District 109 Community Update

March 19th, 2021

Spring break is here! We hope everyone is able to relax, unwind, and unplug while continuing to be socially distanced and safe. We have made incredible progress as a community to reopen schools. Let's all look out for each other and keep this positive momentum going.



Here's a reminder about the latest quarantine protocols & information. DPS 109 cannot impose a mandatory quarantine on those who travel so we are strongly encouraging everyone that no matter what your plans are, you and your family stay safe, observe social distancing, and get a chance to recharge your batteries!

Grades, Attendance, and Class Schedules Posted at 3 p.m. in Family Access

Grades, Attendance, and Class Schedules Posted at 3 p.m. in Family Access

Click on the Skyward image to head to Family Access and check out grades, schedules, and more.
Grades, Attendance, and Class Schedules Posted at 3 p.m. in Family Access

New CDC Guidance Says 3 Feet of Distancing In Schools

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The CDC released new guidance this afternoon that continues to align with what we are practicing in DPS 109. The two major points are:



  • In elementary schools, CDC recommends all students remain at least 3 feet apart in classrooms where mask use is universal — regardless of whether community transmission is low, moderate, substantial, or high.
  • In middle and high schools, CDC also recommends students should be at least 3 feet apart in classrooms where mask use is universal and in communities where transmission is low, moderate, or substantial.
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COVID Metrics Update

Click for COVID Data Dashboard

-5-day SHIELD positivity rate is 0.0002% (March 12-18)

-Overall SHIELD positivity rate is 0.08% (out of all valid samples collected since Feb 17)


-New cases per 100K is 52.5 for zip code 60015 (orange range)


-New cases per 100K for Lake County is 62.3 (orange range)


-Positivity rate for Lake County is 2.8% (blue range)

Click for COVID Data Dashboard
DPS 109 COVID News Update: Friday, March 19

Something GOOD: Getting The Strings Back Together

It has been a YEAR since many of our instrumental music students have had an opportunity to play together as a group. It was great to see our young musicians at Caruso and Shepard in class this week! Below is Mrs. Biasello leading the 8th grade group at Shepard, and 6th grade violinists playing scales at Caruso.
8th Grade Orchestra at Shepard
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5 Essentials Survey -- We Need You!

5 Essentials Survey -- We Need You!


We still need more parents to participate! The deadline is April 2nd!


Click the button and select the appropriate survey to begin. Your identity and responses will be kept completely confidential and will not be connected to you or your child. The survey should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete.

5 Essentials Survey -- We Need You!
10 Days Until Kindergarten Registration!

10 Days Until Kindergarten Registration!

If you're planning on coming, please consult the checklist below before you leave for the district office!


Q: If I have submitted my child's online application with all required documents and have been to the District Office to show the original birth certificate, do I still need to come to Drop-in Registration?


A: No, you do not need to come to Drop-in Registration. Still have questions? Please contact Katy Ruocco at kruocco@dps109.org.

10 Days Until Kindergarten Registration!
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The BEST Thing We Saw This Week: Raising Awareness For Others With #LotsOfSocks

Today and this weekend, you may see a bunch of students with unique sock combinations! That's because classrooms across 109 are supporting the #LotsOfSocks campaign, , which is meant to encourage acceptance and celebrate differences we have as part of World Down Syndrome Day, which is Sunday. Below is a picture from Mrs. Kray's Early Learners!


Click here to learn more about the #LotsofSocks Campaign!


Click here for a video about World Down Syndrome Day


Click here to learn more about Down Syndrome. Included are videos created by children/adolescents who have Down Syndrome.

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