KSD140 Connection
A Message from Superintendent Dr. Shawn M. Olson
On Wednesday, November 11, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced record-breaking confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in the State. Due to this increase, IDPH asked that individuals limit travel and gatherings, work from home if possible, and participate in essential activities only. These rising metrics raise concerns about our hybrid learning program and our ability to continue with in-person learning.
The metrics show that the positivity rates in our zip codes are very high. On the contrary, the positivity rates in our schools remain relatively low. I have received several inquiries regarding what the school metrics need to be in order for me to move the entire District to fully remote instruction. In making that decision, we look at each building individually, considering the number of staff that are quarantined, Covid-19 positive, and unable to work remotely. We also look at the number of quarantined students and the transmission rate within the buildings. These are the most significant factors in determining whether or not individual schools can remain open. I intend to keep the buildings open and continue with in-person learning as long as we have the staff to do so and do not have a student outbreak.
Another concern that presented this week was transportation. Due to a shortage of drivers, we’ve had to combine some bus routes. Currently, we can run these routes and provide transportation as described in our back-to-school plan. It is important to note that if our current shortage continues, or if we lose or have to quarantine more drivers, adjustments will have to be made. Specifically, we may only be able to provide bus service to students who have transportation as part of their Individualized Education Plans (IEP.) We are investigating multiple solutions so that we do not have to take that extreme measure, but based upon our number of drivers, it may become a hard reality.
Finally, I would like to ask you all to continue to do your part in keeping our schools open. Please talk to your students attending school in-person and stress the importance of wearing their masks at all times, even at the bus stops. Please limit your student’s exposure outside of school. I hear you when you say that the students need to be in school. The only way to achieve this common goal is to keep our students and staff healthy.
Thank you so much for your partnership as we continue to move forward with the 2020-21 school year!
Respectfully,
Dr. Shawn M. Olson
Superintendent
Report Cards Available in Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Beginning Friday, November 13 at 3:00 p.m., first-quarter student report cards can be viewed through our Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please click here to download instructions on how to access elementary and middle school student report cards.
If you need assistance accessing the Parent Portal, please contact your school office.
D140 COVID-19 Dashboard
As we prepare to welcome students back to in-person learning on November 4th, we’ve added a COVID-19 Dashboard to our Update Center.
The dashboard will provide the community with current information regarding districtwide positive COVID-19 cases and quarantine information. It will be updated each Friday by 10:00 am.
Kirby School District 140
Email: webmaster@ksd140.org
Website: ksd140.org
Location: 16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL
Phone: (708) 532-6462
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksd140
Twitter: @KirbySD140