February 18, 2021
Community Consolidated School District 89 would like to thank all of the students who have been working so hard this school year, as well as every family member who has been part of our extended learning community.

Next week, the district expects to communicate updated information about the expansion of in-person learning. Please continue to check district communications for more information. As we have throughout this process, we will keep you informed at each step so you can help your children prepare.

There are long-term health trends consistently moving in a good direction. Infections rates at the county still show substantial spread, but they have been steadily decreasing. Vaccines are becoming more widely available and many of our staff members have had the opportunity to begin the vaccination process.

At each step we've taken since last March, the district has had to balance health and safety, staffing and resources, and a consistent educational environment. Our goal remains to safely move toward a more traditional educational environment while supporting all our in-person and remote learners. At this time, we have about 1,400 students learning in school buildings and more than 700 students learning fully from home. (Remote learning will continue to be an option for all families in the 2020-21 school year.)

Expanding in-person learning depends on so many factors beyond infection rates - down to the physical shape of rooms, the number of students who have selected to stay remote, and much more. Regulations continue to be updated; the CDC released new criteria this week that we are incorporating into our plans.

All these details are crucial for building a healthy environment for all of our students, their families, and our staff. The next step will bring new opportunities and challenges, and our staff will be ready to support your students. Thank you again for your patience and persistence during this challenging year.
Congrats to CCSD 89 Educator of the Year Chris Gillis!
Congratulations to Briar Glen preschool teacher Chris Gillis! She was chosen as the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce CCSD 89 Educator of the Year. Gillis was chosen because of her commitment to making the community a better place to live, learn, and work.
Gillis grew up wanting to be an educator. After 32 years working with preschool students, she's still having fun every day teaching three-, four- and five-year-olds.

“When you have to come to school and you're three years old, if I don’t make it fun to learn, how are they going to do with the next 14 years of school?” she said. “I see it as part of my mission to make sure they enjoy coming to school.”

Read more about this outstanding educator: https://bit.ly/3qkuC0i
Please participate in brief needs assessment survey
The Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE) provides special education support and services for several local school districts, including CCSD 89. CASE and CCSD 89 are required to complete an annual Parent Education survey to best meet the needs of students with disabilities and their families. The information gathered through this survey will assist in planning professional development for staff as well as supports for students. 
 
Please complete the anonymous survey through one of the following links:
 
The survey will close February 28. The results of the survey will be shared with each school district. If you have questions, contact Jennifer Volpe at jvolpe@casedupage.com
Free meals available on 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Friday this week
Because Monday's meal pickup was postponed by inclement weather, free meals will be available from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, February 19, at all five CCSD 89 schools. After this week, the schedule will return to the traditional Monday-and-Wednesday schedule.

Meals are available from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, or 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at all schools. Info: https://bit.ly/30JeH0s
No school on February 26 for Teacher Institute
There will be no in-person or remote school on Friday, February 26 (teacher institute day). Second trimester ends on February 24.
Latest CCSD 89 COVID-19 information: www.ccsd89.org/COVID
DuPage County health metrics: www.ccsd89.org/Page/8934
CCSD 89 COVID-19 notifications: www.ccsd89.org/notify
CCSD 89 surveillance testing results: https://bit.ly/3om17Ks
When should your child stay home from school? https://youtu.be/PleSU04ltbM
Print a self-certification ticket: www.ccsd89.org/certify
February 22: Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m.
February 24: Second trimester ends
February 26: No school (Teacher Institute)