Buildings Closed, Learning to Continue
Sent to All District 99 students, staff and famiies
2:47 p.m. - April 17, 2020
Buildings Closed, Learning to Continue
Dear District 99 Community:
This afternoon at his daily press conference, Governor Pritzker suspended all in person learning for the remainder of the school year, due to COVID-19. We learned this information in real-time, along with you and with the rest of the state of Illinois.
We anticipated this development and have been working behind the scenes to extend our Remote Learning for our students. We will be in touch soon regarding the logistics of how we will end the school year remotely. In addition, we have been brainstorming and planning and will soon be sharing alternate plans for many of our cherished events, including graduation.
This pandemic has impacted each of us in so many ways, but in particular the 1,210 members of the Class of 2020. Please know that we want to honor each one of you and celebrate your accomplishments. We will share these details with seniors shortly.
This crisis has brought out the best in people, and I’m thankful for all of those in our District 99 community who have helped others. District 99 staff has provided over 20,000 meals to students in need throughout the community. There is a true need here, more than ever. See the schedule.
We’ve also donated over 30,000 pieces of Personal Protection Equipment from our inventory to support our local hospital, Good Samaritan. Using our 3D printers, staff members have been working seven days a week to produce nearly 4,000 face shields and distributed them to numerous health organizations. See photos and learn more. Thank you to our community members who helped us exceed our fundraising goal for this campaign.
To support our students and families in greatest need during these unprecedented times, the District 99 Education Foundation has established the COVID-19 Family Support Fund. Funds will be used to purchase gift cards from local businesses that provide groceries, food, and other household essential items to support these families. Donate here.
I’m proud of how we’ve responded to this crisis, from helping others to continuing to stay at home. I am confident we will continue to show patience and kindness to one another as this continues.
Thank you,
Dr. Hank Thiele
District 99 Superintendent