August 26, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Last night at an emergency meeting, the Board of Education voted to begin the school year as previously planned with the start of school scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd, and Friday, September 4th, with two options for parents; in-person and remote learning. Deliberations were difficult and we had more than 70 comments from the public regarding opinions about returning to school. We heard our parents last night and understand our constituents want their children in school.

These are incredibly difficult times and it is not a time to be attacking each other about the choices parents make to educate their children. It is also not fair to attack our teachers, board members, volunteers, administrators, or other community members. Everyone is doing their best to serve the community of Evergreen Park. EVERYONE is doing their best to serve the children of Evergreen Park ... after all ... our children are the central reason we are here.

The Covid-19 virus represents a challenge in itself. If a parent chooses a remote option, they are not wrong. If a parent chooses in-person learning, they are not wrong. Parents are choosing options which are best for THEIR children and THEIR families. The continued vitriol on social media is not productive and exhausting. Shaming someone for choosing what is best for their family achieves nothing but hard feelings and resentment. Let’s regain our focus on the children. Let’s get back to being Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124. We know we are better than this.

This District was thrown into remote learning on March 13th and closed its doors per the Governor’s orders. These were tough times for families, for children and for our staff. Teachers were thrown into the unknown with little notice. We acknowledge it wasn’t perfect, but it was a lesson to be learned and we feel we are ready to meet the challenge of educating our children. They worked tirelessly all summer to put together plans for educating children in person and remotely. Teachers, like families, are concerned about a return to work in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Please give them grace. Please give them respect. Please be patient. Teachers change the world and as partners with parents, they create future generations of leaders and learners. Education is central to our democracy and our teachers change the world.

We are committed and compelled to follow all health guidelines in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students and staff in our schools. We are totally committed to in-person learning and remote learning and each program providing the best educational experiences for all of our children.

As a district, we have proactively done the following:

All cleaning and disinfecting plans had been put in place.
PPE was purchased for our staff and extra masks were purchased for students.
Tri-fold screens were purchased as an additional measure to support an additional measure of safety not required and are being set up on all desktops.
N-95 and K-95 Masks have been purchased and fittings have been scheduled.
School desks were spaced from 3-5 feet which are aligned with guidance.
The reopening plan included:
- Health Protocols
- Social-Emotional Learning and Support
- Building and Grounds Protocols
- Special Education services and accommodations
- English Language Learner supports and protocols
- Pre-K and EC programmatic design and protocols
- Curriculum and Instruction plans for in-person and remote learners
- Food Service
- Before and After School Care
- Please refer to the district website to review the reentry plans.

If students are ill, they should stay at home. If your child has health issues such as seasonal allergies, asthma, or other issues that may mimic Covid-19, please put this information on record in the nurse’s office.

Students will be required to certify daily when walking into the building. Each child will receive a pad of certification forms and parents should complete the form and send it with the child in the morning each day. A new pad will be given to the child monthly. The final technology device and material pick up for remote learners will be Tuesday, September 1 from 1-7 p.m. at each home school.

A mandatory remote learning meeting will be scheduled for all parents and children on remote learning. More information will be forthcoming. Other plans related to in-person learning will be provided.

We value our school community family and we will be surveying parents on a regular basis to ensure your child is receiving educational opportunities to support learning. Please let us know how we are doing and we promise we are staying committed to our children and families.

Sincerely,