- Cass School District 63
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The Cass63 Connections is communicated to parents and published on Cass School District 63's website weekly throughout the school year.
District Communications
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Cass63 Connections
Cass63 Connections 3.4.21
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Not only are we finalizing our planning for Return to Learn 3.0, but we are also developing new bus routes both for this spring and next year, planning spring activities, reviewing student assessment data, getting ready for fall registration, determining 2021-22 school year staffing needs as well as a host of other things. While this year has brought forth many challenges, we couldn't be any more excited about the opportunities before us and the bright future that lies ahead in Cass School District 63.
As explained below, no later than Tuesday, March 9, I will be providing parents with the details of our 3.0 plan that will go into effect on March 22. While I wanted to provide this to you this week as planned, we need to give our staff and Board of Education a chance to review this in more final form behind the scenes before it is shared publicly. Having said that, most of it will be pretty straightforward and any changes will be highlighted so that it is clear to you.
As far as we are concerned, March 22 can't come soon enough! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all. Have a wonderful weekend!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Reminder - Second Trimester Ends March 5
The second trimester ends tomorrow. In next week’s Cass63 Connections there will be information on how to view your child’s report cards, so please watch for that information.
Staff Vaccination Schedule
It's a great day in Cass 63! We are very excited that all of our staff who wanted the vaccine will be receiving their second doses today, tomorrow or Saturday. While we have made every effort to plan for this with the timing of the doses, we ask for reasonable parent flexibility in the event we have some staff out with the number of people being vaccinated and potential side effects. We have tough people in Cass 63 but it certainly impacts people in different ways! Hang with us and we will do whatever we can to make it all work.
Four Day In-Person Schedule Begins March 22
Plans are being finalized for moving our students to four full days of in-person learning starting on Monday, March 22. Superintendent Mark Cross will provide district parents with the updated School Reimagined 3.0 Framework no later than Tuesday, March 9. The updated document will show any changes from the current plan. While feedback will be welcome, everything remains on track for the new schedule to begin in just over two weeks.
Part-Time School Nurse Needed
Cass School District 63 is seeking a part-time substitute school nurse through the close of the 2020-21 school year. The hours and work schedule are flexible and will be negotiated with the final candidate.
The qualified candidate must be a Licensed Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's Degree or above. Qualified individuals should complete an online application on the Career Opportunities section of the District’s website to apply.
2021-22 Registration Coming Soon
Prior to spring break at the end of March, the school district will be providing online registration information for the 2021-22 school year. As most school districts already do, Cass School District 63 will now require annual proof of residency for each child at the time of registration. This will be explained to parents in detail when registration information is provided.
Spring Break March 29 - April 5
As a reminder, students will be on spring break beginning Monday, March 29 and continuing through Monday, April 5. The last day prior to spring break on Friday, March 26 will be an independent learning day for students with no live instruction due to a planned school improvement day. School will resume on Tuesday, April 6. Please refer to the updated 2020-21 district calendar for any clarification of attendance days for the remainder of the school year.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The positivity rate remains low within our school community. We appreciate the continued parental support with the self-reporting of any symptoms, potential close contacts or travel, social or other activities that could bring any risk into our schools. Our COVID-19 Data Dashboard reflects our numbers for the previous two weeks, as well as the cumulative information for the 2020-21 school year.
Community Corner
Please see the links below for information on local events and webinars:
The Community Speaker Series presents How to Raise an Adult
Glenbard Parent Series presents Most Likely to Succeed
Cass63 Connections Archives
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Cass63 Connections - February 25, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
It is wonderful to have the snow melting and the sun shining! With the hope of spring just around the corner, we are also very excited about having our students at school for more in-person instruction. Several updates on our Return to Learn 3.0 planning follow, but much more information will be shared later next week.
In the meantime, never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns at all. Have a great weekend!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
No School February 26
As a reminder, there is no school on Friday, February 26 due to a planned teacher institute day. This is our last school holiday until spring break. We hope our students enjoy the nice day and weekend and we will see everyone again on March 1!
