March 15, 2020
I know that everything moved quickly this week, and there are many questions out there about what comes next for our school community. Please expect to be receiving a lot of digital communication in the coming days. Please take time to read each of the messages that comes your way.
We have been operating with guidance from the Kane County Health Department (their information related to COVID-19 can be found here). They have been explaining to us the CDC guidelines for COVID-19, and how they work to keep us safe.
The strategy across our community and the state is emphasizing social distancing. For this to be effective and not anxiety producing for our students, we ask that you take the following actions with your students and families based on recommendations by the CDC:
- Avoid gathering in public places - especially in close proximity to others.
- Avoid close contact with those that are sick.
- Try to keep 6-10 feet between yourself and others - give yourself space.
- Be at home as much as possible.
- Try to limit who you and your children interact with to the same people you typically are around.
Kids and families should not:
- Be gathering in large groups - this is a time to be close with those that are closest to you.
- Be visiting each other’s homes or having sleepovers.
- Sharing food or drink.
- Competing in team sporting activities - use this time to train individually or with someone in the home.
Kids and families should:
- Avoid excessive media coverage of COVID-19.
- Take care of their body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to return to your normal life.
Spend time outside - fresh air and exercise is one of the best things you can do over the next few weeks.
- Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with friends or family members. Maintain healthy relationships.
- Use your technology and social media for good purposes - support one another and show that you care for one another.
- Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking.
Keep following the practice of washing your hands regularly and covering your cough or sneeze.
We will be following up tomorrow with additional information regarding our response to school closures, continued learning, and educational resources available to families. We are focused on demonstrating to our students that we care about them and want to help keep moving their learning forward during these unprecedented times.
We also are working on plans to provide meals for those who qualify and who are dependent on the school for free lunches. We will communicate those plans as soon as available.
We ask that you partner with us in “flattening the curve,” and helping to stop the outbreak even before it gets into our school community.
We also ask, humbly, for your partnership and grace as we navigate this together. More to come.
Dr. Kent Mutchler
Superintendent of Schools