March 19, 2021
Dear CUSD 201 Families,
As I shared in last week’s update, ISBE and IDPH have issued revised guidance for schools and in-person learning (Revised School Guidance). In light of the updated guidance, the District has made the decision to move to full-days of instruction. The District will transition to full-days the week of April 26. The majority of the district staff will be fully vaccinated by April 26.
Starting the week of April 26, the District will offer families a full-day option or remote learning. The schools are currently surveying to determine the number of students who will be attending full-day in-person instruction (Full-day In-person Survey). Each principal has sent out correspondence to their parents with specifics on the schedules. If parents have any questions regarding schedules or pertaining to instruction please contact your school’s principal.
The DCHD published the DCHD School Metrics Week 9 on Monday. As of March 18, the seven-day positivity rate for Westmont is 4.46%, Hinsdale is 9.36%, Downers Grove is 10.29%, and Clarendon Hills is 12.27%. The average positivity rate for our community is 9.1%. Our community has seen an increase in the seven-day positivity rate. Please continue to implement the IDPH mitigations to keep the spread of COVID-19 low. As a school community, we need to do our part to ensure that we can keep our students in school. CUSD 201 will remain hybrid for the Week of March 22.
Please read the entire communication for additional updates.
Transportation
With the start of the fourth quarter, we have more students riding buses. Please remind your children to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Students are to be at their bus stop 10 minutes before the designated pick-up time.
- Students need to wear masks at all times on the bus.
- Students must sit in their assigned seats and not change seats during the bus ride.
- No eating or drinking on the bus.
If you have a concern about transportation, please contact Shannon Cossairt at 630.468.8004
Spring Break
If families travel out of state or the country during spring break, the district recommends your children quarantine before returning to school for in-person learning. You can have your child get tested upon return and quarantine for seven days, or if students are not tested, quarantine for ten days.
Hybrid Learning
The District has updated the Hybrid Learning Plan. Here is a link to the plan (CUSD 201 Hybrid Learning Plan). Also, each of the schools will be sending out additional information to school families. The District will update this document regularly. It is a good idea to revisit this document periodically, including the frequently asked questions.
Remote Learning
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.
MEAL DISTRIBUTION FOR THE WEEK OF March 21, 2021
Please note, there will be two meal distributions next week.
1. Meal pick-up on Monday, March 22, 2021, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Westmont Junior High.
2. Meal pick-up on Thursday, March 25, 2021, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at Westmont Junior High.
This meal distribution on March 25th is to cover Spring Break days.
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 on Monday and eight days’ worth of breakfast and lunch on Thursday. Please visit the meal distribution page for cooking instructions. Please use the drive off Oakwood in front of the Junior High School. You do not need to exit your car. The CUSD 201 staff will bring the food to you. If you are unable to come to the Junior High at the designated time, please call 630-468-8121.
I know some of our school families are happy with the decision to transition to full-days the week of April 26 and, for some, it is a source of anxiety or frustration. It has been a school year filled with difficult decisions. The District always considers what is best for students and staff in making decisions. I know our administrators and staff. They will work to make sure the District transitions smoothly to full-days the week of April 26.
Take care,
Kevin Carey
Superintendent
CUSD 201