Second Trimester Ends March 5
Next Friday we will be completing the second trimester. Look for an email from your child’s school in the week or so following the close of the trimester informing parents when report cards are available for viewing.
Return to Learn 3.0 Begins March 22
We are on track with our planning to commence with our Return to Learn 3.0 Framework on Monday, March 22. The key change in the schedule is combining our in-person students into one group who will now be in-person full days Monday through Thursday, while continuing to maintain each Friday as a remote learning day. Full remote learning remains available for any families who prefer this option.
In terms of overall numbers, around 14 to 15 percent of our students are planning to be fully remote for the remainder of the school year. This does not include students who are absent on a given day, or any students who may be self-quarantined or isolated at a particular time.
As we speak, we are working on changes with the bus routes as well as planning for layered mitigation measures at school. Our leadership team and staff will continue to work through these details and keep you updated as we go forward. This will include highlighted and clear changes to our 3.0 Return to Learn Framework.
Important - IDPH Travel Guidance
With spring getting closer and soon more students in our schools, it has never been more important for our parents to self-report symptoms, close contacts and any potentially risky social or travel situations that could result in the spread of COVID-19. Part of what has made our plan so successful is the level of self-reporting our parents have been providing, because we know the best way to avoid the spread of COVID at school is to keep COVID out of school. With more families likely to travel in the coming weeks and months, we wanted to share guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health that might be helpful in your planning.
Here is the current IDPH Travel Guidance, which includes a travel advisory map, guidance as it relates to domestic and international air travel and also guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. We will determine in our 3.0 plan if we are going to utilize specific metrics, but for now we are asking that prior to traveling our parents read these guidelines carefully, consider locations of lower risk if travel is necessary and either self-quarantine or get a PCR test upon return from any higher risk locations, or after engaging in any higher risk social activities.
Parents are encouraged to use their best judgment and voluntarily self-quarantine and/or test your children and family if there is any chance that there could have been exposure in a social situation, with unknown contacts or any travel to higher risk locations. The remote option will always be available to provide seamless instruction with the child at home while parents watch for symptoms and consider testing. We truly appreciate your assistance and cooperation with this important matter.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The positivity rate across Illinois and in this area continues to decline, which continues to be reflected in our low numbers in the school setting as well. We appreciate the continued parental support with the self-reporting of any symptoms, potential close contacts or travel, and social or other activities that could bring any risk into our schools. Our COVID-19 Data Dashboard reflects our numbers for the previous two weeks, as well as the cumulative information for the 2020-21 school year.
2021-22 District Calendar ReleasedThe Board of Education recently approved the 2021-22 school district calendar. Next year’s calendar includes the assumption of a return to full in-person learning. Obviously, this could be impacted by health conditions and guidance at the time the new school year begins, but at this time we are planning for a normal attendance schedule. Regardless, the holidays and dates are something our parents can plan on for next year!
Reminder - State 5Essentials Parent Survey
If you have not already done so, please take a moment to participate in the Illinois State Board of Education 5Essentials Parent Survey to provide feedback about your children’s schools. If you have any questions, please contact the District Office at 331-481-4000.
CARE Dine to Donate at Dell Rhea's
Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket is supporting CARE for their Dine to Donate March event. Anytime during the month of March, Dell Rhea’s is giving 10% back to CARE. Please be sure to read the Dine to Donate flyer for information on how to make sure that 10% of your order gets donated back to CARE.
CARE Fannie May Fundraiser - March 1-15, 2021
Spring and Easter celebrations are right around the corner and here is a perfect opportunity to fulfill your candy needs and support CARE at the same time. The Fannie May Spring Fundraiser runs from March 1-15 so please make sure you get your orders in before time runs out.
Community Corner
Please see the links before for information on local events and webinars:
Cub Scout Pack 97 BBQ In the Snow – March 23, 2021
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Cass63 Connections - February 18, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
At Tuesday evening’s meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved the recommended School Reimagined 3.0 Framework. This came after a detailed explanation of the key elements and a presentation on the results of the successful parent survey. There were many excellent questions, and it was an open and honest discussion.
