Update Center

Dear District 99 Community,

Community High School District 99, Downers Grove Grade School District 58, and local community leaders congratulate the Class of 2020. While we want community members to celebrate our well-deserving students for their hard work and accomplishments, we also ask you to please consider how the actions you take during this time will affect our entire community.

The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and DuPage Regional Office of Education wrote a letter directing school districts to not conduct any type of in-person graduation ceremony, including drive-through ceremonies. Therefore, we ask families to voluntarily comply with their recommendations, along with the Governor’s Stay-at-Home Order, and not participate in celebratory parades and group ceremonies. We have rescheduled the date for when we will officially celebrate our graduates to June 30, 2020 for North High and July 1, 2020 for South High. Details regarding those celebrations will be released in the next few weeks. 

We are pleased that the mayors of Downers Grove, Woodridge, Lisle and Darien have declared Friday, May 22, 2020 as “The Class of 2020 Day” to commemorate graduates of Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School. On May 22 at 20:20 (8:20 p.m.), residents are invited to give a “20-Second Cheer” for the graduates from their yards while practicing proper social distancing. We also encourage you to tie a blue and/or purple ribbon around a tree or balcony to show your support for our graduates.

Up to this point we have all worked hard and made many sacrifices to get through the phases needed to safely reopen our community. I appreciate the community spirit and unity as we have worked through these difficult times. The Class of 2020 will certainly be remembered as one that put the needs of others before themselves.

Thank you,

Dr. Hank Thiele 

District 99 Superintendent

Dear District 99 Students and Families,

I hope you are doing well and keeping safe.

As you may be aware, on May 5, Governor Pritzker released “Restore Illinois,” a five-phased plan to reopen Illinois. This is an initial framework based upon regional healthcare availability, and it recognizes the distinct impact COVID-19 has had on different regions of our state as well as regional variations in hospital capacity. 

We have been working closely with the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) and the DuPage County Regional Office of Education, and they have communicated that no large in-person school-organized gatherings should be held for the entire summer unless a vaccine or effective and widely available treatment becomes available, or until there is elimination of new cases over a sustained period of time through herd immunity or other factors. The DCHD has also shared this is very unlikely to occur any time soon based on the current data.
  
Unfortunately, this means that our previous announcements and plans for in-person graduation and prom must be canceled. Please know that we were being optimistic and hopeful when we made our plans for graduation and prom, and we are disappointed for our senior students and families who were looking forward to these milestone events. We are unable to hold prom but will develop a new plan for honoring and celebrating members of the Class of 2020 in a meaningful way on the rescheduled graduation day. We know these can never replace these traditional events, but we will do our best to honor the memories of your high school experience. 

For senior students, the collection and distribution of items (Chromebooks, locker items, caps and gowns, etc.) will continue as planned (see North and South.) Your school will share details of the process for all other students soon. 

In addition, summer camps are canceled. Summer school will continue as a virtual program. Please stay tuned for details.

Moving forward, the DCHD will communicate how and when we will return to normal operations. According to the state plan and the DCHD, we are currently in Phase 2, schools may start to open at Phase 4 with guidance of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and we likely will need to be in Phase 5 to fully reopen large high schools like ours.

These are difficult and disappointing times for all of us. We are all experiencing a sense of loss and confusion about the future. We will continue to do our best to manage the coming weeks and months to ensure that students receive the care and support they need to continue their learning. 

Thank you,

Hank

Hi all,

I was communicating with seniors today about end-of-the-year information for them.  One thing that I shared is some questions that have come up.  They are pasted in below as a FAQ.

I hope that everyone is staying healthy.  I miss you all.

Stay well,

Mr. Schwartz

Remote Learning FAQ's

Q:  When is the last day of Remote Learning?

A:  Remote Learning for seniors who are passing their classes will end on May 15. Remote Learning for 9th-11th graders and any senior who is in danger of failing or earning an incomplete in a class will end on May 19.  

Q:  Will there be final exams?

A:  Final exams will not be given as they traditionally have been administered. While there might be some classes where a cumulative assessment is given, any such assessment will not carry the weight of a final exam, and there will be no final exam schedule.

Q:  Can a student’s semester grade be impacted by Remote Learning?

A:  If a student has been sufficiently engaged throughout Remote Learning, the student’s semester grade can go up but not down. During Remote Learning, teachers will continue to assess student learning and enter grades into the Home Access Center. This can certainly cause a grade to fluctuate up and/or down over time. If, at the end of Remote Learning a student’s grade has risen, that is the grade the student will receive for the semester grade.  If, at the end of the semester, the grade of a student who has engaged in learning and their grade has dropped because of assignments during remote learning, the grade will revert back to what it was prior to Remote Learning.  

Q:  What would cause a student to earn an Incomplete grade instead of a passing grade for the semester?

