The Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Board of Education meeting will be held in person at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School with open session beginning at 7 p.m.

Members of the public who would like to address the Board may do so in person. Public comment forms will be placed in the atrium prior to the start of the meeting. Those wishing to make a statement should fill out the form and hand it to the Board secretary.

Virtual viewing access of the meeting will move from Facebook to YouTube. The District has chosen to switch platforms to allow access for those watching on a district-issued device (Facebook is blocked on student Chromebooks). Additionally, YouTube offers wider translation and closed captioning tools for those who need those services. The District’s YouTube page is available to view by clicking here.

Please remember to carefully screen your children (and all household members) before sending them to school each day. If anyone in your household is experiencing a COVID-19 symptom, everyone must stay home until one of three scenarios is completed:

• 10 days have past since symptom onset OR;

• Negative RT-PCR test result is provided (rapid tests are not accepted by schools, per the Illinois Department of Public Health) OR;

• Healthcare provider gives alternative diagnosis.

We are now into January, which means Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it! In a typical school year, this would mean we’d be working with our PTAs to plan classroom parties and activities to mark the occasion. Due to the abundance of restrictions that continue to be in place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be able to host classroom parties this year, or exchange treats/cards with classmates.

While this does not come as a surprise, we know it is still disappointing to hear. It is certainly something we all look forward to and are disappointed these activities will not be able to take place this school year.

However, much like we did with Halloween, we will have a district-wide spirit day on Friday, February 12 where students and staff are encouraged to wear red and pink to mark the occasion. In addition, classroom teachers may choose to play bingo, have Valentine’s Day story time or another socially distanced activity of their choice. More information will come at the building and classroom level.