Dear St. George Families,
As you may be aware, Governor Pritzker extended state-wide school closings through April 30, 2020. Although there is no manual for this type of global crisis in regards to education, our dedicated staff is doing everything we can to provide the best possible education remotely into your home. We are privileged and proud to serve our families. The St. George CCSD No. 258 community will continue to support you and your family throughout this closure. Please read the information below for detail as I need to address several important areas.
Calendar
In anticipation of the closing St. George CCSD No. 258 provided families a schedule on Sunday, March 29, 2020, which counted for the possible continuation of school closures. Please refer to that email from me for specific details and the Remote Learning Calendars.
At least through next week, classroom teachers will continue to post optional assignments/activities in SeeSaw or Google Classroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please note that PE/Music and Band (for those enrolled) are not optional assignments. We will continue to post additional alternative family type activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as on Remote Learning Planning Days on our Facebook page at @SGS258.
Calls to Main School Phone Line (815-933-1503)
The main phone line can still be used to leave messages or speak with school administration. For the safety of our staff, phones are being answered remotely. If no one answers, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Chromebook Distribution
We will schedule one more Chromebook distribution for families tomorrow, April 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Pick-up is by appointment. Please fill out the form. Chromebook Request Form
I ask that families closely examine their needs for an additional device as we want all students engaged electronically during Remote Learning Days. The instruction that will be provided under this new plan is more robust and cannot be duplicated with paper packets. A dedicated loaner Chromebook from us for your child may help alleviate some technology device availability difficulties your family may be experiencing.
Registration Packet Return
We ask that families return registration packets beginning Friday, April 3, 2020, to the box, which is marked SG FAMILY PACKET RETURN, located under the Athletic Door Canopy (Door 5). Please do not put loose papers in the slot.
Packet Return
Any families that have packets of completed student work may return the packets beginning April 3, 2020, to the box, which is marked SG FAMILY PACKET RETURN, located under the Athletic Door Canopy (Door 5). Please do not put loose papers in the slot. Please make sure your student’s name and the teacher’s name is on the packet.
Medication at School
If your child has medication at school, Mrs. Marr will make arrangements for you to pick up the medicine sometime this week.
Food Distribution
We will continue providing food distribution (sack breakfasts and lunches) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the Athletic Door Entrance (Door 5). If your needs change at any time throughout the school closure, please fill out the form at Grab & GO Lunch Request.
Preschool Screenings for 2020-2021
At this time, we are unable to schedule student screenings. We are looking at alternative measures. Please know that we will have a preschool next year at St. George School. We will provide you information regarding screening at a future date.
April and May Activities
All before and after school activities scheduled for April are canceled. Mr. Wells is working on an innovative way to provide for our annual Athletic Awards Ceremony. More details will be provided at a later date. Ms. Stedman Conrad is working on the distribution of band awards as well.
In consideration of the unknown timeline for relaxation of restrictions on social gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic, any current planning to reschedule events for May is premature. As the restrictions are lifted, the feasibility of rescheduling planned events will be evaluated.
End of School Year
The school year calendar will remain the same even if the Stay at Home order is continued into May. Our last day of student attendance is May 13, 2020. At this time, construction and renovations of St. George School are still scheduled to begin May 18, 2020.
Regardless of the return date of our students, eighth-grade students should plan to attend school whether on-site or remotely until May 13, 2020.
We know this unprecedented time can be challenging for everyone. If we can be of assistance, please reach out to us. We wish you and your family well.
Sincerely,
Helen Boehrnsen
Superintendent