East Aurora Schools Closed Through April 5

From East Aurora School District 131:

March 13, 2020

Dear East Aurora School District 131 Community:

Currently, there have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases in District 131.

Even so, with the number of cases across the state and region increasing and as a result of our communications and coordination with regional and federal health officials, District 131 has made the decision to close our schools and buildings for a period of three (3) weeks, through April 5, 2020, unless otherwise notified.

As you know, the safety and health of our students and staff are always the top priority. We are taking this action to proactively help reduce the spread of illness throughout our community.

All schools will be closed for students beginning Monday, March 16, and will remain closed through April 5. No school activities, sports practices or competition, will take place during this time. All building rentals are cancelled as well.

Students who are still in need of an electronic device (middle school/high school) or a learning packet (elementary), may come to your home school on Monday, March 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to pick up materials.

All staff, including part-time, and anyone paid by the district, will report to their building for an E-Learning PD day on Monday, March 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Buildings & Grounds staff should report to work daily, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

As for after April 5, our district leadership will continue communication and coordination with regional and federal health officials, as well as the Illinois State Board of Education, in determining when to reopen. We will communicate information on when school will re-open, as soon as it has been determined.

I am happy to report that all grade levels, from pre-K to 12, have a plan in place for e-learning, or remote learning, to take place while our schools are closed.

Also, in partnership with Comcast, East Aurora families can now sign up for 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service. To sign up, applicants can visit www.internetessentials.com. The website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

Our learning schedule looks like this:

• Week of March 16 e-learning
• Week of March 23 e-learning
• Week of March 30 Spring Break
• Week of April 6 To be determined

I want you to know how extremely proud I am of the many fine teachers and staff, at all levels, who will be applying their professionalism, expertise, and hard work to ensure that our students remain engaged in learning during this challenging time.

I am personally asking all East Aurora families and students to truly “reach their full potential” in meeting this challenge with the tenacity and strength that makes us who we are. Parents and guardians, please have meaningful conversations with your child about the necessity to remain focused on learning while our schools are closed.

Student meals

East Aurora School District 131 will offer free breakfast and lunch to children 18 and under, during school closings associated with COVID-19. Small children must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling. Meals will be picked up by students, and will not be eaten on site. Meals will be offered at the schools listed below:

• Allen Elementary, 700 S. Farnsworth Avenue, Door 8
• Dieterich Elementary, 1141 Jackson Street, Door 6
• Oak Park Elementary, 1200 Front Street, Door 2
• East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Door 8

Meals will be offered at the following times, Monday through Friday

Elementary Schools:

Breakfast served from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.

Lunch served 11:30 a.m. – 12 Noon

East Aurora High School

Breakfast served 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Lunch served 12 Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Flyers will also be posted on the main door of each school, with locations, dates, and times that meals will be served within the district.

Board of Education Meeting

The Monday, March 23 Board of Education meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. as scheduled, and will take place at East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora. The Curriculum Meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on March 23 has been cancelled.

Finally, I realize this is a stressful time for families. If you are looking for resources for talking with your children, the National Association of School Psychologists and the National Association of School Nurses provides a resource for talking with students about the Coronavirus, in English and Spanish.

We will continue to monitor this situation and update you with any information that impacts our schools. .

These are unprecedented times. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Norrell, Superintendent
East Aurora School District 131

This press release was produced by East Aurora School District 131. The views expressed here are the author’s own.