9/10/2021
What a great week! Not only did we enjoy some beautiful weather, but it was wonderful to see students all dressed up for picture day!
We are pleased to share that D97 will move forward with large-scale, weekly deployment of testing Hatch students, excluding families who opted out of testing, starting Monday, September 13th. District 97 looks forward to utilizing SHIELD testing as an additional mitigation strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting on Monday, September 13th, Visit Healthcare will arrive at classrooms to start the testing process of students. They will bring one classroom into the hallway for testing at a time. Testing is non-invasive and only includes the collection of saliva. The student will follow the directions and guidance provided by Visit Healthcare. After testing, the students will then return to class. Visit Healthcare is hoping to spend approximately 5-10 minutes per class to limit time out of the classroom.
Hatch Needs you! Would you consider supervising your child’s classroom during lunch? It would only be for 2 hours a day! We can’t wait to see you on the blacktop!
CLICK HERE to apply. The classrooms that are in need of supervisors are:
KM (Mrs. Martin) - Monday-Friday
KK (Mrs.Kemper) - Friday
1J (Mrs. Jones) - Monday-Friday
1K (Mrs. Knovosky)- Friday
3L- (Ms. Lyles)- Wednesday
PBIS/SEL Update: Second Step is the curriculum we use across our entire district to teach important social emotional learning skills. This past week students were taught lesson 2, which helped them learn important skills for learning such as focusing attention, using self talk, and listening with attention. Below are “Home Links” that provide some information about what your student learned and some possible ways you can extend that learning to your own home. Not every grade level will have a home link each week!
Kindergarten: Focusing Attention
First Grade: Focusing Attention
Fourth Grade: Listening with Attention
As is the case each year, I receive a multitude of emails and phone calls from parents during the first weeks of school. I am doing my best to prioritize the various needs and return each message as quickly as possible. Please know your message is important to me, and I will continue to work through the weekend to address concerns as quickly as possible. Thank you in advance for your patience. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our teachers, office staff, or support staff.
D97 Updates
Updated Remote Learning Plan
Since the start of the 2021-22 school year, District 97 has been providing remote instruction for quarantined students through the use of dedicated remote substitutes. However, this plan is simply not working for our students, who are losing much-needed access to their teachers and classroom instruction when they are required to quarantine at home. Additionally, our district, like so many others, is facing a shortage of substitute teachers, making it more difficult to implement the original plan for remote learning.
Although there are no perfect solutions to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is our responsibility to meet the needs of our students and provide as much continuity of learning as possible. For the past week, we have been engaged in discussions with leadership from the Oak Park Teachers’ Association (OPTA) to identify a solution that would provide greater access for students while they are quarantined or excluded from school. Together, we are moving forward with a letter of agreement to provide a “window into the classroom,” or passive learning, to students who are quarantined or excluded from school. This change will be effective Monday, Sept. 13. CLICK HERE to learn more >
Face Mask Reminders
Wearing face masks consistently and correctly is a key strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. Below are a few important reminders for students, staff and families:
The face covering should cover the mouth and nose at all times. The CDC Use of Face Coverings provides helpful explanations about the use and care of face coverings.
Bandanas, masks with valves and gaiters are not allowed in District 97 schools, as they allow for leakage of aerosolized droplets.
District 97 expects all students and staff to bring and wear their own cloth or disposable masks whenever possible and appropriate. Anyone who forgets their reusable mask will be provided a disposable mask. If possible, students should
keep a second cloth mask with their belongings.
Share Your Thoughts on the Next D97 Superintendent!
The District 97 Board of Education requests your input as the search for a new superintendent begins. Please share your thoughts by completing the Superintendent Search Survey by Sept. 23. The survey is available in English and in Spanish. Click here to learn more.
District 97 Now Hiring!
District 97 is currently hiring for key positions to support in-person learning during the 2021-22 school year!
Permanent Substitutes
District 97 has immediate openings for permanent substitute teachers. If you know anyone who is looking to work with children, earn competitive pay and give back to the community, please encourage them to apply today at: https://www.op97.org/hr/employment.
Lunch/Recess Supervisors
To support our students and staff during the school day, we are still seeking more parents and community members to serve as lunchroom/recess supervisors during the 2021-22 school year. It's easy to apply, and your time would have a direct impact on our schools. CLICK HERE to apply!
Reminder: Stay Home When Sick!
Staying home when sick is essential to keep COVID-19 infections out of schools and prevent spread to others. Symptoms that should be monitored daily by District 97 staff, families and students are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Response to a Positive COVID-19 Test
Any student or staff member who has a positive COVID-19 test must notify their school nurse or administrator immediately, self-isolate, and follow the guidance of state and local health departments before returning to school. The following protocols will be used by District 97, maintaining confidentiality as required by law.