March 14th Letter to Parents

March 14th Letter to Parents

Dear Butler School District 53 families and staff,
 
The recent decision to close schools, first across the county and then across the state is an unprecedented measure. With the absence of confirmed COVID-19  cases in DuPage County, we have been responding to this crisis as if our community already has a substantial outbreak. In order for these measures to be effective, the DuPage County Regional Office of Education (ROE), and the experts at the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) ask that you partner with us by practicing the following social-distancing measures:
 
- 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
- Students should avoid:
    - Gathering in large groups – this is a time to be close with those that are closest to you
    - Visiting each other's homes or having sleepovers
    - Sharing food or drink
   - Competing in team sporting activities – use this time to train individually or with someone in the home.

I know that everything moved very quickly yesterday and there are many questions and concerns about what comes next for our school community. We remain in contact with our local health department officials and are committed to sharing the most up-to-date information with the Butler D53 community should the current situation in our school district change. We will continue to be in communication on the building and District levels and will post updates on our website at https://www.butler53.com/
 
We have been operating with guidance from the ROE and the experts at the DCHD and will continue to do so. We have used the CDC guidelines for the mitigation of  COVID-19 which are designed to keep our school and communities safe. Butler D53 has been and continues to be prepared to take the steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of our school community. Our staff is prepared for our e-Learning scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 17th, and we will continue to work throughout this lengthy school closure to support our community. 
 
We understand that circumstances such as these can lead to a significant amount of stress and anxiety for our students and our families. The CDC Mental Health and Coping Strategies might be helpful to you or to someone you know. Keep following the practice of washing your hands regularly and covering your cough or sneeze. 
 
Further updates and communications will be provided as situations change. Stay healthy, stay safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul O’Malley
Superintendent of Schools