Superintendent's Corner 😎 🏫 😎
Avoca District 37
In this issue...
- Coronavirus update
- Black History Month Highlight
- Summer School Opportunities - Sign Up Now
- Student Fees for 2020-21
- Board Meeting Review / Preview
- Notification of Policy Update
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update
The primary way for students and staff to avoid the flu, COVID-19, and other viruses is by hand washing, covering while coughing and sneezing, and staying home if experiencing symptoms, including a fever. Additionally, students and staff should seek the guidance of their doctor when experiencing these types of symptoms.
Per our standard practice, our custodial and maintenance staff, including those we contract with for overnight services, wipe down surfaces such as tables and desks, and every classroom is cleaned daily. Additionally, disinfectant is used daily as appropriate to clean the cafeteria, bathrooms, and other common areas. Furthermore, we are communicating with staff to minimize the sharing of student supplies for the time-being and each classroom will be provided its own disinfectant wipes to more regularly wipe down surfaces, doorknobs, and the like.
It is possible that if the virus spreads locally, a large number of teacher and/or student absences could occur. We would consult with the state and regional offices of education regarding how such absences might require school to be closed, but at this time we do not see that as a likelihood. There are restrictions regarding people who have recently traveled to China, about which you can read more by clicking here. Additionally, we know The Cook County Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Public Health are developing more specific guidance as the situation evolves, and we will monitor any guidance those agencies issue.
Thank you for your patience, support, and vigilance during this uncertain period.
Black History Month Highlight
Summer School Opportunities in District 39
You can find the offerings and registration information here. Sign up as soon as you can.
Mardi Gras Masquerade
Fun with Masks
Learning from our elders
Student Fees for 2020-21
These were painful decisions to make but principles were used to guide the decisions. Except for Orchestra, the goal is that eventually any fee accounts for 50% of the program costs. So, the fee for an athletic activity - by 2022 - will account for 50% of the costs of that activity. From last year until 2022 fees will be incrementally increased toward achieving that goal. Related to transportation, the fee was made uniform for all riders, which is consistent with how other districts levy their transportation fee. Likewise, the more students who ride the bus, the District can potentially reduce or hold flat the bus fee over time. You can see all the fees approved for 2020-21 here. Note that there is a multi-student discount for Orchestra.
Any student eligible for a lunch fee waiver under current federal guidelines will have their student fees waived. Additionally, we will use a sliding scale so that even families who are not eligible for full waivers can get a partial waiver. All of this information will be posted in coming weeks and additional communication steps will be taken to make sure those eligible for full or partial waivers can obtain them.
Our fees are within the range of what other local districts charge. However, because of our financial status, the District has had to implement them together sooner, so that can be challenging for families and feel like a shock. We appreciate your patience as we work to do everything we can to ensure the District's financial stability going into the future.
Board Meeting Review / Preview
- Budget Expenditure Reductions - Discussion
- Preliminary Staffing Plan for 2020-21 - Discussion
- Approval of Fees for 2020-21 - Action
- Approval of Summer 2020 Construction - Action
- Approval of the Teen Dating Violence Policy - Action
March 5
- Continuum of Services Recommendations - Discussion
- Budget Expenditure Reductions - Discussion
- Facility Lease Agreement - Athletic Fields - Action
- Intergovernmental Agreement with Wilmette Park District - Action
Notice of Policy 7.185 Implementation
Contact us
Email: osburnk@avoca37.org
Website: www.avoca37.org
Location: 2921 Illinois Road, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-728-4128
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: @AvocaOsburn