March 20, 2020
Today Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a “stay at home” executive order to residents to reduce the spread of COVID-19 cases across the state. This adds an element of the unknown moving forward, but it is essential we remain calm and it affirms we must be diligent in our efforts to stay home and practice social distancing. Furthermore, school closure has been extended at least until April 7th.
Unit 10 is considered “essential” and the following services will still be provided by the district during the stay at home order:
- Feed children by providing daily meals Monday – Friday
- Communicate accurate information on a regular basis
- Engage students academically and socially
Breakfast/Lunch Meals Available*
CUSD 10 is committed to making sure students who rely on school meals will continue to have food while schools are closed. Our previous meal distribution plan has been updated effective Monday, March 23.
Please USE THIS LINK to view the updated distribution sites and times, and the new bus delivery schedule.
Any future adjustments to this meal policy will be announced by CUSD 10.
*PLEASE NOTE: During a “stay at home” order, Schools and other entities that typically provide free food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and take-away basis only. Therefore, during the stay at home order, the scheduled Meal Delivery service scheduled for Monday, March 23 for students in Unit 10 will take place.
Communication
ALL communication regarding Unit 10 school closure and what occurs during this period will be shared directly from the CUSD 10 district office.
To avoid the spread of misinformation, please rely only on official statements released by CUSD 10 on the www.kahoks.org website, through district social media (Facebook, Twitter) and through emails communicated directly to parents/guardians.
For updates on COVID-19 in our community, refer to the Madison County Health Department website or social media.
E-Learning/Alternative Learning
Schools will continue to provide educational opportunities to engage students at home. Please be on the lookout for their continued communication via social media, communication apps, the postal service and email to share daily announcements, lessons and activities.
As the school closure continues, we are also looking for ways to keep students and families engaged socially. Two-way communication apps and videos are personal ways to stay connected. Reach out and check-in with your child’s teacher, principal and friends. They want to hear from you.
Specific E-Learning/Alternative Learning plans will vary based on grade level, however, here are districtwide details:
- Teachers are expected to be available to parents and/or students between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- Contact your child’s teacher via email, Skyward message or a communication app they have designated (DoJo, Bloomz, Remind App, Google Classroom)
- Contact your child’s principal via email.
- Parents/guardians and older students should check email often to watch for messages from the school district, schools, principals and teachers.
Extra-Curricular Activities/School Events
All extracurricular activities and sports practices are suspended until further notice.
Building Access and Essential Staff
The District Office is open for essential business only and access to school facilities is restricted.
Practice Good Hygiene
While school is closed, everyone is encouraged to continue practicing good hygiene:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Limit interaction with large crowds and maintain a distance of at least 3-to-6-feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw away your used tissues immediately and wash your hands.
- If you have a fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, stay home and seek medical attention early by calling your medical provider.
- Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider.
Our school nursing staff has recommended the guidelines in this handout: Guidelines to Decrease the Spread of Coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to impact how we educate our students. While the situation is not ideal, we are focused on ensuring students receive proper nutrition, regular communication is provided to families, and students remain engaged during the state mandated school closure. The health and safety of our students, staff and community remain our main focus.
Dr. Mark B. Skertich
Superintendent