January 29, 2021
Dear Butler School District 53 Families and Staff,
I am very pleased to share this email with you today as this is a significant step forward for our school district in the response to COVID-19. By coordinating and collaborating with many neighboring school districts, we have been able to secure enough vaccinations for all of our 1b essential workers next week. This wonderful opportunity will allow our District 53 faculty and staff who elected to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination to receive it by the end of next week.
We know that this is an integral step forward in putting immunity into our community, but we also recognize that COVID-19 will not simply go away. District 53 remains committed to our rigorous safety guidelines, protocols, and testing availability - the health and safety of our students and staff remains our utmost priority.
In order to accomplish our vaccination plan, District 53 is making an adjustment to our school day on Friday, February 5, 2021. All students will learn remotely during the morning. All learning will conclude by 12:00pm. Further information, details and schedule will be communicated by your building principal.
Special thanks for our teachers and staff who have led with their resiliency this school year and for their patience in the logistics of scheduling specific vaccination appointments. We appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for our students, their families, and each other.
Additionally, I would like to recognize and thank our District 53 nursing staff for their efforts in coordinating COVID-19 testing and the vaccination process. Terry Hillen, Donna Lichtfuss, and Anjanae Stieber have truly gone above and beyond in their commitment to our community. Thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and compassionate care.
Have a great weekend. Stay well, be safe-
Dr. Paul O’Malley
Superintendent of Schools