As a result, we are moving forward with a full-day, Monday through Thursday in-person schedule, with Fridays remaining as fully remote instruction. Prekindergarten and kindergarten will be half days for the same four days. Parents will also maintain the option of full remote instruction, so nothing has changed in that regard, but we will no longer offer the two-day cohorts under the new 3.0 model.
We had very strong parental support for the change to 3.0 with 71.8 percent supporting a four-day in-person model, 15.1 percent supporting the current blended option, and 13.1 percent supporting full remote learning. When presented with the two options that have been approved under the new framework, 83.8 percent chose in-person attendance on Mondays through Thursdays and 16.2 percent chose the full remote option. This means that when presented with a choice, 4 out of 5 parents who would otherwise choose the blended option chose the four-day full in-person option over the full remote option. With roughly 800 responses, the survey represented a very high percentage of our students and households and provided actionable data that allows us to move forward in light of our current and future mitigation efforts, the low rate of spread in our community and the fact that our staff who will provide in-person instruction is in the process of getting vaccinated.
We are moving forward with even greater effort and vigilance regarding the safety of our students and staff, and it is incumbent upon us to do so particularly when more students will be in person, which will result in less social distancing in some cases. We are reviewing the numbers for each grade level and class and will continue to look at specific situations and plan accordingly. Some details are also provided under the Board Briefs below, but I will provide more information to parents over the next two weeks. We have much work to do as it relates to our planning and changes with our bus routes and procedures that will also be explained. Last but not least, be sure to review the calendar for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year below.
The new framework will commence on Monday, March 22. We will continue to plan, and I will continue to communicate the details of our planning with you as we go forward, just as we have all year. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any specific needs or questions at this time. Also, please know that every comment and concern from the survey has been read and heard, and we will continue to do our very best to make this safe and successful for your children at school.
Thank you very much for your support as we make plans for this important next step to School Reimagined 3.0.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Board Briefs
The Cass School District 63 Board of Education meeting was held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Please review the Board Briefs to get updates on what was discussed at the meeting.
Updated 2020-21 School Year Calendar
With the plan to bring students back to school four days a week starting March 22, please review the updated 2020-21 School Year Calendar. This reflects the new in-person attendance schedule, as well as several changes with in-person attendance days on certain Fridays.
Prekindergarten Screening - March 5
Concord Elementary School will be conducting Prekindergarten Screening for children aged 3, 4 and 5 on March 5, 2021. If you are interested in having your child participate in this screening, please go to Prekindergarten Screening for more information and learn how to registration.
Concord Elementary Yearbook Order Reminder
Time is running out to get your child’s copy of the 2020-21 School Year Yearbook. If you have not already done so, please visit here for more information and the order form. The final deadline for orders is Thursday, February 25.
School Picture Retakes - February 25 and 25
Picture Retakes will take place for all students on Wednesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 25. For your child's specific date, time and instructions, see the links below:
Concord Elementary Picture Retake Schedule
Cass Junior High Picture Retake Schedule
Cass Junior High Remote Student School Picture Pick-Up
Remote students in 5th, 6th and 7th grades who are fully remote may pick up their pictures from the Cass Junior High School office during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the Cass Junior High School Office at 331-481-4020.
Cass Junior High Graduation - June 3, 2021
The Cass Junior High School Eighth Grade Graduation is Thursday, June 3, 2021. In a previous communication, the wrong date was communicated. Please mark your calendars accordingly and we will update you on the format and times as we get closer to the big day!
Chess Team in First Place!
The Cass Junior High School Chess Team is currently in first place. The conference tournament will be held virtually the last week in February. There are 17 students on the chess team and the top ten chairs compete in the meet. Year after year, Cass always has a good turnout of students that want to participate and that helps us build a strong team for years to come.
We have also recently learned that the Hinsdale South High School Chess Team is going to state this year and that team includes many Cass Junior High School alumni. Congratulations and good luck!
