March 14, 2020
Hello Liberty CUSD2 Students, Families, and Staff
We know that everything Friday moved rapidly 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 as more information is given to us. Please take time to read each of the messages that comes your way.
The decision by the Governor to cancel school for the next several weekscame together very quickly. We have been operating with guidance from the Adams County Health Department and the Regional Office of Education #1 and the experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health. The strategy across our community and the State to shut down all K-12 schools from March 17-30, 2020, is an approach of social distancing. At this time, we do not have a reported case COVID-19 in Adams County and we are trying to stay ahead of the curve.
Then, a new message came tonight regarding no school on Monday, March 16, as recommended by the Regional Office of Education, the Adams County Health Department, and West Central regional superintendents. Therefore there will be no classes at Liberty Schools March 16 though March 30, 2020.
This is a very drastic measure, and for it 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.
? Compete in team sports activities - use this time to train individually or with someone in the home.
Keep following the practice of washing your hands regularly and covering your cough or sneeze.
We will continue to provide information as it develops.
As of now, the following are in effect during the closing of our schools:
1. All activities, sport competitions, and practices must cease during the shut-down.
2. Students may not practice together on their own at school or anywhere else, as this will jeopardize their season.
3. No driving for students in driver’s education. We will look at how to effectively get student driving time in once school is in session.
4. No students or families should be coming to the school or be on school property during the closure.
5. This time will be used to do a thorough cleaning of the entire building and buses/school vehicles, along with any pesticide treatments necessary.
6. The business office at school will maintain a skeleton crew with reduced hours, as recommended by the Illinois State Board of Education.
7. Teachers may come to their classrooms to get work, but should NOT spend a great deal of time in the building.
8. An Administrator will be available during school hours the first few days to ensure that students and families are aware that school is closed.
9. No staff member will lose money over this closing as directed by the Governor, and supported by the Liberty School Board.
10. On Monday, March 16, weekend backpacks will be assembled with double the food content.
11. Also, on Monday, March 16, staff will be making Care Packages for families in need that have been donated by the staff, as well as many staple items, bread, and fresh fruit from our HOT Lunch Program. We just want to make sure our children have food to eat during the closing.
12. These Care Packages and back packs will be delivered to families by our Transportation Department and other staff on Monday, March 16.
13. At this time, there is no plan to extend the school year. However, if this changes, we will let you know, as this is not a local decision.
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.
I appreciate our partnership in raising healthy and successful students.
Respectfully,
Kelle S. Bunch, ED. D.
Superintendent
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