A:  If a student hasn’t been sufficiently engaged in Remote Learning and/or has not demonstrated an understanding of essential learning in the course, a student will be assigned an Incomplete grade for the semester and will not earn credit for the course until the work has been completed in a way that demonstrates mastery of the learning. Just as occurs in a normal school setting, the number and types of assignments vary from course to course so there is not a universal number of assignments that must be completed in order to earn a passing grade. Teachers will collaborate with their colleagues to determine the baseline of essential skills needed to earn passing grades.

Q:  How do students and families know if a student is in danger of earning an incomplete for the course?

A:  There are actually several warning signs:

Each Friday, teachers take attendance based on engagement for the week. If students have been sufficiently engaged in the work for that week, they are marked present. If they have not, then they are marked absent. Therefore, any student who has been marked absent on a Friday should interpret that as a warning of an Incomplete grade.

Students who are earning a D or F in the course (either prior to Remote Learning began or currently) are in danger of earning an Incomplete.  

Between May 4 and May 11, teachers will notify a student and family if they are in danger of earning an Incomplete grade for the semester.

Q:  What should a student do to ensure they do not receive an Incomplete grade?

A:  The single most important thing that a student should do is engage in all aspects of their learning.  Students should complete their assignments each week, participate in virtual classroom sessions, and if they have questions, they should contact their teachers for help. Deans, counselors, and other staff members are also available to assist.

Q:  What happens when a student gets an Incomplete grade?

A:  The student will be expected to make up the work.  Teachers will complete and share a form that outlines the deficient skills and assignments to be completed. One or more of the following may occur if students earn an Incomplete grade:

Require student to complete assignments that demonstrate learning of essential skills and/or content.

Assign student to a Remote Learning Summer School Class (yet to be determined).

Change student schedule for next year due to not completing the work or not meeting the prerequisites for the next level of a course.

Issue student a withdrawal grade with no credit but no GPA impact.

Q:  When can a student retrieve items from lockers and return school materials?

A:  Seniors will return and pick up materials on May 15.  A survey will be sent to underclassmen to help us determine the level of need for retrieving items from lockers and/or returning school materials.  School personnel will remove school issued books from student lockers.  Any student who needs something from a locker now in order to complete schoolwork for this semester should email Mr. Schwartz.

Q:  How do I get my student’s medication from the Nurse’s office?

A:  We are finalizing procedures that will align with the Governor’s Executive Order of Shelter in Place and will communicate that information to students and families in the coming weeks.

Q:  How do I get a refund of my SchoolBucks account?

A: Underclassmen with balances on their SchoolBucks account will carry over that balance into next year.  As long as there are no outstanding school fees, seniors with balances on their accounts will be issued a refund.  If a graduating senior has a younger sibling, the parents will have an opportunity to transfer that money to a sibling’s account.  Underclassmen who would like their SchoolBuck balances refunded can request that by emailing Ms. Ethridge at jethridge@csd99.org.

First, I want to thank students for their efforts with Remote Learning and parents/guardians for their support during this challenging time. Our teachers report that the majority of students are engaged in their learning and completing assignments, which is great news, especially because we recognize that these are stressful times, and many students are having to learn in new ways.

With just a few weeks of Remote Learning left in the school year, I want to share some information about the end of the school year, including how semester grades will be assigned, details about Incomplete grades, and returning/retrieving items to/from the school. In addition to my earlier communication which also can be found here, please take a few minutes to read through the Questions and Answers below.  

Also, I want to reiterate that while many students and families are worried about grades, what we have always said here at North is that the most important thing is the learning. This is especially true right now. While it might be tempting for a student to do just enough work to keep the grade they were earning before Remote Learning, in the long run this is not a good decision.  Many of our courses build on previous course’s learning, and students who are not learning what they need to now might see an impact on future learning and grades. Also, research shows that an average student experiences what is called a “summer slide” - a decrease in academic skills because the student had not been engaging in school work for several months. Imagine what the decrease will be if students aren’t properly engaging in school work for an extra two and a half months! Therefore, I encourage all students to finish this year strong by staying fully engaged in their schoolwork, and I ask parents/guardians for their support as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read this rather long document; hopefully it answers most of your questions.  We’ll be sending additional information about senior events in the next week.  If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to email me at jschwarze@csd99.org.

Best wishes as you navigate the next several weeks of continued “Shelter in Place.” Take care and stay healthy!

Janice Schwarze
Principal

Questions and Answers

Q:  When is the last day of Remote Learning?
A:  Remote Learning for seniors who are passing their classes will end on May 15. Remote Learning for 9th-11th graders and any senior who is failing a class will end on May 19.

Q:  Will there be final exams?
A:  Final exams will not be given as they traditionally have been administered. While there might be some classes where a cumulative assessment is given, any such assessment will not carry the weight of a final exam, and there will be no final exam schedule.