Class of 2025 (4th Grade) T-Shirt Order
If you would like to commemorate your students last year at Concord Elementary School, now is your chance. CARE is selling Class of 2025 t-shirts. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a fun memory from your child’s fourth grade year.
COVID-19 Dashboard
Here is the updated COVID-19 Data Dashboard, which continues to show a weeks long downward trend in our numbers. Our community spread is also very low and we are in the green with a 7-day rolling average positivity rate now under 5 percent in the Darien and Willowbrook zip codes. This is wonderful news and we hope to keep this up locally for the health of our community, as well as keeping our students in school as much as possible.
5Essentials Parent Survey
The Illinois State Board of Education invites parents to participate in the 5Essentials Parent Survey to provide feedback about your children’s schools. This survey is designed to help our leadership team improve our schools the best that we can. All responses are completely anonymous. Additionally, your responses will be combined with other parents from your child's school and summarized in a school report to further protect your anonymity. Your participation in this survey is voluntary and you have the right to discontinue participation at any point in the process. If you have more than one child at that school, you may elect to participate multiple times. You may also respond separately to the same link if you have children at both Concord and Cass.
This survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are: (1) Effective Leaders; (2) Collaborative Teachers; (3) Involved Families; (4) Supportive Environments; and (5) Ambitious Instruction. Prior research has shown that schools that were strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators were 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that were weak on three or more essentials.
Our teachers along with students in grades 4 through 8 will be responding to this survey. 5Essentials Reports will be generated for schools if their teachers and/or students meet the response rate threshold of 50 percent, while the parent response threshold is 20 percent. These reports will be sent to school districts and will also be included in the State School Report Card, assuming these thresholds are met. Thank you for your participation, and please let us know if you have any questions! -
Cass63 Connections - February 11, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
First of all, thank you for the great responses so far to the School Reimagined 3.0 Parent Survey. We have about 55 percent of our kids accounted for which is wonderful, but it also means we have 45 percent to go by noon on Monday. There is no problem if you are taking more time to think through your decisions as a family, but the first story below contains the link to the survey should you need it. It is very important that we get full participation, so we will send out a couple of reminders whether you need them or not!
The questions and comments are also very helpful in our planning. Please know that we are unable to respond to all of the inquiries in the survey individually but will follow up as needed at the appropriate time. There are also bigger themes within the questions that are helpful for areas where I can communicate better. As much as we try to be totally transparent and provide all of the necessary details, with something of this nature there will always be questions we did not foresee, or details that need to be better explained.
As a result, I am planning to send out a Supplemental School Reimagined 3.0 Communication on Friday, February 12. In this communication I will answer additional questions and items that have come up including, but not limited to, the preschool and kindergarten schedule, the current blended versus proposed four-day schedule, remote Fridays and spring sports and activities.
I hope you will find this helpful as we do whatever it takes to communicate openly and honestly with you, as well as take your feedback and constructive comments to heart and do the very best that we can for your children. One of many things I have learned in all of this is that there are as many opinions as there are people. Our choice has been to embrace those opinions, be open and transparent with you, and continue to focus on what is best for our students while keeping everyone safe and healthy.
Please watch for the supplemental 3.0 communication tomorrow, have a great weekend and most importantly, don’t forget your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day!
Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Reminder! School Reimagined 3.0 Survey Due Monday
If you have not already done so, please be sure to complete the School Reimagined 3.0 Parent Survey. Your opinions and feedback are very important to us and we also need your responses so we can plan accordingly for your children and family. The deadline for completing this important survey is noon on Monday, February 15.Supplemental 3.0 Communication February 12
As explained above, Mr. Cross will be providing an additional communication on Friday, February 12. The purpose is to answer questions that have risen regarding the prekindergarten and kindergarten schedule, the current blended versus proposed four-day schedule, remote Fridays and spring sports and activities among other things.
Presidents' Day and Next Week's Schedule
In honor of Presidents' Day, there is no school on Monday, February 15. As a result, our Monday/Wednesday students will attend school in person on Wednesday and Friday next week!
