Panther Post
April 3, 2020
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As you know, Governor Pritzker extended the stay-at-home order through April 30. The result of this extension means that we will not be able to hold in-person classes until at least May 1. While we are all frustrated with the current situation, we understand the necessity of the order to safeguard our community. To ensure the continued learning and wellbeing of our students, our current Distance Learning Plan and Student Meals will continue through the duration of the school closure.
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Message From the Principal
Dear Sullivan Families,
We hope that your family is staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. While getting used to the "new normal" of staying at home and teaching and learning remotely is a work in progress for all, I am so proud of the hard work and positive attitudes from all members of the Sullivan community. Our staff is in constant communication with each other as they plan, share ideas, and work to create learning opportunities that are manageable for students and families. I have been able to join virtual class meetings over the past two weeks, and seeing the kids' faces is the highlight of my days!
We realize that there are new challenges we all face as we work and learn from home, and understand that each situation is unique. Our administrative leadership team is listening to feedback from students, parents, and teachers, and we appreciate the positivity and problem-solving focus that our D23 community has demonstrated throughout this process. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns as we navigate this new reality of Remote Learning for the next month.
Please remember to stay in, stay healthy, and stay connected!
Warmly,
Traci Meziere
Principal
Anne Sullivan School
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Distance Learning Information
I am so proud of the ways that our teachers and staff have fully engaged and attacked this new challenge, and we will push forward with providing instructional activities and connecting with your child. To monitor and modify our current plan, we have convened a committee of dedicated staff, administrators, and parents to ensure the work is sustainable and has the greatest benefit for our students and families. Some of the issues that will be addressed in the committee include workload for students, grading practices, and eventually how we will transition back to in school instruction.
I know this is not the school year any of us imagined, but I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we have dealt with this unprecedented situation together. With a senior in high school myself, I share in the disappointment and sadness of the disruptions for our 8
th
graders’ last year in D23 and all those who worked hard and looked forward to our fine arts and extra-curricular activities. It is our intention to hold and/or reschedule end of year event including the Commencement ceremony, 5
th
Grade musical, and others.
Our goals and priorities continue to be:
- Feed and care for the extended safety, health, and welfare of students, families, staff, and community at large.
- Communicate clearly; share coherent, organized and controlled messages with staff, students and community.
- Provide for the continuity of learning.
- Provide support and assistance to First Responders and Community as needed.
We ask all parents for the following assistance:
- Please continue to submit attendance daily before 11:00am. If necessary, feel free to submit the form the night before.
- Monitor stress level and work load. If you or your child become overwhelmed or stressed, PLEASE STOP. Students' grades will not be effected negatively during our Distance Learning Days.
- Monitor Digital presence and privacy. We have disabled the ability for our students to generate Google Meets or Hangouts from their devices. They WILL be able to participate in and join sessions created by their teachers, just not student to student.
- Let us know if you need anything: technology, meals, assistance.
Thank you for your continued partnership and flexibility as we navigate this unique situation. It’s important we continue to work together and support our students.
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COVID in our Community
New guidance from the CDC and IDPH has removed the requirement for providing notice to families and staff when COVID-19 cases are confirmed. It is safe to assume, however, that we have already been touched by this virus and that more of our community will be in the next few weeks. On behalf of the District 23 Board of Education, Administration and staff, I extend our heartfelt best wishes for all those effected by the virus and we wish you a speedy and full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who may have family or friends who are facing critical health issues.
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PLEASE STAY HOME
Unfortunately, I need to add my voice to the chorus of officials reminding our community to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Especially with the warmer weather on its way, it is critically important that we resist the temptation to gather or play together outside. Over the past few days, we have observed groups of kids playing basketball at Patriot Park and others on our playground. As a reminder, all playgrounds have been closed to avoid spread of COVID-19
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We are pleased to announce that all district registration for returning families will once again be conducted online this year. In addition, we will be hosting two registration nights for district families in need of technical support and/or Spanish language translation. We encourage all district families to complete the registration process as soon as possible this year. If you and your family feel as though you may need assistance with the technology side of the process or Spanish translation, please plan to join us at Eisenhower School on either April 16th between 3:00pm and 7:30pm or April 30th between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. We look forward to seeing you there, so we can provide assistance with the registration process.
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Cam has continued to put forth his best effort towards his school work during our distance learning. We are so proud of his perseverance throughout this challenging time. His amazing attitude makes him a Pawsome Panther!
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Each week, a student from each grade level is recognized for their PAWSITIVE Panther attitude and for making our Sullivan community a better place to learn.
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Christoph has used flexibility and perseverance during the first two weeks of distance learning! He is being responsible in completing assignments and has been very helpful to his classmates!
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Kathy has done an amazing job transitioning to digital learning. She continues to try her best and have a positive attitude during this unique time. I am so proud of her flexibility and perseverance!
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Spiro completes his work daily and to the best of his ability. He continues to ask questions and provide helpful feedback. Spiro is PAWSOME!
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3/30: Distance Learning resumes through 4/30
4/10: Non-Attendance Day
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Community Partner Resources
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