Q:  Can a student’s semester grade be impacted by Remote Learning?
A:  If a student has been sufficiently engaged throughout Remote Learning, the student’s semester grade can go up but not down. During Remote Learning, teachers will continue to enter grades into Home Access Center. For some students, this might mean that a grade will drop; for others, the grade might rise. If a student’s grade has risen at the end of the semester, that is the grade the student will receive for the semester grade.  If a student’s grade has dropped because of assignments during remote learning, the grade will revert back to what it was without the remote learning grades.  

Q:  What would cause a student to earn an Incomplete grade instead of a passing grade for the semester?
A:  If a student hasn’t been sufficiently engaged in Remote Learning and/or has not demonstrated an understanding of essential learning in the course, a student will be assigned an Incomplete grade for the semester and will not earn credit for the course until the work has been completed in a way that demonstrates mastery of the learning. Since the number and types of assignments vary from course to course just as they did when we were in school physically, there is not a universal number of assignments that must be completed in order to earn a passing grade. Teachers will collaborate with their colleagues to determine the baseline for passing grades.

Q:  How do students and families know if a student is in danger of earning an incomplete for the course?
A:  There are actually several warning signs:

• Each Friday, teachers take attendance based on engagement for the week. If students have been sufficiently engaged in the work for that week, they are marked present. If they have not, then they are marked absent. Therefore, any student who has been marked absent on a Friday should interpret that as a warning of an Incomplete grade.
• Students who are earning a D or F in the course (either prior to Remote Learning began or currently) are in danger of earning an Incomplete.  
• Between May 4 and May 11, teachers will notify a student and family if the student is in danger of earning an Incomplete grade.

Q:  What should a student do to ensure they do not receive an Incomplete grade?
A:  Most importantly, students should complete their assignments each week. If they have questions, they should contact their teachers for help. If they need additional help, they should contact their counselor.

Q:  What happens when a student gets an Incomplete grade?
A:  The student will be expected to make up the work.  Teachers will complete and share a form that outlines the deficient skills and assignments to be completed. Students who do not complete their work on their own might receive one or more of the following consequences:

• Assigned to a 2nd Semester Online Summer School Resource Class
• Assigned to a resource center during a free period once in-school learning resumes
• A schedule change for next year due to having to take the retake the course or not meeting the prerequisite for the next level of a course
• Withdrawal grade

Q:  When can a student retrieve items from lockers and return school materials?
A:  We are finalizing procedures that will align with the Governor’s Executive Order of Shelter in Place and will communicate that information to students and families in the next few weeks. Any student who needs something from a locker now in order to complete schoolwork for this semester should email Ms. Schwarze at jschwarze@csd99.org.

Q:  How do I get my student’s medication from the Nurse’s office?
A:  We are finalizing procedures that will align with the Governor’s Executive Order of Shelter in Place and will communicate that information to students and families in the next few weeks. 

Dear District 99 Families:

We wanted to remind you about the event tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29. Starting at 6 p.m., speaker Adam Russo will speak to District 99 families about fostering resiliency. 

The virtual meeting will be held via Zoom; View details and join the event.

Please note: We are limited to hosting 300 participants, so please arrive early if you are interested in attending! Once you click into the meeting, you will enter a waiting room and will be entered into the meeting at 6 p.m. Your microphone will be muted, but you will be able to send questions to the moderator, Erin Ludwick from North High. 

Once again, please visit this website for other student and family resources that are available.

Thank you,

District 99

Dear District 99 Families:

We hope you are doing well during these challenging times. Please know that although our school buildings are closed, our counseling staff members are available to respond to the needs your student may have for the rest of the school year. We have established this website to keep you and your student posted on all of the resources available.

We also want to let you know about some upcoming events and resources available to parents and guardians:

This Wednesday, April 23 at 3 p.m., the JED Foundation will host a webinar “Parenting During the Pandemic: Challenges, Strategies and Tips for Empowering Families of Teens.”  Learn more and register.

Our neighbors in the Glenbard school district have established a video library highlighting presentations of their most recent speakers with bite-size videos for both students and families. New videos are added regularly.

On Wednesday, April 29 at 6 p.m., speaker Adam Russo will speak to District 99 families about fostering resiliency. The virtual meeting will be held via Zoom.

On Wednesday, May 6 at 6 p.m the College and Career Counselors at both North and South will be presenting information on the transition to life after graduation from the JED Foundation. The virtual meeting will be held via Zoom: 

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://csd99.zoom.us/j/91319791034?pwd=ZTJFOVg5N0FLSUJSMjJrSnJtQTNGUT09
Meeting ID: 913 1979 1034
Password: 258432
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,91319791034# US (Chicago)
 

We hope you will take advantage of these resources! 
 