Students Participate in Mock Newbery Program
Under the leadership of teacher Audrey Vaci, each year students are invited to read books through the Mock Newbery Program. Despite the pandemic, many Cass Junior High students chose to participate again this year and there were five students who read all 25 books. Those students are Elliot Davis, Sammie Knutte, Erin Menako, Kieran Pardue and Kamile Zinis. Collectively our students read over 700 Mock Newbery books in just under four months time. This is wonderful participation by our students!
Preventing Abuse Through Erin’s Law
Tragically, it is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18 years old. It is also estimated that around 90 percent of the abusers are people the child knows.
Concord Elementary School students will soon be participating in the Erin’s Law Program, which is a state-mandated, age-appropriate child sexual abuse awareness program. Under the link, parents can read more details about the programs, when this will take place and who to contact with questions or for more information.
Cass Junior High School Picture Retakes
Picture Retakes will take place for all Cass Junior High students on Wednesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 25. Please see the picture retake schedule to find your child’s specific date, time and instructions.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
The COVID-19 Data Dashboard has been updated to reflect our numbers for the past two weeks. While community numbers are down and vaccines are more widely distributed, we must maintain our vigilance to stop the spread of COVID-19 not only in our schools, but also in our community and families.
Community Corner
Please see links below for information regarding three upcoming virtual seminars:
Indian Prairie Library presents Race and Restorative Justice
Glenbard Parent Series presents Shaun Derik - Being T.H.E.R.E. Five Ways to Engage Young People
Glenbard Parent Series presents Tara Westover – Educated: A Memoir
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Cass63 Connections - February 4, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
Tonight I am excited to share with you that we have been working nonstop on plans for increasing the amount of time our in-person students will be here at school. Of course this is something we have wanted since day one, along with doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and local community. This has included a robust plan that has never once compromised the health and safety of our students, staff and families.
No plan is perfect, but I will stand our teachers and staff up to any district anywhere. They have not only kept everyone safe but have done so while providing the full curriculum for our students in personas well as for our remote learners at home. As a school district we also wanted to push for the full academic growth of our students, and of course we can never put a price on the importance of the social and emotional growth of our children. This is why we have never stopped planning, and the latest part of that effort has led to a wonderful next step in helping bring our students back for more time.
While we are not seeking any recognition, you should be proud to know that Cass School District 63 has led the charge in bringing COVID-19 vaccines to the vast majority of the employees in several local school districts. We appreciate Hinsdale High School District 86 acting as the host site and the collaboration and effort among local superintendents along with our partner provider Osco has been outstanding. As a result, 1,800 local public school educators are getting their first dose of the Moderna vaccine over the course of the next three days!
I share this wonderful news because it has been part of our deep work behind the scenes, and we believe this is going to help us get to the next step. In the introductory letter of our original School Reimagined Return to Learn Framework, I said that the overarching and uncompromising theme is the health and safety of our students and staff, along with the flexibility to change and adapt quickly and safely to any situation. I also said that the framework would continue to be updated as needed based on health guidance and things we learn along the way.
We have indeed learned a great deal and are at a point in which we can continue to maintain this high level of health and safety, while also adapting to what is before us. We are working collaboratively with our teachers and staff to take the next step to School Reimagined 3.0. The original 1.0 was the remote framework to open the first month of the school year, 2.0 is the blended and remote option where we have been since the middle of the fall, and 3.0 will potentially offer a significant amount of additional time for in-person learning.
We have to work through many details with our wonderful staff and more information will be provided in a separate message to parents next week, including potential schedules and timelines. To help us get there, we will be conducting a very important parent survey in which we will need your participation. This will be similar to the surveys we conducted last summer. The potential details of School Reimagined 3.0, along with the parent survey, will be provided to you via email no later than Tuesday, February 9.
