penalized, and we will adjust our instruction to meet their needs.
As we work toward continuous improvement, your input is important to us. At the end of each week we will send out this optional survey to families as another way of gathering information on how to best meet the wide range of student needs.
Next Tuesday evening at 7pm we will be hosting our May virtual PTO meeting. Topics include updates on remote learning and ways we are wrapping up the school year. Specific questions can be submitted in advance by emailing them to [email protected] and [email protected]. We hope to see you there, virtually!
Join PTO Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89856159187?pwd=VFFEU004eHJJaTVLeDJTa2t1YUtXdz09
Meeting ID: 898 5615 9187
Password: Tigers
Trimester 3 Assessment, Grading, and Report Cards Update: As we lean into our equity imperative in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that not all students are experiencing remote learning in the same way. Based on guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), we have developed grading guidelines for Trimester 3 that support students’ social-emotional health during this time. As such, we have shifted the Trimester 3 reporting to a Progressing or No Grade model to record student participation and academic progress for grades K-8 during remote learning. Additionally, report cards will be distributed for all students on June 8, 2020. Click here for the complete update.
2019-2020 Yearbook! You can still purchase the Yearbook. Click here for more information and/or click here for link to purchase.
Update on Summer Plans for District 97 Student Devices: Due to the current situation, we will not be collecting devices from students who are currently in third through seventh grade. This decision was made with the health and safety of our students and families in mind, considering the logistics of collecting more than 4,000 devices. It will also ensure access for all students who are participating in the summer school sessions being offered by the district.
Registration Open for 2020-21 School Year in District 97
Returning Students - Registration for returning students will be open May 6 through May 20, 2020. All current families received an email on May 6 from [email protected] to remotely register your child for the 20-21 school year. We ask that all returning students complete registration as quickly as possible in order to accurately plan staffing, materials, devices, etc. for the upcoming school year. Remember to upload any required documents to InfoSnap (PowerSchool Enrollment) before submitting. Click here for the May 6 communication to families. Detailed information about the returning registration process is available on the district website at https://www.op97.org/hr/student-registration. If you have any additional questions, please email [email protected].
New Students and Kindergarteners - Please note that Kindergarten and New Student Registration will be open through June 6. Families who wish to enroll a kindergartner or new student should start the registration process now by completing a Google survey form on our website.
Free/Reduced Lunch Applications: Given the economic impact of COVID-19, families may have experienced a financial change such as income reduction or job loss. Even if it is temporary and regardless of other financial factors, a change of income may qualify your children for free or reduced lunch from now until October 1, including summer meals. We encourage all families who have experienced a loss or reduction of income to take a few minutes to complete the National School Lunch application. To learn more or access the application, please visit https://bit.ly/3c5gxvV. Applications will also be available at our meal pick-up sites.
Incoming 6th Grade Parent/Guardian Night: 5/21, 6pm, please see this link for details!
For the latest D97 information and updates, please visit our district website (https://www.op97.org/updatecenter/index), and please monitor your email and phone for messages from the district.
Flu/COVID Information: If you or a family member have a fever, cough, or and/or flu-like symptoms, please consult with your primary care provider BEFORE going to urgent care or the emergency department. There are specific protocols in place for managing illness at this time that are designed to protect you and others. Your primary doctor or health care provider can help keep you safe while managing your symptoms.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss any health care related issues further, Nurse Rossi is available and happy to help. Please email her at [email protected]. In your message please indicate if you would prefer to email or talk via phone.
As you know, the situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly changing. Please go to one of these links for the most current information:
Continue to follow frequent handwashing, not touching your face, and physical distancing. We will get through this together!
As we continue to learn and grow our practices in remote learning, we want to thank you again for your patience and support!
Sincerely,
Sarah Mendez
Hatch School Principal
1000 N Ridgeland Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 524-3095
