Dear District 86 Community, 

Exactly one week ago, we made the decision to close our schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the time that has passed since then, this situation has evolved in ways none of us could have possibly imagined. However, in the face of this crisis, the perseverance, resiliency and resolve of this community have never wavered. You have stayed strong. More importantly, you have remained united. I do not anticipate this will change following Governor Pritzker’s announcement today (March 20) that a stay at home order will go into effect on March 21. In fact, it is my firm belief that, if anything, this new development will bring us even closer together in the fight to keep ourselves and those we love healthy and safe. 

As part of his order, the governor has declared that schools in Illinois will remain closed until at least April 7. With this in mind, administrators, in consultation with department chairs, will meet virtually early next week to discuss revising our e-learning plan should the closure extend beyond that date, which is what we are anticipating at this time. We will share an update prior to April 1 that details any changes we intend to make should we need to shift to a more long-term remote learning plan.

Below is new or updated information about issues I have addressed in previous messages regarding COVID-19. I will continue to do my best to keep you apprised of any changes that may impact our schools and community. I also want to share the email I sent to all of our students this afternoon, which you can access by visiting https://bit.ly/3bfAjEy. I am incredibly proud of how they have risen to the challenges set before them, and impressed by the grit and determination they have shown in response to these uncertain times. They truly represent the very best of who we are and aspire to be. 

In closing, I want to give a huge and long overdue shout out to the members of our technology team. Their hard work and significant contributions have been critical to the success of our instructional and operational efforts during this crisis. In addition, I want to once again express my sincere appreciation for your patience, kindness, support and encouragement. We have had our share of ups and downs as we have tried to navigate what is unchartered territory for all of us. Thankfully, we are blessed to have amazing people (students, teachers, support staff, families, community members and partners) leading the way. We will get through this…and we will do it together.  

Stay safe and be well. 

Tammy Prentiss
Superintendent

Stay at Home Order
You can access additional information about the governor’s stay at home order by visiting https://www2.illinois.gov/Documents/ExecOrders/2020/ExecutiveOrder-2020-10.pdf. You can also access a frequently asked questions document about the order by visiting https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/FAQ/Pages/Stay-At-Home-FAQS.aspx. 

E-learning 
We had an incredibly successful first week of e-learning. In addition to having an average attendance rate of 98%, our students, teachers and parents/guardians provided us with valuable feedback about how we can improve our plan going forward. As I mentioned above, our department chairs and administrators will be talking early next week about what the governor’s stay at home order will mean for instruction going forward. We will share an update by April 1 about any changes we intend to make.  

Food Insecurity 
We are partnering with our food service and transportation vendors to provide meals for families within the D86 community that are dealing with the issue of food insecurity. This service will continue to be provided while we are closed. 

Given the stay at home order issued by the governor, we will determine what changes need to be made to our food delivery plans/operations, and will communicate those directly to the families receiving this service. 

In addition, anyone who is interested in assisting with the food insecurity issue can use the links below to donate to local and national organizations that are offering services and support to those in need.


Standardized Testing
The federal government announced that it is waiving the standardized testing requirement. You can access additional information about this announcement by visiting https://bit.ly/2U4pj7j. We will share any news we receive from the state regarding this topic. 

AP Exams 
The College Board announced that it intends to administer 45-minute online AP exams. You can access additional information about this announcement, as well as details about the other resources the organization is making available to students and families, by visiting https://bit.ly/3drqd5E. 

Social Distancing
As part of his order today, Governor Pritzker has placed a ban on any gatherings of more than 10 people. Please continue to help reinforce how critical it is to practice social distancing during this time. 

Cleaning 
We have and will continue to work with our staff and vendors to ensure that our buildings are cleaned in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can access those guidelines by visiting https://bit.ly/2J6ocOm.  

Board and Committee Meetings
The governor’s stay at home order will impact our ability to hold and livestream/record board and committee meetings. While utilizing technology (e.g., phone, web conferencing, etc.) will likely remain the way we conduct these meetings during the closure, we plan to explore all of the options that are available. We will keep you abreast of these efforts, and will update you on the opportunities and resources the general public will be able to use to view and/or participate in the meetings. 

Events and Activities
Outside of the governor’s ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, the only other update we have about events and activities at this time is the information the Illinois High School Association has shared regarding spring sports. You can access that information by visiting https://www.ihsa.org/default.asp. 

Preventative Measures and Self-care
We strongly urge everyone to continue engaging in the preventative measures being recommended by local, state, national and international health organizations. These include:

  • Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used instead.
  • Not touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Staying home when you are sick.
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surface

The CDC has also created a page on its website that features tips about managing anxiety and stress. You can access that page by visiting http://bit.ly/33rnFjp. 
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