Speaking with Stawick
Speaking with Stawick is the blog of District 146 Superintendent Dr. Jeff Stawick. Please subscribe for update notifications to be sure you don't miss the latest news and information from the administration.

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It has been a year unlike any other. Although 2020 began normally, March brought everyone many challenges to face. Our teachers, staff, and families stepped up to help our students continue learning at home for the remainder of the school year. The District 146 community pulled together hosting drive-by parades, virtual clubs, and even a recognition event for our graduating eighth grade class in an effort to bring joy and a sense of normalcy.

As it became obvious the 2020-2021 school year would have to begin remotely, our administration and teachers worked together to develop an enhanced remote learning plan for our students. As the second trimester grew closer, we determined our students could safely return to in-person learning. Once again, our administration and teachers came through and put together a hybrid experience that allowed all families who chose it, a chance for their children to return to the classroom.

Since then, our families and staff have done a remarkable job keeping our COVID-19 positive cases down, and our cases of on-campus close contacts very low. By monitoring for symptoms, keeping students who aren’t feeling well at home, and completing daily health and temperature checks, we have so far avoided any major outbreaks. You can follow these statistics by visiting our COVID-19 Dashboard, which is updated weekly.

As most cases are being traced to personal and community events and gatherings outside of school, please continue to carefully consider nonessential activities and observe the advice of health experts who remind us to practice social distancing and wear a mask. If our families and staff remain vigilant and cautious, the number of positive cases at our schools will remain low.   

I am so grateful for our teachers, staff, administrators, and families for the efforts you have all taken to continue offering our students a quality education. My wish for 2021 is that you all remain healthy and happy, and that we can return safely to normal school as soon as possible. Happy Holidays and I wish you a wonderful new year.
Posted by superintendent  On Dec 23, 2020 at 4:23 PM
  
On November 4, our schools will once again open for many of our students. Our staff are very excited to welcome back those students who have chosen our hybrid model. Staff teaching students in remote classes are just as excited to continue the virtual learning with fun and engaging activities.

Per Illinois State Board of Education guidelines, students attending in person classes must wear a mask at all times (in school and on the school bus) unless they are eating and at least 6 feet apart. Please be sure to send your student to school with a clean mask each day. Masks should be washed after every use.

Prior to entering school, parents must complete a self-certification for their students using a District Symptom Checker and certify that certification by signing a printed slip that will be supplied to families prior to the start of school. These slips will be required to get on the school bus or enter the school building. If your child is showing any signs of illness, please keep them home from school. Staff is also asked to stay home if feeling ill.

Student temperatures will be taken in the classroom at the beginning of school. Increased hand washing and sanitizing will occur throughout the day, including upon arrival and dismissal. Foam hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in every classroom. Teachers may still provide small group instruction when possible with physical distancing or the use of plexiglass dividers.

With class sizes reduced by approximately 50%, students can be comfortably seated 4-6 feet apart.  Materials will not be shared and, when possible, students in the A.M and P.M. sessions will not be sharing desks. In order to minimize hallway travel, students will be staying in the same classroom whenever possible, with teachers rotating to them. Halls are marked with spacers and direction indicators.

Between the A.M. and P.M. sessions, custodians will be cleaning and sanitizing classrooms and restrooms. High-touch areas (desks, doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, etc.) will be cleaned and sanitized more frequently throughout the day. All staff members also have access to cleaning supplies to use throughout the day as necessary.  

Any individual, including staff and students, showing a symptom of COVID while at school will be brought to a designated room. Parents of symptomatic students will be notified and required to pick up their student as soon as possible. Contact tracing will be implemented to identify those in close contact at school with individuals identified as COVID positive or probable.

The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. I know we can count on our families to work with us to ensure the health of our students and staff is not compromised. Please reach out to your school’s office if you have any questions or concerns.
Posted by superintendent  On Oct 23, 2020 at 11:38 AM
  
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