Dear Parents,

Health and Human Growth is part of our D15 curriculum at all grade levels. We have had several questions in regard to providing instruction for our health curriculum during our unique 2020-21 school year. We understand that some of our schools provide this instruction in gender specific classrooms and that due to the advent of not being in our schools, this is not possible at this time. Additionally, conversations surrounding puberty and other sensitive topics are best done while in a traditional classroom or in smaller virtual meetings. However, we also know that because our students at home may not have privacy, this is not the best scenario for delivery of this content.

We have asked our teachers to provide lessons that relate to food, personal care and general wellness as part of the distance learning instruction. These will meet the guidelines for health during our distance learning. Topics that are “sensitive” will not be addressed during distance learning.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

Thank you,

The Department of Teaching and Learning.

Each year District 15 students who are English Learners are provided the ACCESS test. These assessments measure the English language proficiency level of your child in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. All students who qualify for English language support are required to be administered this assessment regardless of whether or not they are currently receiving direct programming support or have refused services for the 2020-21 school year.

This year, we will conduct the test in person, and so all English learners, both virtual and in person learners, will be asked to test during the months of January and February. Last week, a letter was sent home to families requesting families indicate if your child is not able to come in person to take the test. If so, we kindly ask that you please email the Principal (molinska@ccsd15.net) or Assistant Principal (danielca@ccsd15.net) at Jane Addams to share your reason for not testing (ISBE requires this documentation). We also included with the letter a space to indicate that your child would not be participating. If not testing is a necessary option for your child, you can simply return this letter to Jane Addams.

It is important to note that students who are English Language Learners who do not participate in this assessment will not have the opportunity to reclassify or exit ESL programming and will for certain continue as English learners in the 2021-22 school year (of course those who refuse services may continue to do so).

Please let your child's teacher or the school office know if you need another copy of the testing notification for your child.

Thank you.