November 13, 2020
Dear CUSD 201 Families,
I hope this communication finds you and your family well. Thank you for your continued support as we face a second surge in the COVID-19 virus. I can assure you that our administrators and staff share your desire to see our students back in school.
Unfortunately, the virus continues to surge in our county and across the country. The DCHD School Metrics posted on Monday, November 9, show the metrics continue to increase with no sign of lessening. The seven-day positivity rate for our local community shows Westmont at 9.79%, Hinsdale at 9.25%, Downers Grove at 11.60%, and Clarendon Hills at 14.03%. Due to the increasing spread of COVID-19, the need to keep our students and staff healthy, and the challenges of adequately staffing our schools during a pandemic, CUSD 201 has made the difficult decision to remain in remote learning until January 19.
By remaining in remote learning the two weeks after winter break, the District provides a fourteen-day quarantine period. The CDC is recommending no traveling during the Holidays, and gatherings should be limited to small groups. The reality is some of our families and staff will find it difficult to suspend their family traditions. The two week quarantine period after the Holidays will minimize the chance that someone infected by the virus attends our schools.
As long as it is safe, we will continue to bring in very small groups of students on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Principals will provide additional information regarding the small groups. The exceptions will be the two weeks after Thanksgiving, building in a two-week quarantine period after the Holiday and the two weeks after the winter break. Here is a link to a calendar that will make it easier for parents to visualize the next several weeks of the school year. Calendar for November 16 through January 19
The hope is the metrics will improve, and the District will return to hybrid learning the week of January 19.
Please read the entire communication for additional updates.
November 17, Board Meeting
Due to the tier 2 mitigations, public comment can be sent electronically. Additional information will be posted on the website and sent to parents on Sunday.
Hybrid Learning-Suspended
The District is suspending hybrid learning until January 19, 2021.
Remote Learning
Remote learning is continuing the week of November 16, 2020. Please use this link to view the plan.
If you or your student is having difficulty accessing the learning materials or have any questions, we have a hotline for you to use. Please use the following number:
630-468-8020 for English speakers
630-468-8030 for Spanish speakers.
Quarantine Information
The CUSD 201 COVID Update Center site has been updated to include information about quarantining, testing, and other COVID-19 related concerns.
MEAL DISTRIBUTION FOR THE WEEK OF November 16, 2020
Meal pick-up is on Monday, November 16, 2020, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Westmont Junior High.
Meals are available free of charge to CUSD 201 families for children 18 and younger.
Parents will be given seven days’ worth of breakfast and lunch. Please use the drive off Oakwood in front of the Junior High School. You do not need to exit your car; the food will be brought to you. If you are unable to come to the Junior High at the designated time, please call 630-468-8121.
It will take everyone’s collective efforts to turn the tide on the virus. Families are going to want to spend Thanksgiving together; please do it responsibly. Remember to wear masks, social distance, wash your hands, and avoid large group gatherings and events.
Take care,
Kevin Carey
Superintendent
CUSD 201