Spartan Weekly
Shepard Middle School 2/18/22
Long Weekend...
Happy Weekend Spartan Families!
With the district’s announcement this morning about moving to a mask recommended environment starting on Wednesday, February 23rd, we are asking each family to talk to their children about their mask expectations. Some students, families, and staff will choose to transition away from masks, while others will continue to wear the mask. The goal at Shepard and in all schools in District 109, is to maintain the focus on teaching and learning. We respectfully request that you not reach out to your child’s teacher with your masking preferences, as they will not be enforcing any individual expectations. Below is some additional information that may assist you in the conversation.
Addressing the Change
Explain to children that rules about masks have changed and that whether to wear the mask or not is a family choice.
Respecting Everyone’s Choice
School is an emotionally safe place for everyone, and it will remain that way.
All children should be encouraged to promote kindness no matter others’ choices. They should be reminded that families have different circumstances that may be impacting their decision to mask or not mask.
Children should not question or try to persuade another to change their decision. Any disrespectful comments/behaviors towards others based on their choice to mask or not mask is unacceptable and will be addressed immediately.
Physical Health & Safety
Schools will continue to have students practice good hygiene, including washing or sanitizing their hands regularly.
Distancing practices will be maintained in classrooms and at lunch.
If students do not feel well, they should stay home.
If a child tests positive for COVID, they still need to isolate.
Shield testing and testing for symptomatic individuals will continue to be offered.
If you have specific health and safety concerns about your child and believe they may meet the criteria for home/hospital instruction, contact Joanna Ford at jford@dps109.org
Social-Emotional Health & Safety Considerations
If a child is having difficulty understanding, or if they are feeling nervous or anxious in any way, they should be provided space to individually talk about their feelings with a trusted adult. School staff will be ready to offer support. Some examples are as follows:
For children who are shy or have social anxiety, the mask may have offered another level of security.
Masks have been talked about synonymously with safety, so some children will need support to feel comfortable about the abandonment of masks.
Some children, particularly adolescents, have reported feeling less self-conscious about body image while wearing the mask.
Thank you for your ongoing flexibility and support.
Mr. C, Mrs. Zlotnikov and Mrs. Logemann
**Don't forget about our extra long weekend:
2/21 = Presidents' Day (No School)
2/22 = Teacher Professional Development (No School)
Track and Field
If your Spartan still has not found an extra curricular activity to connect to...the time is now!
Track and Field season is about to get underway and the coaches will be holding a (no obligation) informational meeting after school on March 1st.
Tuesday, 3/1: Informational Meeting for anyone interested in leaning more about the sport. The group will meet in the lunchroom.
-All grade levels are welcome
-Track and Field is a "No Cut" sport
Contact Coach Ramsden or Coach Rummelhart for more information.
SHIELD Testing (Weekly Opt Out Form)
- If your student has consent to test, we will assume they will come down during their scheduled time (a reminder announcement will be made for each time slot.
- SHIELD Testing remains optional. If for any reason you do not want your child to submit a test sample on Wednesday, February 23, please click here.
If you have questions, please call our office at 847-948-0620
Important D109 Information
2022-2023 D109 Calendar
The official 2022 - 2023 School Year Calendar was approved by the Board of Education on November 19th, 2021. Please see the calendar on the DPS109 website.