Newsletter - April 20th 2020
Today at his daily press conference, Governor Pritzker announced that schools will remain closed through the end of the school year. Remote learning will continue through that time. We do not have any information on extended school year, but will update you when we have been given guidance.
The 2020 Census is in full swing. If you have not filled out your 2020 Census, please do. The online survey takes only a few minutes.
Our social work team will be completing well-check calls with all our CCDS families periodically. Please let our social workers if there is anything you need.
Parent Resources
It's now been four full weeks that students have been learning from home. And we know the COVID-19 pandemic can wear on every resource — from food and shelter to our emotional bandwidth and mental health. Fortunately, the Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a support line called Call4Calm that is reachable via text. Individuals who want to speak with a mental health professional can text the word “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish speakers) to 552-020. Within 24 hours, that individual will receive a call from a mental health professional employed by a local community health center.People can also text other terms, like “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to the same number to receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services. Call4Calm is free, and individuals who use it can remain anonymous.
Here is a nice article on how to support student's emotional well-being during the shelter at place: https://www.childtrends.org/publications/resources-for-supporting-childrens-emotional-well-being-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
Here is information on online support groups for parents:https://www.parents.com/news/supports-for-parents-during-covid-19-pandemic/
It's now been four full weeks that students have been learning from home. And we know the COVID-19 pandemic can wear on every resource — from food and shelter to our emotional bandwidth and mental health. Fortunately, the Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a support line called Call4Calm that is reachable via text. Individuals who want to speak with a mental health professional can text the word “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish speakers) to 552-020. Within 24 hours, that individual will receive a call from a mental health professional employed by a local community health center.People can also text other terms, like “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to the same number to receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services. Call4Calm is free, and individuals who use it can remain anonymous.
Here is a nice article on how to support student's emotional well-being during the shelter at place: https://www.childtrends.org/publications/resources-for-supporting-childrens-emotional-well-being-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
Here is information on online support groups for parents:https://www.parents.com/news/supports-for-parents-during-covid-19-pandemic/
Some fun family ideas while you are at home:
Fun Activities for Kids:
goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/how-to/g1389/diy-kids-activities/
Cabin Fever Activities:
todaysparent.com/family/activities/fun-things-to-do-at-home/
Fun Activities for Kids:
goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/how-to/g1389/diy-kids-activities/
Cabin Fever Activities:
todaysparent.com/family/activities/fun-things-to-do-at-home/
Follow these websites to get the most up to date and accurate information on COVID-19:
State Response Website:
www2.illinois.gov/sites/gov/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx
CDC Website:
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization Website:
who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Federal Response Website:
https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus
Chicago Response Center:
chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.html
State Board of Education Website:
isbe.net/coronavirus
Questions? Contact us by clicking Here.
Amid all of the challenges we have faced over the last month, we have enjoyed supporting students in a new way and collaborating with families more closely than ever before. Schools across the state have been doing some amazing work. Here is a video from the Illinois Association of School Administrators showcasing some great examples: vimeo.com/406039298.
Has a community group or local business helped you, your school, or your school district? You can now share your gratitude by nominating that group or business to the #WeAreIllinois campaign – an initiative from Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who wants to promote a message of solidarity, perseverance, and resilience in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Lt. Governor Stratton will feature nominees on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram twice weekly through May with the hashtag #WeAreIllinois. To nominate a local business or organization that has gone above and beyond to provide services or assistance to their employees or your school community click here:
forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBWYwd2R9bDdHq8kIVmzHKkZUMTNHSTgxRUtZRzhaRVRMRERCMUROSEg3Wi4u
Has a community group or local business helped you, your school, or your school district? You can now share your gratitude by nominating that group or business to the #WeAreIllinois campaign – an initiative from Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who wants to promote a message of solidarity, perseverance, and resilience in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Lt. Governor Stratton will feature nominees on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram twice weekly through May with the hashtag #WeAreIllinois. To nominate a local business or organization that has gone above and beyond to provide services or assistance to their employees or your school community click here:
forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBWYwd2R9bDdHq8kIVmzHKkZUMTNHSTgxRUtZRzhaRVRMRERCMUROSEg3Wi4u