News from Sundling Junior High
April 13, 2020
Letter from the Principal
Hello Sundling Families,
I hope that your and your family enjoyed the three day weekend, and that you continue to stay well and remain active as we move into the third week of Distance Learning at Sundling. As we move into another week of school from home, I know that there are still many unanswered questions about school related items; including when will we return to school, is the work assigned too little or too much, how does grading work, what will be done about 8th grade graduation, placement decisions, and much more. Please know that as a school and district, we are working daily to find answers to those questions while still balancing the overall care and wellness for all in our school community. This is no easy task with a large and diverse school district, with an everchanging climate, and many unknowns. Please know that as we get updated information, and as these decisions are made we will continue to communicate with all of you. We continue to remain hopeful that schools will reopen after April 30th, but we just don't know.
It was exciting to see students and teachers learning together and interacting through various platforms again this week. I saw fantastic Spanish recipes, a Community Band Concert, student created memes, short stories, students and staff dressed up for Spirit Week, and much more. As we continue through Distance Learning, please continue to reach out to your child's teacher if you need help, or have any questions. We continue to learn and improve with each day, while we all try to juggle both working from and learning from home. This can be difficult with so many distractions and other things continuing to pull at us! It is critical that we continue to communicate and support each other, and I am pleased and grateful to see so many positive examples of both during this time.
We are starting week #3 of Distance Learning. Here are a few reminders:
- Please be sure that your child complete(s) the online attendance form linked below daily. The attendance link is the same for the entire building and can be completed by a student or parent. Our school day starts at 8:30 and ends at 2:30. Attendance should be submitted by 10:00. Late submissions are possible and still accepted by the form.
Sundling attendance form:
Walter R. Sundling Junior High - D15 Distance Learning Attendance Form
- Sundling teachers are available from 8:30-11:30 and 12:30-2:30 daily to engage with students and parents about the Distance Learning activities.
- Your child's teacher will continue to provide Distance Learning lessons for your child via a digital platform. Our teachers will be using Google Classroom to provide learning opportunities, and your child is very familiar with this tool. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to streamline and organize materials to ensure consistency and communication.
Although the school is closed, I will continue to be available by email. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have. I can be reached at dietzj@ccsd15.net .
As always, thanks for your continued support of our school, students, and staff!
Take care and stay well.
Sincerely,
Jason Dietz
Principal
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @SundlingJH and Instagram @wrsjhpaladins
Comcast Internet Essentials Program
As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, Comcast has taken immediate steps to make it easier to connect low-income families to home Internet. New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service if they apply by April 30, 2020. After promotion, regular rates apply.
- For all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service has increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.
- Households with outstanding debt owed to Comcast may be eligible for Internet Essentials. We are waiving this qualification if you apply and are approved by 5/13/20. After 5/13/20, standard eligibility rules apply.
Here are some quick links to the program and direct links to the application.
https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
https://Apply.InternetEssentials.com = English Application Portal
https://Aplicar.InternetEssentials.com = Spanish Application Portal
Applicants can still call into the IE call center but call activity has been very high so using a smartphone to complete the application is the quickest way to get processed. We’ve connected thousands of local families since we launched this new promotion March 16th.
Keep Reading- VISIT A VIRTUAL LIBRARY
The link below provides many, many resources for families in a time when we do not have access to libraries or book stores. There is something for everyone! If you have any questions or need any assistance navigating any of the platforms, please contact Mrs. Tomal at tomalg@ccsd15.net
Talking with children about Covid-19
Below are a few resources for you to peruse. I am confident you will preview and use what you feel is most appropriate for your family.
Family Resource for coping with Covid-19.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
For up-to-date information from the district, please visit the D15 COVID-19 website.
In addition, here are a few child-friendly resources that can be used directly with your student(s):
Brain Pop Video : this is a great video explaining the virus and how to stay healthy.
The Yucky Bug : Youtube book by Julia Cook "The Yucky Bug".
Coronavirus Social Story : Easy read social story
Food Distribution Continues
Online Registration for the 2020/21 School Year is Open NOW!
Online registration is now open for all students attending District 15 schools in the 2020-21 school year!
We opened registration earlier this year to allow families more time to complete the process. Please visit www.ccsd15.net/registration for information and instructions on how to register your child. If you are having trouble completing the process, please contact your child’s school office for assistance.
Internet Service Provider Assistance Programs
Community Consolidated School District 15 recognizes that providing internet at home may represent a financial hardship for some families. Internet providers recognize this need as well and have programs in place for qualifying families:
To locate additional companies that offer low-cost internet, please visit:
Our community also offers free Wi-Fi at various locations. Find links to locations in our community and surrounding areas that offer free Wi-Fi:
Walter R. Sundling Junior High School
Website: www.ccsd15.net/WRS
Location: 1100 North Smith Street, Palatine, IL, USA
Phone: 847-963-3700