CCSD15 Update
March 13, 2020
COVID-19 Update
Dear D15 Parents/Guardians:
Early Thursday evening, Governor J.B. Pritzker addressed the media regarding the rapidly evolving state of affairs as it relates to COVID-19. During his speech, he did not mandate that all Illinois schools close, but instead charged local school districts to determine the best course of action for the schools in their community.
Although we do not have a confirmed case in District 15 at this time, the health and safety of our students and staff must remain our top priority. In light of the increased recommendations for social distancing that were shared by the Governor, combined with the latest guidance from health and other government officials, we believe the most responsible action is to close all District 15 schools beginning on Monday, March 16 through at least Monday, March 30 when Spring Break is scheduled to conclude.
Our current plan is as follows:
Students and staff will not be in attendance beginning on Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. We will be utilizing our five emergency closure days during this time. This is the same process we use when school is closed for snow or inclement weather.
Please mark your calendar -- the revised last day of school is Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
Spring Break will be held as scheduled from Monday, March 23 through Monday, March 30. District 15 teaching staff will return to work on Monday, March 30 for a teacher work day.
Schools are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, March 31.
Before students leave school today, they will be reminded what they should bring home. We are treating this “clean-out” as we would before winter break. Students should remember to:
Clean out their locker and bring home any additional clothing/outerwear;
Empty desk and lockers of food items;
Bring water bottles home to be washed;
6-8th graders should bring technology devices and chargers home; and
Because we are not able to rely on all students having access to technology and Internet, teachers may have work they choose to send home for students to complete should our school closure extend beyond Spring Break.
You can expect to hear from District 15 over Spring Break regarding reopening of our schools or implementation of a Distance Learning Plan should an extended closure be required. Because the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact in our state remains fluid, we cannot provide a set date on which that decision will be made.
Additional Points of Information:
When District 15 schools are closed, C.A.R.E. is also closed.
Because we are utilizing emergency closure days along with a previously scheduled Spring Break, meals will not be provided by District 15 for students who qualify for free and reduced priced meals. We are working with community partners to develop a plan to provide food to families in need and will communicate any plans with you as soon as possible.
If your child has medication in the Nurse’s Office that will be needed over the school closure period, please make arrangements with the Nurse to pick up your child’s medication on Friday, if possible. Medications cannot be sent home with children, and must be retrieved by a parent or guardian.
There is a frequently asked questions page posted on the District’s website with additional answers to commonly asked questions. Our COVID-19 website will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
I thank you for your flexibility and patience as we navigate this unprecedented situation together. While I know there are still many unknowns at this time, and many things that continue to change and evolve, our promise is that we will keep you informed with any new information as soon as it becomes available to us.
Thank you for your continued partnership. We can and will get through this extraordinary challenge together.
Sincerely,
Laurie Heinz
Superintendent of Schools
Community Consolidated School District 15
Email: d15communications@ccsd15.net
Website: www.ccsd15.net
Location: 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL, USA
Phone: 847-963-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/CCSD15
Twitter: @D15Schools