03/21/2020 Important Message from District 89

Dear Parents, Students and Families of D89,

On Friday, March 20th, Governor Pritzker issued an executive order requiring residents to “stay at home” effective Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 pm, through the end of April 7. As part of the Governor’s order, he announced that school will remain closed, with a new tentative reopening date of April 8. We recognize that this development may raise questions about the impacts on students, staff, and families and the school’s vital role of providing meals to students and families while schools are closed. We anticipate further guidance and details from the Illinois State Board of Education next week.

During this stay at home order, essential school personnel may still report to work as long as they are practicing social distancing. We want you to know the governor’s office has assured school districts that school personnel involved in providing meals will not be in violation of the governor’s executive order and that we can, and should, continue with our program, which has had a tremendous impact in making sure our students are not going hungry while school is closed.

We recognize the significant impact the closures have had on every member of our school community and remain committed to doing all we can to support our students and families. We will continue the Grab & Go Breakfast and Lunch program at all schools within the district. Meals and learning packets can be picked up between 10:00am and 12:00pm every weekday from their nearest school location. Thanks to the incredibly dedicated staff who are supporting this effort in our schools!

To help support students and families while schools are closed, the district has posted e-Learning opportunities, enrichment resources and materials at www.maywood89.org/elearning. Hard copies of these materials are available at all schools from 10:00am-12:00pm each weekday. Educators and parents can access these resources and build upon these materials as they see fit to keep children engaged. In the days and weeks ahead, we will be providing additional resources and guidance.

In addition, the governor has made it clear that, while he’s serious about using social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, he wants residents to still be able to work, shop at grocery stores, put gas in their cars, take walks outside and get medication from the pharmacy. Rest assured, we are committed to doing our best to provide meals and deliver continuity of education.

Please use this opportunity to focus on staying safe and helping to slow the spread of the virus. As always, thank you for your patience and support as we all work through the COVID-19 Pandemic. As you have seen, this situation is evolving rapidly. As events unfold we will continue to communicate in a timely and transparent manner.

As the situation develops, we will continue to provide families with updates. The challenges we face ahead are unprecedented but not insurmountable. We will make it through the challenges as we come together as one #D89Community.

Sincerely,
Dr. David Negron
Superintendent