Thank you,
 
Erin Ludwick, Assistant Principal for Counseling and Student Support Services, North High 
Vince Walsh-Rock, Assistant Principal for Counseling and Student Support Services, South High

Sent to All District 99 students, staff and famiies

2:47 p.m. - April 17, 2020

Buildings Closed, Learning to Continue

Dear District 99 Community:

This afternoon at his daily press conference, Governor Pritzker suspended all in person learning for the remainder of the school year, due to COVID-19. We learned this information in real-time, along with you and with the rest of the state of Illinois.

We anticipated this development and have been working behind the scenes to extend our Remote Learning for our students. We will be in touch soon regarding the logistics of how we will end the school year remotely. In addition, we have been brainstorming and planning and will soon be sharing alternate plans for many of our cherished events, including graduation. 

This pandemic has impacted each of us in so many ways, but in particular the 1,210 members of the Class of 2020. Please know that we want to honor each one of you and celebrate your accomplishments. We will share these details with seniors shortly.

This crisis has brought out the best in people, and I’m thankful for all of those in our District 99 community who have helped others. District 99 staff has provided over 20,000 meals to students in need throughout the community. There is a true need here, more than ever. See the schedule.

We’ve also donated over 30,000 pieces of Personal Protection Equipment from our inventory to support our local hospital, Good Samaritan. Using our 3D printers, staff members have been working seven days a week to produce nearly 4,000 face shields and distributed them to numerous health organizations. See photos and learn more. Thank you to our community members who helped us exceed our fundraising goal for this campaign.

To support our students and families in greatest need during these unprecedented times, the District 99 Education Foundation has established the COVID-19 Family Support Fund. Funds will be used to purchase gift cards from local businesses that provide groceries, food, and other household essential items to support these families. Donate here.

I’m proud of how we’ve responded to this crisis, from helping others to continuing to stay at home. I am confident we will continue to show patience and kindness to one another as this continues. 

Thank you, 

Dr. Hank Thiele

District 99 Superintendent

Good morning! First, I would like to thank everyone for their participation, cooperation, and patience during our first few days of Extended Remote Learning last week. I know we shared a lot of information, and this is a whole new way of “doing school.” While there were a few bumps in the road, overall it was a successful week. 

As we move into our second week, I wanted to share a few clarifications and opportunities.

Grading

As explained in this Remote Learning Guide, grades earned for assignments during the period of remote learning can cause a student’s semester grade to go up but not down. Grades for assignments that were completed prior to March 13 but not entered into Home Access Center until after March 13 will count toward the semester grade. For example, a student might have taken a test on March 12, but grades were not entered until April 6. Since that work was not part of remote learning, it still figures into a student’s semester grade. Any student who was absent and missed an assignment prior to March 13 should contact the teacher to make up that work.

During Remote Learning, teachers will continue to enter grades into Home Access Center. For some students, this might mean that a grade will drop; for others, the grade might rise. If a student’s grade has risen at the end of the semester, that is the grade the student will receive for the semester grade. If a student’s grade has dropped because of assignments during remote learning, the grade will revert back to what it was without the remote learning grades. Students should concentrate on the learning and not worry about how an assignment is impacting their overall semester grade. Teachers are focusing on essential learning, so it is important for everyone to do their best on all assignments.

Finally, it is important to note that if a student is not engaged in the work that is required and/or is not completing assignments or assessments, a semester grade of “incomplete” might be assigned until the work has been finished. Any student who has a question about their grade should contact the teacher. 

Attendance/Indicators of Student Engagement

Students receive an email with an attendance form Monday-Thursday; they should check email and complete the form by 6 p.m. If they fail to do so, they will be marked absent, and this absence will show up in Home Access Center.

On Fridays, teachers will mark students absent who have not been engaging in their classwork at a sufficient level. This absence also will appear in Home Access Center and should be interpreted as a message that the student is falling behind in their work. Students who are not sufficiently engaged in their work risk earning an “incomplete” for the course and will have to make up that work at a later time. 

Student Town Hall

This Thursday at 4 p.m., I will partner with Student Advisory Council to host a student town hall meeting where we can answer questions that students might have about remote learning or related activities. I’ll send out more information later this week. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this email. If you haven’t already done so, I hope you watch this video from the DGN Staff. Also, don’t forget to check out these mental health resources. All information about remote learning can be found on our school website. 

Finally, I encourage parents/guardians to check out the Parents’ Club website for notes from the two meetings I held last week. I answered a lot of questions and provided information about topics such as senior events, driver’s education, and standardized testing. The notes will be posted early this week.  

Best of luck in this second week of Extended Remote Learning. Take care and stay healthy!

