The increasing threat from COVID-19 has brought concern and worry to our district and communities. We appreciate your patience, as well as the questions and concerns you have brought to our attention. We continue to work with city, county, state, and federal agencies to guide decisions while keeping in mind the unique needs of our Bushnell-Prairie City school community. This page will contain information of interest to our school community and will be updated (if necessary) on a daily basis. If no updates have been provided; that will also clearly be indicated. Should additional school closures be mandated or initiated, all functions of Skylert will be activated to notify families of that occurrence.
As announced yesterday, our school district, along with all others in Illinois, will participate in a mandated closing that begins Tuesday, March 17 and extends through Monday, March 30. Monday, March 16 is a full-day of school and allows teachers the time to provide appropriate learning materials. Teachers are preparing and will distribute home-based learning activities that will ensure our students stay engaged and learning, and are ready to return when school is able to resume. We ask for your support and involvement by encouraging your child(ren) to complete these activities. While no grade will be taken upon their return, to avoid penalizing students who may not have access to support, it will make their transition back to school an easier one and ensure the remainder of the year is successful. School social workers have also worked to provide age-appropriate resources for teachers to respond to student needs and will be available tomorrow to meet with students who might be experiencing increased concern or anxiety related to school closings.
As of today, all school-related activities are cancelled for the duration of the mandated school closure. This is expanded to include any practices or after-school events that were scheduled for Monday, March 16. Spring pictures at the JH scheduled for Monday, March 16 have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. Club's Choice payments due March 30 will now be due March 31. IEP meetings scheduled for Monday, March 16 will still take place, however IEP meetings that were to occur during the 2-week school closing are cancelled and will be rescheduled. Parent/teacher conferences scheduled for the end of March will still take place, in modified format. Teachers will be available during those times for parents who wish to contact them via email and get updated academic information. Teachers and school offices will also be available during school hours via email for any other questions or concerns you might have. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school office.
We are aware of the diverse needs and access to resources experienced by our families and students. At any given time, 45-65% (approximately 300) of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch and breakfast. In an effort to reduce the impact of school closings for our students who are at greater risk, efforts are underway to provide vouchers to be used locally for the purchase of groceries during this period of school closure. This will allow families to meet their individual dietary needs with greater flexibility. More details will be made available to families as those arrangements are coordinated.
Please continue to check back for daily announcements and to access provided resources. Thank you for your patience and support as we respond to ever-changing circumstances. Take this time to care for yourselves and for others.
As announced yesterday, our school district, along with all others in Illinois, will participate in a mandated closing that begins Tuesday, March 17 and extends through Monday, March 30. Monday, March 16 is a full-day of school and allows teachers the time to provide appropriate learning materials. Teachers are preparing and will distribute home-based learning activities that will ensure our students stay engaged and learning, and are ready to return when school is able to resume. We ask for your support and involvement by encouraging your child(ren) to complete these activities. While no grade will be taken upon their return, to avoid penalizing students who may not have access to support, it will make their transition back to school an easier one and ensure the remainder of the year is successful. School social workers have also worked to provide age-appropriate resources for teachers to respond to student needs and will be available tomorrow to meet with students who might be experiencing increased concern or anxiety related to school closings.
As of today, all school-related activities are cancelled for the duration of the mandated school closure. This is expanded to include any practices or after-school events that were scheduled for Monday, March 16. Spring pictures at the JH scheduled for Monday, March 16 have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. Club's Choice payments due March 30 will now be due March 31. IEP meetings scheduled for Monday, March 16 will still take place, however IEP meetings that were to occur during the 2-week school closing are cancelled and will be rescheduled. Parent/teacher conferences scheduled for the end of March will still take place, in modified format. Teachers will be available during those times for parents who wish to contact them via email and get updated academic information. Teachers and school offices will also be available during school hours via email for any other questions or concerns you might have. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school office.
We are aware of the diverse needs and access to resources experienced by our families and students. At any given time, 45-65% (approximately 300) of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch and breakfast. In an effort to reduce the impact of school closings for our students who are at greater risk, efforts are underway to provide vouchers to be used locally for the purchase of groceries during this period of school closure. This will allow families to meet their individual dietary needs with greater flexibility. More details will be made available to families as those arrangements are coordinated.
Please continue to check back for daily announcements and to access provided resources. Thank you for your patience and support as we respond to ever-changing circumstances. Take this time to care for yourselves and for others.