The Hawk
Holmes Elementary School - Week Ending 9/10/21
IMPORTANT DATES/THINGS TO REMEMBER
- 1st Trimester Benchmark Assessments Window - 9/7-10/1
- 1st Day of Hispanic Heritage Month - 9/15
- School Picture Day - 9/27
- Virtual School-Wide Assembly - Hispanic Heritage Month 9/30
Updates to District 97 Remote Learning Plan, Effective Sept. 13, 2021
Since the start of the 2021-22 school year, District 97 has been providing remote instruction for quarantined students through the use of dedicated remote substitutes. However, this plan is simply not working for our students, who are losing much-needed access to their teachers and classroom instruction when they are required to quarantine at home. Additionally, our district, like so many others, is facing a shortage of substitute teachers, making it more difficult to implement the original plan for remote learning.
Although there are no perfect solutions to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is our responsibility to meet the needs of our students and provide as much continuity of learning as possible. For the past week, the district has been engaged in discussions with leadership from the Oak Park Teachers’ Association (OPTA) to identify a solution that would provide greater access for students while they are quarantined or excluded from school. Together, we are moving forward with a letter of agreement to provide a “window into the classroom,” or passive learning, to students who are quarantined or excluded from school.
Based on the agreement, District 97 will utilize the following procedures for students participating in remote learning beginning Sept. 13:
- Once teachers are notified that a student in their class has been quarantined, they must set up a Zoom meeting each day for the duration of the quarantine. The Zoom link must be shared with parents via email or the designated learning management system.
- Teachers will be responsible for turning on only the audio during the Zoom session. If a teacher is using the whiteboard or presenting, the camera will be turned on only for that portion of the lesson.
- Students who join the class remotely will not be able to raise their hand, participate in any class discussion, or use the chat feature.
- Teachers will provide all material needed for the class through the designated learning management system, or teachers may place a packet of materials that parents or siblings may pick up from the main office of the school. The decision is at the teacher’s discretion.
Qualifying for Remote Learning: As a reminder, remote learning will only be provided to any student who is under quarantine or excluded from school consistent with guidance or requirements from the local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health. This includes:
- Students who test positive for COVID-19;
- Students who are identified as close contacts;
- Students who are symptomatic and awaiting a COVID-19 test;
- Siblings of symptomatic students who are excluded from school, pending a negative COVID-19 test.
Students who are sick or absent for reasons unrelated to confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases will not be provided access to the Zoom link.
Face Mask Reminders
Wearing face masks consistently and correctly is a key strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. Below are a few important reminders for students, staff, and families:
- The face-covering should cover the mouth and nose at all times. The CDC Use of Face Coverings provides helpful explanations about the use and care of face coverings.
- Bandanas, masks with valves, and gaiters are not allowed in District 97 schools, as they allow for leakage of aerosolized droplets.
- District 97 expects all students and staff to bring and wear their own cloth or disposable masks whenever possible and appropriate. Anyone who forgets their reusable mask will be provided a disposable mask. If possible, students should
keep a second cloth mask with their belongings.
SEL Corner
Second Step is the curriculum we use across our entire district to teach important social-emotional learning skills. This past week students were taught lesson 2, which helped them learn important skills for learning such as focusing attention, using self-talk, and listening with attention. Below are “Home Links” that provide some information about what your student learned and some possible ways you can extend that learning to your own home. Not every grade level will have a home link each week!
Kindergarten: Focusing Attention
First Grade: Focusing Attention
Fourth Grade: Listening with AttentionShare Your Thoughts on the Next D97 Superintendent!
Curriculum Night Presentations
2021-22 Frequently Asked Questions
District 97 has created a 2021-22 FAQ page based on the top questions we have received over the past few weeks. Topics include ventilation, remote learning, vaccination and travel.
Our back-to-school plan is linked below and can also be found, along with other COVID-19 resources and information, by going to https://www.op97.org/back-to-school.
District 97 Now Hiring!
Certified Nursing Assistants
District 97 is seeking part-time certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to support the nursing staff in our schools. Applicants must have completed or graduated from an Illinois-approved accredited school of nursing, college, or CNA/Patient Care Tech program, and hold a current CNA or Patient Care Tech certification in Illinois. CLICK HERE to apply!
Permanent Substitutes
District 97 has immediate openings for permanent substitute teachers. If you know anyone who is looking to work with children, earn competitive pay and give back to the community, please encourage them to apply today at: https://www.op97.org/hr/employment.
Lunch/Recess Supervisors
To support our students and staff during the school day, we are still seeking more parents and community members to serve as lunchroom/recess supervisors during the 2021-22 school year. It's easy to apply, and your time would have a direct impact on our schools. CLICK HERE to apply!
Free/Reduced Meal Application
Although students will receive free meals, parents/guardians will need to submit the 2021-22 Free and Reduced Meal Application and be approved in order to be considered for a school fee waiver and other state programs. We encourage all families who currently qualify to take a few minutes to complete the application as soon as possible. Please visit https://www.op97.org/business-office/food-service for more information.
Celebrate Holmes Staff
Families, have you noticed a Holmes teacher or staff member who deserves a compliment or a thank you? Has this person made a difference for your child? Please share the reason in a brief email to me (czelaya@op97.org) so that we may recognize and thank them!
Community Hawk Nest
Inviting Hispanic Families to Contribute to Morning Announcements
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15th - Oct 15th), we would love to include facts about Hispanic people/countries/artifacts in our morning announcements. We feel the facts would best honor the month if it came from Holmes’s Hispanic community. Please fill out this form if you would like to contribute: Hispanic Heritage Month
Dr. Christine Zelaya
Email: czelaya@op97.org
Website: http://www.op97.org/holmes/
Location: 508 N Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park, IL, United States
Phone: 708-524-3100
Facebook: facebook.com/christine.zelaya.96
Twitter: @ChristineZelaya
Contact your PTO
Email: pto@holmespto.org
Website: https://www.holmespto.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolmesPTO/
Twitter: @HolmesPTO