Mrs. Janice Schwarze
DGN Principal

District 99 Meal Pick Up Starting April 14, 2020 

(Espanol debajo)

Community High School District 99, Downers Grove Grade School District 58, and Woodridge School District 68 are partnering together to create the Wood-Grove Feeding Our Future Cooperative, a new collaborative community effort to ensure all children ages 0-18 in our communities can receive a breakfast and lunch six days per week. These three school districts partnered with their food service vendors–Aramark, Open Kitchens and Chartwells–and their transportation provider–First Student–to launch this initiative. 

Beginning Tuesday, April 14, Districts 58, 68 and 99 will provide all children ages 0-18, who reside within the community, the option to pick up free breakfasts and free lunches at a variety of locations. 

Meal pickup will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays via the following schedule:

Tuesdays: Children can pick up three breakfasts and three lunches, including milk.
Fridays:  Children can pick up three breakfasts and three lunches, including milk.

Note for District 58 families: In support of the Wood-Grove Feeding Our Future Cooperative, District 58 will suspend its direct-door meal delivery and encourages families to pick up meals at the location most convenient for them. 

Woodridge 68 families please note that Willow Creek and Jefferson will no longer serve as meal pick-up sites. Please use any one of the other sites listed below.

Woodridge School District 68 will continue to donate leftover meals and milk to the West Suburban Community Pantry each week.

These meals are in accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch Program guidelines and will be reimbursed by the USDA through the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Wood-Grove Feeding Our Future Cooperative is intended for children ages 0-18 who reside within District 99, 58 and 68 boundaries. To receive a meal, please arrive at any of the designated locations below and specify how many children are in your family. Children are also permitted to pick up meals on their own. 

If you drive to pick up your meals, please remain in your vehicle and wait for a staff member to assist you. If you walk up to pick up meals, please walk to the designated entrance and wait outside for a staff member to bring you meals.

Meals will be provided on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:

• Edgewood Elementary School, 7900 Woodridge Drive, Woodridge
• Emerald Court Apartments, 2472 Emerald Ct, Woodridge - Leasing Center
• Goodrich Elementary School, 3450 Hobson Road, Woodridge
• Henry Puffer Elementary School, 2220 Haddow Ave., Downers Grove
• Herrick Middle School, 4435 Middaugh Ave., Downers Grove
• Highland Elementary School, 3935 Highland Ave., Downers Grove
• John L. Sipley Elementary School, 2806 83rd St., Woodridge
• Kingsley Elementary School, 6509 Powell St., Downers Grove
• Meadowview Elementary School, 2525 Mitchell Drive, Woodridge
• O’Neill Middle School, 635 59th St., Downers Grove
• Waterbury Court Apartments, Woodridge - Management Office
• William F. Murphy Elementary School, 7700 Larchwood Lane, Woodridge
• Woodridge Club Condominiums, Woodridge - Country Club Drive & Woodward Drive

Meals will be provided on Tuesdays and Fridays during shortened hours, which vary by the following locations: 

• Townhomes at Highcrest, Woodridge - Pool Area 11am – 11:30am
• Eagle Creek Apartments, Westmont – Clubhouse – 11am – 11:30am
• Windsor Lakes Apartments, Woodridge - Leasing Office 11am -11:45am
• Dynasty Pointe Apartments, Woodridge - Apple Lane & Woodward Dr. 11 a.m. – Noon 
• Haven Woodridge, Woodridge – Leasing Office 11:45am – 12:15pm
• Willow West Apartments, Westmont - 65th St. & Willow Ln. 11:45 – 12:15
• Prentiss Creek Apartments, Downers Grove - Main Office Noon – 1 p.m.
• Golf Meadows Estates Apartments, Woodridge - Country Club Dr. & Woodward Dr. Noon – 1 p.m.
• The Villages of Greene Valley, Woodridge – Pool/Clubhouse 12:30pm – 1pm      
• Westmont Village Apartments, Westmont - Leasing Center 12:30pm – 1pm

For questions, please reach out to the following contact at your specific District.

• District 58: Please email Manager of Business Services Katie Hannigan at channigan@dg58.org.
• District 68: Please email Assistant Superintendent for Business Services/CSBO Curtis Saindon at saindonc@woodridge68.org.
• District 99: Please email communications@csd99.org, or call your home school (630-795-8400 for North High and 630-795-8500 for South High); they will be open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

We are committed to continuing to serve those who are in need of meals during this time of uncertainty.

Thank you!

District 99

Espanol:

Información sobre recoger las comidas a partir del 14 de abril

District 99, 

Las escuelas preparatorias del distrito escolar 99, el distrito escolar 58 de Downers Grove y él distrito de Woodridge 68 se están asociando para crear la Wood-Grove Feeding Our Future Cooperative, un nuevo esfuerzo comunitario de colaboración para garantizar que todos los niños de 0 a 18 años en nuestras comunidades puedan recibir un desayuno y almuerzo seis días a la semana. Estos tres distritos escolares se asociaron con sus proveedores de servicios de alimentos, Aramark, Open Kitchens y Chartwells, y su proveedor de transporte, First Student, para lanzar esta iniciativa.

