Letter From Aurora Superintendent

Press release from East Aurora School District 131:

March 20, 2020

Dear East Aurora School District 131 Community,

While we had hoped to re-open schools as soon as possible, the safety and health of our students and staff will always remain our top priority. Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, it is more important now than ever to follow the precautions outlined by our local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

District 131 will follow the guidelines announced today by Governor Pritzker, and will close our schools and buildings through April 7, 2020, unless otherwise notified.

All schools will be closed to students and staff, and will remain closed through April 7, 2020. No school activities, sports practices or competition, will take place during this time. All building rentals are cancelled as well. Also please note that all district playgrounds are closed and students should refrain from congregating on these structures as they are not being maintained during this time.

As a reminder, our scheduled spring break begins on Monday, March 30. This means from Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3, there will be no e-learning work for students.

Week of March 23 e-learning

Week of March 30 Spring Break

Week of April 6 e-learning through April 7; students return on April 8th

(No student attendance on Friday, April 10)

For students in grades K-5, additional learning packets will be sent via the Infinite Campus Portal on Friday, April 3.

We recognize the significant impact school closures have had on every member of our school community. In addition to providing remote learning opportunities for students, below are additional resources available to support our students and families in the days ahead.

Student meals to expand to bus routes

In addition to the school sites listed below, while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “grab and go” breakfast and lunch meals will expand to bus routes throughout the district. At school sites, meals will be available, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon, for students 18 years and under at the following schools:

Allen Elementary, 700 S. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora; DOOR 8
Dieterich Elementary, 1141 Jackson St., Aurora, DOOR 6
Oak Park Elementary, 1200 Front St., Aurora, DOOR 2
East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora, DOOR 8

Parents may pick up student meals on a student’s behalf, with proof of ID. Siblings may also pick up meals for their siblings who are students in the district with proof of ID.

We will expand our student meal distribution, using student bus routes. Beginning next Wednesday, March 25, grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches will be distributed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Students can expect the bus to arrive at their regular bus stop approximately two (2) hours after their normal pick up time. For example, if your pick up time is 7:00 a.m., you can expect the student meal bus to arrive at approximately 9:00 a.m. Meals will be distributed at each bus stop to those present.

Dial 2-1-1 for Kane County human services

Kane County and United Way offer a 2-1-1 program, a non-emergency services phone number that community members can call to get free information on various services offered in the Kane County area. Get help with food, shelter, clothing, housing, domestic violence and much more. The 2-1-1 service is free, confidential and local. See the flyer in English and Spanish.

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry at East High

The Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry at East High will offer drive-through pick up, beginning Saturday, March 21. From 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., patrons visiting the Pantry at East High by car will be given instruction as they enter the parking lot off of Smith Street. Walkers and bike riders can access the food pantry by come up to the loading dock area, to be helped. For questions, contact Cathy Ferrel, Pantry Director, at (630) 846-0460 or clferrel@comast.net.

Emergency rates at Aurora hotels

• Aurora hotels are offering special emergency rates. Contact the hotel directly for reservations.
• Quality Inn: 4005 Gabrielle Lane, Aurora 60504, (630) 820-3400
• Homewood Suites by Hilton: 4320 Meridian Parkway, Aurora 60504, (630) 978-2222
• Super 8 by Wyndham, 4228 Long Meadow Drive, Aurora 60504, (630) 423-8668

Internet service

Comcast/Xfinity is offering “Internet Essentials” service to support East Aurora through the coronavirus pandemic. East Aurora families can now sign up for 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to qualified households for $9.95 per month.

Also, Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser. Learn more.

AT&T: AT&T is offering free internet access for 60 days. Visit their website for information.

To all families, please remember the importance of social distancing. Just as school is closed, so are our playgrounds. In order to get through this global crisis, we urge you not to gather together at our playgrounds.

As health officials have stated, everyone should be staying home and away from others as much as possible. No matter your age, the more people you interact with, the greater the chance of infecting those around you who may be at high risk.

• 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.

Essential District Staff during shelter in place

District staff being utilized to support food distribution will be provided a letter to report to our sites to continue preparing for meal distribution along with school administrative leadership. During the State of Illinois shelter in place, we remain committed and supported by the State to provide safety and nutrition for our students.

These are unprecedented times for our world and for East Aurora. However, EA will make it through these unique challenges together, as one district, one team, and one family.

Stay healthy, continue to be good to yourself and to your family, and thank you again for your continued support.

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.