April 24 Letter to Families and Staff

April 24 Letter to Families and Staff

Dear Butler School District 53 families and staff,

As we are still digesting last week's order of suspending in-person instruction for the remainder of the academic school year, yesterday there was a new gubernatorial direction extending the stay-at-home order through May 30. In order to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of Illinoisians, the state is working closely with local health departments, county officials, and federal partners to put systems in place in response to the fight against COVID-19. The orders of the past couple of weeks were not what we wanted to hear, but they are necessary. 

Together, and only together - we will end this battle sooner than later.

In a time when it seems that much is out of our control, it helps to focus on what we do know and can control. We know that we will continue with Remote Learning through e-Learning for the remainder of the academic year. We will continue to connect with students in many different ways and do our best to continue to provide an exemplary educational experience, as they so richly deserve. We continue to conduct essential District business though the virtual Board of Education, and Committee meetings. We have staff that have your child’s best interest as a priority. They continue to work diligently to fine-tune our remote learning processes, create SEL support, balance, and open communication. Also, registration is open in an on-line platform.

What we are working on: End of school year celebrations and events, summer school and summer bridge programs, extended school year (ESY) and support for special education students, and access to buildings to collect materials and personal items. All districts are waiting for state guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, where many of the aforementioned and other pertinent topics will be addressed. We are expecting this guidance in the next week.

Thank you for all that you do during this time, as all lives have been temporarily disrupted. I am so proud of the D53 community; students, families, and staff. We are in this together, and it is fantastic. We must remain optimistic that the gains we create as a society during this time will be long-lasting. D53 Strong.

For those who celebrate: Ramadan Mubarak!

Stay well, be safe,

Dr. Paul O’Malley
Superintendent of Schools