A partir del martes 14 de abril, los distritos 58, 68 y 99 brindarán a todos los niños de 0 a 18 años, que residen dentro de la comunidad, la opción de recoger desayunos y almuerzos gratuitos en una variedad de ubicaciones.

La recogida de comidas tendrá lugar los martes y viernes a través del siguiente horario:

Martes: los niños pueden recoger tres desayunos y tres almuerzos, incluida la leche.

Viernes: los niños pueden recoger tres desayunos y tres almuerzos, incluida la leche.

Nota para las familias del Distrito 58: en apoyo de la Cooperativa Wood-Grove Feeding Our Future, el Distrito 58 suspenderá la entrega de comidas a domicilio y alienta a las familias a recoger las comidas en el lugar más conveniente para ellos.

Las familias de Woodridge 68 deben de tener en cuenta que las escuelas de  Willow Creek y Jefferson ya no servirán como lugares para recoger comida. Utilice cualquier de los otros sitios a continuación.

El Distrito Escolar 68 de Woodridge continuará donando comidas y leche que sobren a West Suburban Community Pantry cada semana.

Estas comidas están de acuerdo con las normas del Programa Nacional de Almuerzos Escolares del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) y serán reembolsadas por el USDA a través de la Junta de Educación del Estado de Illinois.

La Corporative Wood-Grove Feeding Our Future está destinado a niños de 0 a 18 años que residen dentro de los límites del Distrito 99, 58 y 68. Para recibir una comida, llegue a cualquier de los lugares designados a continuación y especifique cuántos niños hay en su familia. A los niños también se les permite recoger comidas solos. 

Si conduce para recoger sus comidas, permanezca en su vehículo y espere a que un miembro del personal lo ayude. Si camina para recoger las comidas, camine hasta la entrada designada y espere afuera hasta que un miembro del personal le traiga las comidas.

Las comidas se proporcionarán los martes y viernes de 11 a.m. a 1 p.m. en las siguientes ubicaciones:

• Edgewood Elementary School, 7900 Woodridge Drive, Woodridge
• Emerald Court Apartments, 2472 Emerald Ct, Woodridge - Leasing Center
• Goodrich Elementary School, 3450 Hobson Road, Woodridge
• Henry Puffer Elementary School, 2220 Haddow Ave., Downers Grove
• Herrick Middle School, 4435 Middaugh Ave., Downers Grove
• Highland Elementary School, 3935 Highland Ave., Downers Grove
• John L. Sipley Elementary School, 2806 83rd St., Woodridge
• Kingsley Elementary School, 6509 Powell St., Downers Grove
• Meadowview Elementary School, 2525 Mitchell Drive, Woodridge
• O’Neill Middle School, 635 59th St., Downers Grove
• Waterbury Court Apartments, Woodridge - Management Office
• William F. Murphy Elementary School, 7700 Larchwood Lane, Woodridge
• Woodridge Club Condominiums, Woodridge - Country Club Drive & Woodward Drive

Las comidas se proporcionarán los martes y viernes durante las horas acortadas, que varían según los siguientes lugares:

• Townhomes at Highcrest, Woodridge - Pool Area 11am – 11:30am
• Eagle Creek Apartments, Westmont – Clubhouse – 11am – 11:30am
• Windsor Lakes Apartments, Woodridge - Leasing Office 11am -11:45am
• Dynasty Pointe Apartments, Woodridge - Apple Lane & Woodward Dr. 11 a.m. – Noon 
• Haven Woodridge, Woodridge – Leasing Office 11:45am – 12:15pm
• Willow West Apartments, Westmont - 65th St. & Willow Ln. 11:45 – 12:15
• Prentiss Creek Apartments, Downers Grove - Main Office Noon – 1 p.m.
• Golf Meadows Estates Apartments, Woodridge - Country Club Dr. & Woodward Dr. Noon – 1 p.m.
• The Villages of Greene Valley, Woodridge – Pool/Clubhouse 12:30pm – 1pm      
• Westmont Village Apartments, Westmont - Leasing Center 12:30pm – 1pm

Para preguntas, comuníquese con el siguiente contacto en su distrito específico.

• Distrito 58: envíe un correo electrónico a la Gerente de Servicios Comerciales Katie Hannigan a channigan@dg58.org.
• Distrito 68: Envíe un correo electrónico al Asistente del Superintendente de Servicios Comerciales / CSBO Curtis Saindon a saindonc@woodridge68.org.
• Distrito 99: Por favor envíe un correo electrónico communications@csd99.org, o llame a su escuela de origen (630-795-8400 para North High y 630-795-8500 para South High); estarán abiertos entre las 10 a.m. y las 2 p.m.

