Glen Oaks Family Focus
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Newsletter Translation
Principals' Post
Hello Panther Families,
The goal of this edition of the Family Focus is to prepare you with information regarding school operations, and simple safety precautions you can take to keep your family safe related to the COVID-19 outbreak. As things evolve, we will continue to provide you with updates via our School Messenger system.
While we have no reported cases of COVID-19 in District 117, please understand that we are doing everything in our power to take precautionary measures that keep everyone safe and healthy here at Glen Oaks School.
Current Situation (as of 3.13.2020, 3:55 PM) - North Palos School District 117 has decided that schools will be closed for the week of 3/16-3/20.
Monday, 3/16 will be considered an "EMERGENCY DAY", which is comparable to taking a "SNOW DAY".
We will reopen AFTER Spring Break on 3/30.
Classification of Days During Closure
In response to the current situation, The Illinois State Board of Education has provided school districts the ability to create e-Learning plans as an opportunity to continue to stay connected to students in the case of a school closure due to precautionary measures associated with the COVID-19 virus.
At this point, NPD117 does not have a State-approved e-learning plan, nor do we plan to implement an e-learning plan on 3/16/20. This means that we will be using EMERGENCY DAYS with the expectation that these days will be made up at the end of the school year. These days are already built into our approved school calendar.
IF and WHEN our District's e-learning plan is approved - we MAY use e-learning days. E-learning days are days of attendance that are counted for students and staff.
IF and WHEN this decision is made, communication would be made in the following manner:
- E-learning day procedures and expectations would be posted on both the district and school websites.
- Email alerts and phone calls would be sent to parents and guardians with e-learning day protocols and expectations.
- The school community would be notified through phone calls, emails, and website/social media announcements when an e-learning day will be used.
Proactively, all Glen Oaks Students were sent home with a parent documentation packet IF we are to institute e-learning days. Please keep this packet in a safe place, as we would need it to be returned to school IF we utilize e-learning days. More information is to come regarding this procedure.
Thank you for understanding - these are unprecedented times and they call for unprecedented decisions, which do not come easily or quickly. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide your child with a productive experience while they are home from school. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us or your child's teacher with any questions you may have.
Stay home, stay safe, stay healthy!
Your partners in education,
Mrs. Kristin Reingruber, Principal
Dr. Carla Braun, Assistant Principal
Information Updates
North Palos School District 117 and Glen Oaks School utilize our SchoolMessenger system to provide families with information, notifications, and reminders via email, phone calls, and text messaging. This includes regular communication, as well as EMERGENCY and SCHOOL CLOSING information.
In order to receive text messages from NPD117 and Glen Oaks School, you need to subscribe or opt-in to receive text messages. To do so, TEXT the word “YES” to 67587. Once the mobile number has been successfully subscribed, a confirmation message will be delivered to your cell phone. If you are NOT sure you have opted-in to our text messaging service, please follow the directions above.
Please ensure that the email address(es) and cell phone number(s) you have on file with the school are up to date. If you are unsure if your modes of communication are up to date, please contact the Glen Oaks School office at 708-598-5711
Simple Ways to Protect Your Family - From the CDC
I know it sounds simple, but washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Please take a few moments to speak with your child about these handwashing procedures. We also have displayed the following handwashing reminders in all bathrooms for students and staff:
Five steps to follow every time when washing your hands - Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
REMEMBER - the easiest way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses (like Covid-19) is to follow simple, everyday preventive actions
Avoid close contact with sick people.
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze (use your ELBOW or ARM, NOT YOUR HAND)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; germs spread this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.
Glen Oaks School
Email: kreingruber@npd117.net
Website: www.npd117.net/glenoaks
Location: Hickory Hills, IL, USA
Phone: 708-598-5711
Twitter: @GlenOaksNPD117