Heading Closer to the 9/30 Update
Wanted to share some key pieces related to the update we've promised for 9/30:
*New IDPH guidance (attached to the Monday Memo email) allows us greater flexibility with the "single symptom" exclusion. While a fever remains a TIGHT for exclusion, most of the other symptoms are now indicated as "new"--so, new headache, new runny nose, etc. This means we can factor in a pre-existing condition like allergies and NOT exclude a student or staff member. THIS IS HUGE, as we've had to exclude 7 staff members and 4 students for the symptoms. It also has changed our self-certification criteria on the daily survey.
*We WILL NOT launch the full hybrid model as our first step. Rather, we will strategically add a little a time to make sure we can sustain. This will likely look like a grade or two at a time, along with other priority groups (example: EL/bilingual, IEP). More to come on a proposal for this--will share during CTT on 9/23 for your feedback.
*There will be at least 2 weeks between announcing/setting a date for return and the actual return of students. This allows us all time to survey parents to determine who still wants remote, determine who from the onsite preference list we can safely host, plan for instruction, and get ready for the change. This means that any add recommended on 9/30 would actually start on 10/19 to launch with a full 5 day week schedule.
*This week, we'll be setting classrooms to determine how many students can be in a room at a time, maintaining 6 ft distancing, allowing for a teacher desk, and allowing for a teaching "station" so teachers have room to safely access panels/boards for instruction.
Again--all this depends on the data trending positively and the logistics working in our favor. The goal remains getting our kids back on site for learning, with a continued focus on balancing safety and learning. Your questions, suggestions, and feedback are welcome. This impacts us all, so there's no time ever that it's been more important to remain ONE TEAM...ALL IN.
If You Are Sick/Need to Be Out
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let your principals know ASAP if you are ill/know you need to be out. This means that--if you have a fever on a Friday--DO NOT WAIT UNTIL MONDAY to inform us. We have to plan for you, and knowing as soon as possible allows us to do so. The same is true if you know you have to be out. It's more complicated than EVER to plan for absences, so advance notification is key. We are reaching out to our subs and trying to get really creative on this as well, but we are also counting on YOU to communicate with us.
Wednesday Calendar
I'm sharing the Wednesday CTT calendar with you here. It's a work in progress, but you can check back in to see how times are added. Please note that there will almost always be a mini-lesson and then time for your teams to work.
Laptop Purchase Requests
We have had a few staff members request an option to purchase the retired staff laptops (model: HP Probook). A limited number are available to purchase for $80. However, the following must be acknowledged and agreed upon before purchasing:
Once a device has been purchased, it will no longer be supported by D114 for troubleshooting hardware or software issues including but not limited to:
Battery
Screen
Keys
OS updates
Software installs or program licensing of any nature
Port functionality
Charger
Since the operating system (Windows 7) and other software currently installed on the laptops is licensed to the district, the laptop will be wiped entirely of the operating system and all data. Therefore, the buyer will need to purchase the operating system software and any other software needed. The buyer is responsible for determining the minimum system requirements of the laptop to meet the needs of the new operating system purchased.
REPEAT REMINDERS
Recording Live Lessons--REMINDER!
Please be sure that, when you are in a LIVE session using Meet, you record and then post the
video. This allows students who may not be able to join live to be able to access the content
too. This means that, anytime you are live with your class, you are recording. Small group
work, 1:1 work, office hours do NOT need to be recorded or posted. Please send any
questions on this my way! :)
Reporting Days
Now that we are in the swing of things, we expect you to keep your onsite days consistent. If
you need to make a change for any reason, please let your principal and me know by Sunday.
Here's why--we are monitoring who is in the building each day for safety.
Also--if you commit to an onsite schedule for coverage--we COUNT ON YOU to do what
you have agreed to. When this doesn't happen, it impacts everyone.
Please keep a consistent schedule--if you need to make a change, reach out to your
principal and/or me. THANKS!
Food and Materials--REPEAT
We had a really good first materials run Friday. Thanks to everyone who made this happen!
To make things go even more smoothly...
*Teachers--PLEASE let families know if there are/are not materials to pick up each week.
*Materials should be labeled by student. If there are materials from multiple teachers
(classroom, music, art, etc), they should be bundled for efficient handout.
*Materials should be organized in alphabetical order by route. Please do NOT sort by stop.
*Materials not picked up on the route can be picked up the same day from 9-10 at Lotus
OR at Grab and Go from 8-10 daily at Lotus.
*Families can can also call the LOTUS OFFICE to request weekend pick up for materials.
*Any family who cannot get materials at either of those times should come to the Lotu
COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES
If you are concerned that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 and have been
or are scheduled to be onsite, please let your principal, Maddie Espinoza, and/or me know
immediately so we can partner with you for your safety and for the safety of others.
You can trust that we will keep all this information confidential, balancing staff privacy and system
safety needs.
All staff MUST wear masks AT ALL TIMES
when onsite and in public spaces.
If you are working in an office/classroom
with the door closed, you may remove your
mask. It must be worn when anyone enters
that space with you.
In addition, the steps below (from the CDC website) MUST be taken if you have been diagnosed with or
exposed to COVID-19:
COMING ONSITE:
You MUST complete the daily self-certification form.
Social distancing of 6 feet and following handwashing
procedures--inside and outside--remain expectations and
a priority for your safety and the safety of those around
you.
Melissa Jakstas, President
Maureen DeVoss, Vice President for Certified Staff
Chris Brown, Vice President for Non-Certified Staff
Katy Gardner, Treasurer
Betty Cwiak, Secretary
Cathy Jawnyj, Region Representative
Michelle Serini, Stanton School Representative
Tiffany Tardio Weber, Lotus School Representative
TREAT YO SELF TO SELF CARE
I'm going to use the book 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators by my friend Tina Boogren to
share weekly nuggets of self-care ideas
for all of us.
Week 3: Laughter
Consider this:
"Laughter, song, and dance create emotional and spiritual connection; they remind us of the one
thing that truly matters when we are searching for comfort, celebration, inspiration, or healing:
We are not alone." -Brene Brown
Some of the short-term benefits of laughter include stimulating our hearts, lungs, and muscles;
releasing feel-good endorphins; relaxation; and reducing tension and stress. Long-term effects
include improved immune system, pain relief, increased personal satisfaction, and improved mood.
Thing of the last time you REALLY, REALLY laughed---I bet it felt really, really good!
This week's invitation: Laugh, Giggle, and Guffaw!
Some ideas...
*Watch funny videos.
*Be silly.
*Sing at the top of your lungs.
*Start a Pinterest board to show funny stuff you find online.
*Make a list of funny stuff that happens.
*Learn and share jokes.
2020-21 Wednesday CTT Planning Calendar
Exploratories Flash Back Standards
Case Manager Flash Back Reflections
Link to D114 Business Office Share Folder
*check here for documents most frequently used/requested
Please let Heather know of suggestions for any documents to add to this
folder!
Blue Cross Blue Shield:
Tuesday, September 15--Board of Education Meeting--held virtually at 5:30PM
ONE TEAM...ALL IN...ALWAYS!
Heather