Estamos comprometidos a continuar sirviendo a aquellos que necesitan comidas durante este tiempo de incertidumbre.

¡Gracias!

District 99

Transitioning to Remote Learning

Greetings South High students and families,

I hope that this message finds you all healthy and managing these unprecedented times as best you can.  I certainly miss seeing our staff and students on a daily basis, but I understand that by staying apart, we are contributing to the overall good of our society.

Last Friday Dr. Thiele, District 99 Superintendent, shared the district’s Remote Learning Plan that begins this Wednesday (tomorrow). If you haven’t already done so, be sure to read this document carefully so that you can do your part in making remote learning a success. The document also includes important information about meal pick-up for this week. You can find that information and all of the past communication from our school and district on our website here.

I have recorded a video where I expand on some of the key points of our Remote Learning Plan and also share expectations for moving forward. While I have sent video messages before, this one is especially important as we transition to Remote Learning. I strongly encourage everyone to take the time to watch the video.

For those not inclined to watch the video, a less detailed summary follows:

I need to stress to you that Remote Learning is not an eLearning day  The month of April does not represent a snow day. Unfortunately, this is school for at least the next month.  Parents - we need to show our students the strength of our partnership. We need you to help get them out of bed and engaged in their school work.  

Many things will stay the same as before we stopped meeting face-to-face:

• You will be expected to participate fully - every day!
• We will take attendance every day. Monday through Thursday - students must check in on an attendance form that will be emailed to you each day. Friday - teachers will mark your attendance based on how well you engaged in the lessons and activities during the week.
• The same behavioral expectations that we have of you in the building will be expected in this virtual environment. Exhibiting the Mustang Way transfers to every situation in which you find yourself.

Students should spend their time focusing on learning.  We are spending too much time worrying about grades. One of the things that I heard during the two weeks prior to spring break was that some students were not too concerned about engaging in school because the governor said that their grade could not go down. We expect learning to continue. I assure you that IF you give your best effort in all of your classes and concentrate on learning, your grade will not end up lower than it was at the time (when all of the assignments given) before you left on March 13 were recorded.

• Your teachers will continue to grade as they always have - albeit it will likely be based on different methods.
• If you do as well as you should or could, you will get the grade that you earn.
• If you choose not to engage in the lesson and/or do not demonstrate learning, you will receive an Incomplete grade until you do demonstrate learning.
• Some of you did not have the grade you desired in March. You have an opportunity now to continue to demonstrate learning and raise that grade.

You have heard me say it many times, focus on learning and the grade will take care of itself.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the many cancellations that we are experiencing.  Spring sports have come to a halt. The One-Acts, the musical, the Mustang Trot, concerts, recitals, talent shows, induction ceremonies, assemblies, clubs, activities have all experienced cancellations. Seniors especially are feeling anxious about senior activities like prom and graduation. Please know that I believe that the entire high school experience is what makes our school great. We have a diverse student body and a wide variety of activities, sports, and interests that add to what makes our school special. We will continue to look at all possibilities in trying to make sure that some of these key events still happen.  One thing that has proven certain about this situation is the uncertainty around it.  We will continue to make decisions that take into account all of the information that we have, while ensuring that our staff and students are all kept safe.

Even though we can’t all be together in person, we are still pretty fortunate that we can be together through the internet. More importantly, we are together in the spirit of community that is South High. I am missing everyone terribly, but I believe in our families and the trust that they have in our school. I believe in our staff. Over the past three weeks, they have proven to be models of what learning looks like. They were not all prepared to teach in an online environment, but they are doing everything possible to adjust because of their care for you.  And I - WE - every staff member, believes in you. You have been dealt a challenging set of circumstances, but you can do it….and when you need help, we have the people here ready to stand alongside you and figure it out.

If we all give our best effort, that will be good enough. We are here if you need anything...just let us know. Stay well and I will reach out again soon.

All my best,

Mr. Schwartz

Hello DGN students and families!

I hope you are all healthy and managing these unprecedented times as best as can be expected. I am well but definitely miss our students and families and all of the usual learning, extracurricular activities, sports, and ceremonies. It is not the spring any of us imagined.  

Last Friday Dr. Thiele, District 99 Superintendent, shared the district’s Remote Learning Plan that begins this Wednesday. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to read this document carefully so that you can do your part in making remote learning a success. The document also includes important information about meal pick-up for this week. You can find all communication from our school and district on our website here.

This video expands on some of the ideas shared in the Remote Learning Plan, so please take time to view it today or tomorrow. (Here is a link to the slidedeck in case you want to go back and review any particular section.)

