Dear Culver Families,
Based on the rapidly evolving situation with coronavirus and recommendations from public health officials to limit public gatherings, we are canceling school for students all next week, March 16 - March 20. All other Niles Township Schools, including Niles High School District 219, will also be closed.
All students will bring home chromebooks and/or e-Learning Kits so they can participate in remote learning activities during the non-attendance period. We are also asking them to take any personal belongings home with them today.
It was extremely difficult to make the decision to close Culver. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that “social distancing” is the most effective way to prevent or reduce the spread of this virus. As a result, we believe the most responsible action for the health and safety of our students, their family members, and our faculty and staff, is to close our schools for the time being.
While we have no confirmed coronavirus cases at Culver, we are shifting to our remote learning, “e-Learning” plan in an abundance of caution. E-Learning will begin Monday, March 16 and continue until further notice. All activities and events are also canceled until further notice.
E-Learning plans
All teachers created plans to continue instruction through our e-Learning program.
Daily learning activities for grades K-2 are included in a “Home Learning Kit.” These Kits will be sent home with students today.
For grades 3-5, these Kits contain a mix of online lessons and paper activities. All of the activities for students in grades 6-8 are posted on the e-Learning page of the District 71 website. These online activities can be viewed at: https://www.niles71.org/students/e-learning
Parents and students may email teachers questions about the assignments at their teacher’s school email address during regular school hours. Some teachers may provide additional opportunities to interact electronically during the school day.
While teachers will use different methods to deliver instruction, all assignments will be meaningful and will keep instruction moving forward.
Spring break and future plans
Our spring break will go on as planned from March 21-March 29.
Students will not be assigned homework during spring break and will not have tests or projects due immediately after the break. Any decision on reopening Culver will be made in consultation with public health officials. We will keep families informed as this guidance develops.
Lunch and Breakfast Programs
We are working on a plan to have families pick-up sack lunch and breakfast for the children next week. More information on this will follow.
Communication with Families
We will continue to provide you with regular updates as this situation develops. For the latest information, please visit our web page: www.niles71.org.
This is a stressful and unprecedented situation for our school, our families, and our local and global community. We know there will be bumps in the road along the way, but together we will support our students and do what is best for them.
I am proud to be part of a strong and supportive Culver community. We will get through this challenging time together!
Sincerely,
John Kosirog, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Please read the information provided below about what we know at this time.
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What preventative measures is District 71 taking for Coronavirus (COVID- 2019)?
What cleaning procedures are in place to disinfect and sanitize schools?
Daily disinfecting and sanitizing of frequently touched classroom surfaces (including door knobs, desks, light switches, etc.); and common areas including hallways, restrooms, health offices, junior high locker room, conference rooms, gym, multipurpose room/cafeteria, libraries, etc.
What cleaning products are being used?
The cleaning products used are EPA approved disinfectants rated to kill a wide variety of bacteria and viruses, including the Coronavirus. The cleaning products include: Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectant for restrooms and touch surfaces, and Oxivir for floors and other hard surfaces.
What cleaning procedures are in place to disinfect buses?
At the end of each day, bus drivers will use disinfectant wipes to sanitize bus seats and handrails in all buses. Seatbelts are sprayed with Lysol Disinfectant Spray at the end of each day.
What handwashing guidelines are in place for students and staff?
All classrooms and cafeterias are equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers. Elementary classrooms also have sinks and soap dispensers. Signage encouraging hand-washing is posted in bathrooms, and Cover Your Cough guidelines are posted in common areas as well. We are also asking teachers to remind students about hygienic hand washing, coughing, and face- touching practices.
Is the District taking steps to limit non-essential public gatherings?
Yes, the District is cancelling all large group school/District-sponsored evening events at our schools until further notice. We are hoping to reschedule as many of these events as possible at a later date.
This does not include after-school activities with students at this time.
Will schools close for a period of time?
Some schools in Illinois have closed when confirmed cases of Coronavirus have been reported. At this time, no cases of Coronavirus have been reported in our community so there are no imminent plans to close schools. However, we are making contingency plans in the event of school closures.
Who decides if schools will close and how long would schools close for?
Direction for school closures will come from the local, state, or federal health departments.
How will we be notified if schools close?
Similar to a school closing for inclement weather, notification will be sent via email, emergency phone calling, text messages, and posted on the District's website.
Will District 71 provide online instruction in the event of school closure?
District 71 will provide learning activities for parents that want to promote continued learning at home in the event of an extended school closure.
What should I do if my child has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
If your child has been exposed to COVID-19, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately, and notify your child's school for further instructions.
What happens if I choose to keep my child home from school as a preventative measure?
The current recommendation from the health departments is that we hold classes as usual. Of course, parents can make the decision to keep your child home. If this is your choice, you must follow regular absence procedures and call your child in absent and clearly explain that you are keeping them home due to the coronavirus outbreak.
District Communications About Coronavirus
Check your recent district sent emails, or visit the district website at www.niles71.org
Where can I find additional information and resources about the Coronavirus?
Link to Skokie Health Department coronavirus update
Link to Centers for Disease Control coronavirus information
Link to Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) coronavirus information
Link to Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) coronavirus FAQs (IDPH)
Link to State of Illinois Board of Education coronavirus guidance for schools
Link to CDC's Traveler's Health Notice
Link to a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation video with helpful information about coronavirus
*The Coronavirus situation is fluid and we will provide updates as new information becomes available.