Dear Parents;/Guardians and Students:
I hope this message finds you all well. By now, you are likely aware that Governor Pritzker has made the decision to class all Illinois schools for in-person learning for the remainder of the year. I have recorded a short video message in response to this closure which you can view here.
Prior to this announcement on Friday, our Board of Education met on Thursday and set the official last day of student attendance (now a Remote Learning Day) as Wednesday, May 20th. While our teachers begin making plans for the Remote Learning Days in May, each school has learning opportunities planned through the rest of April. While elementary students begin their school-wide reading of A Boy Called Bat, middle school and high school students will be able to get their next wave of materials starting tomorrow (Tuesday) at the usual times and locations.
We appreciate the efforts that our students and parents are putting in during this time. Our hearts go out to the parents who have lost income during this time and we know that the pandemic has created more stress for many. The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support. Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0, with key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how navigate and access supports and services.
In these challenging times, it is not uncommon to need help. Other important local resources are available as well, ranging from employment and mental health resources to shelter and transportation options. Please see this list for a frequently updated overview of what is available to you or anyone you know.
To conclude on a more uplifting note, the high school’s Friends of Rachel Club is encouraging everyone to participate in a virtual Day Without Hate (Day Without Hate is a student led movement to promote nonviolence, unity, and respect in our schools and community). Please check out the message below from Club Sponsor Kailah Kelly:
Even though we aren’t in school, the Day Without Hate organization is challenging us to spread kindness and compassion through social media.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
Wear white on April 24th to honor the day.
Write a thank you letter to essential workers.
Call a family member or friend.
With chalk, write positive messages on your sidewalk for the community to see.
Make and post positive posters on your windows.
Be creative!
We would love to see your picture of spreading kindness and compassion. Post on social media with #DayWithoutHateDuQuoin or tag the DHS Friends Of Rachel Club Facebook page!
This isn’t just a challenge for DHS but the whole community!
“Live with Love because the world needs your love now more than ever.”
Now that’s a much better way to wrap up this message.
Stay safe,
P.S. District 300 now has a page on Facebook. You can find us on Facebook under Du Quoin CUSD 300 or @DuQuoin300 (also on Twitter).