The video is a little longer than I had intended, but there was a lot of information to cover! Topics include the schedule, how students will be graded, tips for success, plans for extra-curricular activities, sports, and senior events for the rest of the year, and how to stay connected to DGN.  One note of clarification regarding the grading I explain in the video: if a student receives an Incomplete for the semester because s/he did not complete the work or didn’t show mastery of the work, the student will have an opportunity to earn credit for the course once we are no longer in the remote learning environment. The state will provide guidance on how this impacts the letter grade and GPA.  In the meantime, students, please stay engaged in your coursework and focus on the learning, not the grade.  

I also invite all parents/guardians to join me in a virtual meeting with Parents’ Club on Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. I’ll do my best to provide insight into the decisions that we’ve already made as well as what we are planning to do if we don’t return to school this year. I’ll also answer questions that you submit ahead of time. You may email questions to Parents’ Club at dgnorthpc@gmail.com by Tuesday at noon. Here is the link to Wednesday’s meeting. I plan to offer additional parent meetings as well as a similar meeting for students sometime in the next few weeks; stay tuned for additional information.

Thank you, in advance, for your participation, patience, and understanding as we all navigate extended Remote Learning for the first time. As Dr. Thiele said in his message last Friday, all we can ask is that each person commits to doing their best and to extend grace and forgiveness to ourselves and to others when things might not go as well as we would have liked. Together we will make it through the challenges and celebrate on the other side.  

Take care, stay healthy, and remember to practice social distancing.

Janice Schwarze

North High Principal 

@jschwarzeteach (twitter)

Jschwarzedgn (instagram)

Dear District 99 Community:

Thank you for your patience as we determined our schedule and procedures as we follow the state’s stay-at-home orders through April. Although our physical buildings are closed, learning will continue. In addition, we will continue to support our students’ emotional needs and offer meals to any student in need. 

We have created this “D99 Remote Learning Days Guidance for Students and Families” document to guide you through our new learning environment. This Remote Learning Plan is based on the Illinois State Board of Education guidelines, teacher feedback from our two weeks before break, student feedback that was collected and analyzed, and parent feedback that we have received. 

Highlights of Remote Learning Days

• District 99 will continue with Remote Learning Days throughout the month of April and will follow a “block schedule.” To prepare for this new schedule, Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7 have been designated as Teacher Planning Days. There will be no student instruction or responsibilities on these days. On Wednesday, April 8, our Remote Learning schedule will begin. See the schedule. 
• Teachers will use Google classroom to post all lessons, assignments and reminders by 9 a.m. the day the class is scheduled to meet.
• Students should check their email regularly. Classes may or may not meet virtually (synchronously) during the assigned block time. If teachers do hold a class virtually, they will do so at their regularly assigned time.
• Every Friday is reserved as a wrap-up of the week and for students to seek additional help from and connections with their teachers, if needed. Teachers will be communicating their Office Hours to students; these times are when they are available in “real time” to help. 
• For attendance, students must check in once each day, Monday through Thursday, by 6 p.m. on this Google form. If students do not check in or call in absent, they will be marked as absent. If a student does not engage in learning during the week, they will be marked absent by the teacher on Friday. We ask that you please fill out this form to report positive confirmations of a student or a family member in a student’s household.
• Teachers will continue to use the electronic gradebook (Home Access Center) to track assignments and record grades. Although semester grades cannot go down during Remote Learning, a student may receive an incomplete if they do not participate in remote learning.
• Remote Learning Days are school days. Students are expected to keep up with their assignments and engage in learning activities as they would during the regular calendar year. This is the best way to ensure that learning progresses during this time. We also want to make sure that we are helping to care for students.  

I ask that students and families all keep in mind that everyone is new to Remote Learning. It is ok to make mistakes - it is absolutely expected that we all will. I ask that everyone only worry about what they can control and be patient. Please do your best. Your best is enough.

Continuation of Meals

In partnership with our affiliated school districts, District 99 will continue to provide food for those in need. See the process for next week, starting Monday, April 6.

A reminder that the Village of Woodridge is hosting a Woodridge Drive-Up Food Pantry on Friday, April 3 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Cypress Cove, 8301 S. Janes Avenue for those who need help.

Thank You

This is not an ideal situation. We are asking for patience, flexibility and most of all, grace, during these challenging times. We are asking everyone to do their best. We will learn and adjust as we move forward, and welcome your feedback along the way. You can find all of the information related to these changes at csd99.org/updates. Our Positively North and Mustang Way programs help us to foster a positive school climate, where we are all “respectful, responsible and engaged.”  Now more than ever before we should be inspired by these ideals.

Although our society is full of uncertainty right now, I’m confident that keeping our teachers and learning in your child’s life will help provide some degree of normalcy and stability. 

Thank you again for your patience and support. Together, we will do our best for our students.

Thank you,

Dr. Hank Thiele
District 99 Superintendent