12/16/2022
Reminder: December 22nd - January 8th - Winter Break, No School. Classes resume on Monday, January 9th, 2023.
Dear Hatch Families,
This week, our amazing Kindness Leaders hosted a lovely event to show appreciation for Hatch teachers and staff. Click on the video for a glimpse! Cookies & cocoa.mp4
We are looking forward to our holiday celebrations. Thank you to our amazing room parents for helping to plan activities for our students to enjoy! Join us for our Winter Sing on Wednesday, December 21st, from 10:00-11:00 am! Click the link below to watch the performance via Zoom. The show will feature Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and Hatch Chorus students. Between performances, we will be singing some holiday carols!
Winter Sing Zoom Link:
https://op97-org.zoom.us/j/81427404035?pwd=dnhQQmt3S1hvRmJRcnVlRWtIb0VIZz09
Also, here is the December Music Newsletter
The Student Council is sponsoring “Holiday Spirit Day” on Wednesday, December 21st. Students are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday-themed clothes, colors, and/or accessories.
A huge shout out to the Hatch Chorus members and everyone who joined us in caroling downtown Oak Park last night!!!
As we head into winter recess which begins next Thursday, please encourage your child to make some time for reading during their break. The Hatch staff and I would like to wish you all a safe and relaxing winter vacation. Happy Holidays! We will look forward to seeing the students back in school on Monday, January 9th!
D97 Updates/Reminders:
Be Safe and Healthy: Preparing for Winter in District 97
As we head into the winter months, we must continue working together to keep our schools safe and healthy for learning. Please take a moment to review the district’s Winter Preparedness 2022-23 deck or watch the presentation from the November 15th board of education meeting.
Winter Illnesses and Everyday Preventative Strategies
This year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has noted an increase in individuals getting sick from respiratory viruses, including the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Health officials are urging individuals and families to take basic precautions to protect themselves this winter—stay home when you are sick, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and stay up to date on your vaccines. CLICK HERE to watch a brief video of everyday strategies to keep our schools healthy this winter >>
Emergency Closings and E-Learning Days
District 97 always strives to have schools open. However, if heavy snow or extreme cold makes it dangerous to travel, we may need to close schools. The district’s emergency closing procedures are outlined at https://www.op97.org/communications/emergency-closings.
In July 2021, the District 97 Board of Education approved an E-Learning Plan for students to receive instruction electronically in lieu of traditional emergency days (or inclement weather days). This means that instead of canceling school, the superintendent now has the option of calling it an “E-Learning Day” where students and staff learn and work virtually at home. This provides a continuation of learning and prevents the loss of critical instructional days, particularly in our first and second trimesters.
Suppose the superintendent decides to close buildings and hold an E-Learning Day. In that case, the information is shared through multiple channels, including email, the district website, our Facebook and Twitter social media pages, and the Emergency Closings website. Staff and families are also encouraged to OPT INTO text messages from the district by texting YES to 87569.
Process for Reporting Positive COVID-19 Cases to D97 Schools
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they must complete the following steps:
1) To notify the school nurse and receive a return-to-school date, families/staff must complete the confidential COVID-19 Positive Case Notification Form as soon as possible following the positive test. Information provided will also be shared with the Oak Park Department of Public Health.
2) Families must continue to report student absences via the school attendance line, and staff must enter their absences in Frontline.
To see the rules for isolation and quarantine, click here. Additional resources are linked below.
Bravo will offer its “Junior Bravo Performance Workshop” for 2nd-5th graders again this January. This is an excellent opportunity for the Middle School Bravo performers who help run the camp and the Elementary School kids who get to sing, dance, and have a great time gaining exposure to musical theatre!