Brookwood 167 | COVID19 Update

March 19th, 2020 Dear Brookwood School District 167 Parents/Guardians, On behalf of the Board of Education, we thank you for your continued understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times. I assure you that no matter how long this goes on, our emphasis will be placed on safety first, students’/families needs, communication, and support for all.

We will get through this together.

Please continue to send your questions/concerns to your building principal or your child’s teacher(s) via email to make sure you have clarification and the tools you need for your child to succeed and continue to learn.

Currently, the delivery of instruction looks different, but it is important to provide a continuity of learning for our students. It is also important for our students to continue the connection with their teachers. Our educators are working from home via technology resources and connecting with students through Google Classroom and other programs. All students can e-mail their teachers with any questions or requests for feedback/clarification.

Students who do not have on-line access to technology instructional resources, are expected to complete the learning activities in their 15-day learning packets.

On 3/17/20, The Illinois State Board of Education provided the following clarification regarding the grading of student work: • Student work completed during the mandated statewide school closure must not negatively impact a student’s grades or otherwise impact a student’s academic standing. As we do not yet know the full extent of the closure and want to minimize any negative effects on students, schools may allow student work to count during the closure only to increase a student’s academic standing.

This is a challenging time for all of us, and some of our students may feel stressed about the departure from their routine. The National Association 201 E. Glenwood-Dyer Road Glenwood, IL 60425

(708) 758-5190

www.brookwood167.org

Board of education MS. DOREEN DAVIS MRS. SANDRA WASHINGTON MS. MARY TAYLOR MR. JOHN DIXON MS. ROSLON SEALS MS. TIFFANY GRAHAM MS.TOLEDA HART

superintendent MS. BETHANY A. LINDSAY

of School Psychologists has a parent resource you may find helpful for talking to children about COVID-19 using the link below: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resourcesand-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisisresources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parentresource Currently, we have people working in the district to ensure needs are being met in terms of our facilities, technology, human relations, and leadership.

Custodians, secretaries, clerks, cafeteria staff, technicians, district office personnel and administrators are reporting to our schools/district on modified schedules to continue to provide service and support to our school community. Our educators are working from home and utilizing technology resources to ensure student learning continues.

We are providing meals to students through our “Grab & Go” Program.

Parents can pick up meals at Brookwood Middle School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. If any parent/guardian is experiencing a hardship, the meals can be delivered. Please call our district office to request a delivery (708) 758-5190.

SOCIAL DISTANCING: We are seeing new directives from state leadership and the CDC regarding social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.

We ask that you partner with us in “flattening the curve”, and helping to stop the outbreak.

For it to be effective, we ask that you follow the recent CDC recommendations: • 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.

201 E. Glenwood-Dyer Road Glenwood, IL 60425

(708) 758-5190

www.brookwood167.org

Board of education MS. DOREEN DAVIS MRS. SANDRA WASHINGTON MS. MARY TAYLOR MR. JOHN DIXON MS. ROSLON SEALS MS. TIFFANY GRAHAM MS.TOLEDA HART

superintendent MS. BETHANY A. LINDSAY

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: • 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 continue to inform you as quickly as we can about any further changes to school services. Please know we are confident we will get through this challenging time, and we will do it by supporting our students and our community.

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT YOU HAVE SHOWN!

201 E. Glenwood-Dyer Road Glenwood, IL 60425

(708) 758-5190

www.brookwood167.org

Board of education MS. DOREEN DAVIS MRS. SANDRA WASHINGTON MS. MARY TAYLOR MR. JOHN DIXON MS. ROSLON SEALS MS. TIFFANY GRAHAM MS.TOLEDA HART

superintendent MS. BETHANY A. LINDSAY