Dear District 99 Community:
During these highly unusual and difficult times given the current global pandemic, everyone at District 99 is determined to create an environment of continued learning and stability for our students. Clearly, our challenge is that our environment is now a virtual one.
We want to remain connected and communicative during this time period and pledge that we will continue to do the following:
- Keep learning moving forward. All of our teachers have made contact with their students and will continue setting up lesson plans. We don’t want students to feel overwhelmed by the work; however, we do want students to commit to keeping up with their lessons. Students may need assistance in setting up a plan. Those students should reach out to individual teachers or their counselor. All students should pay special attention to due dates that teachers might have shared.
The State Board of Education has stated that student work completed during the statewide school closure March 17-30 must not affect student grades unless it is to improve those grades. Our staff is committed to keeping student learning moving forward and building a foundation for future lessons and assessments. Just as in a typical school day, students will be engaged in learning activities that might not be graded. That is because we know that students benefit from regular practice and feedback and that students’ skills will decrease if not regularly practiced. In addition, when in-person classes begin again or the State provides different guidance, the material and concepts discussed during this time period will likely be part of assessments. Therefore, it is important that all students stay committed to completing assignments that teachers have shared.
- Keep providing food support. We have been delivering food to those who need it. If you need food assistance, please email us at communications@csd99org. In the coming days, we will be expanding our reach and opportunities for food assistance. Other local resources include:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank - click here to search
- Catholic Charities - 630-495-8008 (Se Habla Español)
- Hope House Emergency Shelter - 800-941-8681
- DuPage County Basic Needs - 630-407-6500 (Se Habla Español)
- PADS of DuPage - 630-682-3846 (Se Habla Español)
- Provide reassurance. This is an anxiety-provoking time for everyone, in particular those students who are most vulnerable. As a reminder, here is a link to social-emotional resources.
- Communicate regularly. Remember that all of the messages that we issue can be found at www.csd99.org/updates. Besides contacting any staff member by email, you may call the school (call North at 630-795-8400 and South at 630-795-8500) between the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 18 and 19 and March 23-25 if you have questions. You also may email your principal (at North High email jschwarze@csd99.org and at South High email eschwartz@csd99.org).
Note that our teachers and staff are sharing many of the activities students are engaging in on social media - Click here to see a saved search of our hashtags on Twitter. You also can click here to see a comprehensive list of all of our other social media channels.
We continue to appreciate your flexibility and patience during this challenging time. Please remember to practice social-distancing, good hygiene, and strategies that will keep you emotionally healthy.
Dr. Hank Thiele
Superintendent
Community High School District 99