District Digest

March 24, 2021

In this issue…

• A message from Dr. K
• Full In-Person April 19
• SIP Day March 26/Spring Break

• CDC Travel Guidelines
• UPDATED IDPH FAQ’s
  
• Donation to Hadley Band
• AAPPL Testing
• STEMcon
• 5Essentials Survey

At the Board of Education meeting on March 22, 2021, the Board approved a plan to move forward with offering the full in-person traditional schedule (8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) starting on Monday, April 19. The full remote model will continue to be offered for those who choose it. Click here for the presentation of the plan presented by Superintendent Kaczkowski at the Board meeting. The district will be sending information in the near future about any new consent forms that need to be signed. As a reminder, the district will give a status update on the volunteers needed for lunch and recess at the schools at the 4/12/21 Board of Education meeting. Volunteers are a crucial part of our ability to fully re-open. A sign up will be sent out soon. More detailed information will also be coming from each school principal.

This Friday, March 26, is a scheduled SIP Day in District 41. There is no Pre-K, Early Childhood or Kindergarten student attendance on this SIP Day. Blended and Remote students in grades 1-8 who attend the AM session will have morning classes from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. on March 26. Blended and Remote students in grades 1-8 who attend the PM session will not have classes from 1:00-3:30 p.m. on March 26.

Spring Break Schedule
Spring break for District 41 is March 29 thru April 2 this year. All schools will be remote on the two days post spring break for saliva testing and Election day.

• Monday, March 29 thru Friday, April 2: Spring Break - No School
• Monday, April 5: Remote for all - Saliva screening drop off at all schools
• Tuesday, April 6: Remote for all - Election Day
• Wednesday, April 7: Schools reopen for blended model

As we approach spring break, please be advised that the current CDC guidelines advise travelers to get tested 3-5 days after returning from domestic or international travel and to remain home for a minimum of 7 days. Please note that these are recommendations per the CDC and are not required post-travel. District 41 also recommends families follow these guidelines, however, at this time it is not a requirement. As always, if your child has experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 while traveling or immediately after returning from travel, please keep your child home from school and inform the school nurse.

The Illinois Department for Public Health has released an updated Frequently Asked Questions for Schools document as additional guidance. The information is subject to change based on new information and updates to existing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. CLICK HERE for the updated FAQ document (as of March 16, 2021).

The Hadley Junior High School Band program recently purchased 13 new instruments (10 trombones, two baritone saxophones, and one tuba) through a generous donation by a current Hadley Band family. The intention of the donation was two-fold: to ensure students have access to quality instruments at school and to honor Mr. James DePalo who recently retired from teaching in District 41.

Chris and Jen Walter shared, "We wanted to honor Jim because we were constantly impressed and appreciative of his enthusiasm for his work and students. This was especially evident during concerts as he engaged parents and was so very proud of his students ---he even included his wife in the programs at times - true dedication and love for his work! Jim didn't come to Hadley simply to do his job - he came because he loves music and that love was contagious to his students. It's that type of excellence we want to honor and encourage."

Current Hadley Band directors Samantha Tribley and Chris Cooper are so appreciative of this donation, as it will positively impact the Hadley Jr. High Band Program and students for years to come.

All fifth grade FLES students will take the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) test during the weeks of April 26 - May 14. The AAPPL test will measure Spanish language levels. This information will help FLES teachers refine their instruction and learn where their students are on the pathway toward the Seal of Biliteracy. Depending on the instructional model of FLES that your child may receive in April, we may need to rely on parents to help with the at-home proctoring process. Details about in person testing and at-home proctoring will be shared with families by FLES teachers and building principals. For more information about AAPPL, please visit their website. More information about the Seal of Biliteracy can be found in our meeting video or on the Illinois Seal Biliteracy website.

Join College of DuPage and explore all that STEM has to offer. This year's event will be virtual and will include speakers, demonstrations, virtual tours, and DIY STEM activities for all ages. Some sessions require advanced registration.

WHAT: STEMCON 2021

WHEN: April 23 to 25 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WHERE: Virtual
COST: Free

Come for the knowledge, stay for the fun! For more information visit www.cod.edu/stemcon and CLICK HERE for the flyer.

District 41 relies on parent feedback when planning for the future. Please share your thoughts about your school community through the annual Illinois 5Essentials survey! Taking this survey allows you to share your views on school effectiveness. The survey is administered by UChicago Impact and is based on the Five Essentials for School Success, an evidence-based framework developed by the University of Chicago.

The 5Essentials are:

• Effective Leaders

• Collaborative Teachers

• Involved Families

• Supportive Environment

• Ambitious Instruction

Each school needs a parent response rate of at least 20% to receive a results report. Thank you for your participation!

CLICK HERE to take the survey! The deadline is April 2.

District 41 uses text messaging to share timely information and emergency communications. Opt in to receive these important text messages from District 41. Text Y or Yes to 67587.

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Email: ekrehbiel@d41.org
Website: www.d41.org
Location: 793 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL, USA
Phone: 630.790.6400
Facebook: facebook.com/glenellynd41
Twitter: @glenellynd41