UPDATE:

Superintendent of Community High School District 117 James McKay released a letter to the district families of students and staff regarding the further actions to shut down district.

In the email, he states, “CHSD117 has decided to take further action by shutting down on-site school through April 5, 2020…As of right now, school is scheduled to resume normal programming on April 6, 2020; that said, with the highly fluid nature of this crisis, additional response MAY be necessary.”

The dates and details of the temporary cancellation of on-site classes are as followed: 

“Effective at the conclusion of the school day (March 13, 2020), CHSD 117 will conclude on-site classes.

1. On Monday and Tuesday (March 16 – 17, 2020), CHSD 117 will invoke two of its Emergency Days, both scheduled to be made up at the conclusion of the school year (May 26 – 27, 2020).
2. Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, CHSD 117 will begin the practice of eLearning education.
3. eLearning will be in place for March 18, 19, 20, 30, 31, as well as, April 1, 2, 3.
4. CHSD 117 will observe the previously scheduled Spring Break, March 23 – 27, 2020.
5. Forthcoming, communication will be sent regarding eLearning plans, expectations, and resources…included will be communications specific to Teachers, Students Services personnel, Students, and Families.”

The school asked that students leave school today with all of their belongings and learning materials, including Chromebooks and chargers. More information will be shared via email to families who need the necessary resources to pursue eLearning. 

More information will be provided as we learn more on Sequoit Media.

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Superintendent of Community High School District 117 Jim McKay released a letter regarding the actions taken to preserve the health, safety and well-being of the students and staff, along with prevention plans for the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the progressing pandemic has over 1,215 cases within the United States, with a death total of 36. 

A letter written by McKay and sent by Chief Technology Officer Ryan Miles states that, “[The administration] is acting in conjunction with many area school districts and in accordance with suggested actions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Governor Pritzker’s Office.”

The COVID-19 health and safety update letter was sent as an Infinite Campus messenger to all district students, families and staff of D117.

The email lists the following actions to be taken:

1. All sports practices, after school activities, rehearsals, performances, concerts, and club meetings are canceled through March 29, 2020.
2. On-site Writer’s Week, scheduled for March 31 – April 3, 2020, is canceled.
3. All sports competitions are canceled through April 5, 2020.
4. The ACHS and LCHS Preschool programs are canceled through April 5, 2020.
5. National Honor Society Induction – ACHS, April 5, 2020 – will be postponed.
6. All non-essential meetings are canceled through April 5, 2020 (i.e., on-site college recruiting visits, military recruiting visits, etc.).
7. All single-day field trips are canceled for the remainder of the school year.
8. All non-essential, off-site professional development for staff is canceled for the remainder of the school year.
9. All travel, international and domestic, is canceled through May 31, 2020

In McKay’s letter, he states, “CHSD 117 is working to develop plans that would permit the District to provide continuity to the learning process, remotely.” This involves Monday late-start schedules applied to next week, March 16 – March 20. 

At this time, the Illinois Department of Public Health has not recommended the district cancel or reschedule classes.

In a previous letter sent by McKay on the same day, precautions were sent to students to aid in the prevention. Steps include but are not limited to: hand washing with soap for 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands, staying home when feeling sick and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

More information will be provided as we learn more on Sequoit Media.