Dear District 57 Families,
I have communicated with you frequently over the summer, as we’ve been planning for the start of the school year. Now that it’s getting close, you’ll be receiving more building-specific information from your principals. Please keep an eye on your email. With this unconventional start to the school year, it will be more important than ever to stay up to date.
This is a big week! Classroom assignments and schedules will be emailed this afternoon, and the principals will hold Zoom meetings for families tomorrow evening, covering remote learning logistics, expectations and more. We feel these optional meetings are important given that remote learning will be very different than it was in the spring. This time, administrators and staff have had more opportunities to plan a learning experience that is robust, interactive and supportive. The principals look forward to sharing more with you tomorrow – 5 p.m. for Westbrook, 6:15 for Fairview/Lions Park and 7:30 for Lincoln. Zoom links will be sent via email.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Susanna Wade, who has filled the new position of assistant principal for student services at Lincoln. She joins the administrative team of principal Paul Suminski and assistant principal Randy Steen. Susanna’s position replaces the student services coordinator, and she will handle IEPs, 504s and other support services.
Finally, as announced last week, the District is implementing a half-day Kids’ Corner program to provide some assistance to parents who are in urgent need of childcare. For those who are interested in trying to secure a spot, please see the following details:
- There will be a limited number of morning and afternoon spots available at Westbrook, Fairview and Lions Park (Monday through Friday, except school holidays), and they will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday), using the Community Pass system. Please see the detailed registration information at this link. If you plan to attempt to register, we recommend that you create a family account on Community Pass prior to 8 a.m. tomorrow.
- The Kids’ Corner hours have been altered to align with the remote learning schedule – morning session 7:50-11:50, afternoon session 12:45-4:45.
- Kids’ Corner will provide a safe, supervised environment for students to engage in remote learning; however, there will be minimal instructional or technological assistance. Students will also have the opportunity to play, exercise, and do homework, similar to the regular Kids' Corner program. There will be no food served or eaten during the program.
- Students will wear masks the entire time they are at Kids' Corner and will self-certify that they are symptom-free in order to attend. If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they will be expected to quarantine for 14 days and cannot return until they are symptom-free. If a staff or student is exposed, it is possible that we will have to shut down the program for a period, and the closure could happen on the day of the program with little notice. We will discourage the sharing of materials, including balls, between students.
- The District recognizes that many families are struggling during this pandemic and, therefore, has decided to keep Kids’ Corner fees the same as last school year, even though the hours will be expanded. The registration fee is $50, and the weekly fees are as follows:
- K-1 morning session: $57 for 2 days or fewer, $76 for 3 days or more
- K-1 afternoon session: $53 for 2 days or fewer, $70 for 3 days or more
- 2-5 morning session: $45 for 2 days or fewer, $60 for 3 days or more
- 2-5 afternoon session: $65 for 2 days or fewer, $86 for 3 days or more
Please remember to check the
COVID-19 page on our website for all District-wide updates and watch for emails from your principals. Thank you!
Dr. Elaine Aumiller
Superintendent of Schools