![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-5fa2df86655b1d2604e6a612-19658756409f.jpg)
Munhall Bulletin
November 13, 2020
Munhall Elementary School
Email: heather.miller@d303.org
Website: http://munhall.d303.org/
Location: 1400 South 13th Avenue
Phone: 331-228-2600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Munhall-Elementary-1459358344296891/
Twitter: @MunhallD303
Principal Note
End of the First Trimester
Today marks the final day of the 1st trimester, and it has certainly been a memorable one. No matter what mode of learning you selected for your child, this trimester has been unique for students, staff, and parents alike. Remote students had to work through technology kinks, pick up countless supplies to ensure students had what they needed, and had to get to know students and a teacher through a screen. In-person learners adapted to all of the changes a 2020-2021 school year brought to them. Certainly things haven’t always been perfect. However, an unwavering constant has been our sense of community and commitment to each other. Parents continue to express gratitude and extend grace, while staff continues to work tirelessly to support our students and their families, all while trying to grow in their craft.
We are fortunate to have the school community that we have. In a season that is intended to capitalize on opportunities to express gratitude, I want to say thank you to the entire Munhall community. It has been a trimester that we will never forget!
Selecting Mode of Instruction for 2nd Semester
Today marks the final day to submit your survey, indicating your preferred learning mode for the 2nd semester, which begins after Winter Break. The survey is located in Home Access Center. A link is provided here: D303 Home Access Center
Fall Pictures
Our fall picture day will be Wednesday, November 18th. All in-person learners will be assigned a picture time with their classroom, while all remote students will have the option of selecting a time to come to Munhall and get their picture taken. The Sign-Up Genius for all remote students is linked here: Remote Student Fall Picture Sign-Up
CogAT Testing
Our 3rd and 5th grade students completed CogAT testing this week. Next week we will conduct make-up testing for any absent students.
Veteran’s Day Assembly
I want to thank all of our veterans who submitted videos for our assembly on Wednesday. If you didn’t have the opportunity to view the assembly it is linked again here: Munhall Veteran's Day Assembly
Organic Life Breakfast
Starting this week, students have had the option of ordering breakfast in the morning. All breakfasts are free of charge for all students. At the end of each day, Organic Life staff delivers the breakfasts to the students, which is intended to be for the following morning. Students indicate their breakfast order to their classroom teacher during the morning lunch count routine.
Have a great weekend!
Jarrod Buxton, Principal
NURSES CORNER
Answers to questions you may have regarding school exclusion guidelines for Covid-19. The most recent Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines for Covid-19 school exclusion as of 10/27/20 https://www.isbe.net/Documents/IDPH-COVID19-Exclusion-Decison-Tree.pdf Please remember that these guidelines may change over time.
1. If a child has a known condition causing the symptoms, e.g., allergies, migraine, etc. can this be taken into consideration?
Every symptomatic person should be evaluated by their healthcare provider on a case-by-case basis and decisions to test for COVID-19 should be based on their personal health history. Each episode of new symptom onset should be evaluated. Diagnostic testing is strongly encouraged whenever an individual experiences COVID-like symptoms; it is possible to have COVID-19 and other health conditions at the same time. Early diagnosis can prevent further transmission. Individuals who have undergone testing should remain home away from others while waiting for COVID-19 test results
2. If a student is sent home sick with suspected COVID-19 symptoms (see link to IDPH Guidelines for symptoms), must all their siblings/household members be sent home as well and quarantined for 14 calendar days?
Yes, if one of the household members is being evaluated for COVID-19, the rest of the household must be quarantined until an alternative diagnosis is made by an MD or a negative result received.
3. If the close contact and the COVID case were both wearing their cloth face coverings when the exposure occurred, is the close contact still required to be quarantined?
Yes, while there is strong evidence that face coverings significantly reduce the risk of infection, the likelihood of transmission cannot be ruled out. (IDPH,10/27/20)
4. Why are some people told to stay home for 14 days and others for 10 days?