As a result of this effort, we are not going to issue the third trimester survey at this time. In last week's Cass63 Connections, I referenced bringing our students back with more time and this next week I will be able to provide the details and timelines that will provide clarity and direction as we move toward School Reimagined 3.0. Please watch for the details and survey, and I will continue to communicate with you as we go forward.
We truly look forward to working with all of you on these next steps toward a very bright future. As always, thank you for your support of our students, staff and schools.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Coming Soon! Important Parent Communication and Survey
As described in the communication above from Superintendent Mark Cross, Cass School District 63 will be providing an important parent communication and survey by Tuesday, February 9. The feedback from this survey will be essential in our planning for more in-person instruction for our students. As a result, at this time the district is not going to issue a separate survey related to third trimester instruction. More details will be provided soon!
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
The COVID-19 Data Dashboard has been updated to reflect the current numbers, and our school community continues to do an outstanding job helping keep in-person learning working so well. We think this can continue with ongoing vigilance, self-reporting and keeping children at home who have symptoms or are potential close contacts. To see the most up to date COVID-19 data ...
Help Wanted! Full-Time Custodian
Cass School District 63 has a vacancy for a full-time custodian at Cass Junior High School. The normal work hours will be Monday-Friday from 1:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. and the expected salary is $15.00 per hour, plus competitive benefits and insurance. Qualified individuals should complete an online application for consideration. The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, February 12.
Prekindergarten Screening March 5
Concord Elementary School will be conducting Prekindergarten Screening for children aged 3, 4 and 5 on March 5, 2021. If you are interested in having your child participate in this screening, please go to Prekindergarten Screening for more information and learn how to registration.
Kindergarten Registration
If you have a child (or know of another child living within District boundaries) that will reach the age of five (5) before September 1, 2021, please go to Kindergarten Registration for more information on how to register for Kindergarten.
Concord Elementary School Yearbook Order Reminder
Time is running out to get your child’s copy of the 2020-21 School Year Yearbook. If you have not already done so, please visit here for more information and the order form. The final deadline for orders is Thursday, February 25.
CARE Dine to Donate at Cozzi Corner
CARE is hosting a Dine to Donate event at Cozzi Corner Hot Dogs February 3-7, 2021. Please make sure to bring a copy of the Cozzi Corner Dine to Donate flyer with you when you go. We hope to see you there!
Hinsdale South High School Boosters Drive-Thru Barbeque
If you are looking for a great way to support your child’s future school, the Hinsdale South High School Boosters will be hosting a Drive-Thru Barbeque on February 23. For more information on the event and how to order, please visit Drive-Thru Barbeque.
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Cass63 Connections - January 28, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
The month of January has quickly flown by, and we continue to be very pleased with the effort and success of our students and staff here at school, as well as our students working hard at home with their supportive parents. The constant challenges of the world in which we live has been particularly difficult for so many families, just as it has presented so many challenges here at school and at home. I have said a thousand times how proud I am of the cooperation and effort SO MANY people have put into making this year so successful in Cass 63, despite the endless challenges we face.
Having said that, we know it is far from perfect and until all of our kids are back in school all day every day, it's not going to be. We are fully aware of both the academic and social emotional impact of all of these decisions as we work through this. This is why getting our students back for more time is something we deem as essential, and of course we must do so safely and responsibly. Can I provide any specific timelines yet? No, and I don't think it would be responsible to speculate yet on dates, but there are several reasons I am so optimistic.
First of all, there is nothing that all of us in Cass 63 want more than to have all of our kids here at school. Whatever we do, we must do it right and continue to achieve total success in limiting the spread of COVID in our community, as we have all year long. Also, the move into vaccination Phase 1b combined with the cooperative effort of local school district leaders with the vaccine rollout for our staff, however long it takes, will be a huge step forward in this regard. Finally, in Cass 63 we know how to set goals, put together a thorough and responsible plan and work together cooperatively to make it successful.
The bottom line is I want you to know that we are always planning ahead on how best to get there without compromising the health and safety of our students and staff. Right now, our focus is on getting the vaccine lined up for our employees as soon as possible, and this is already moving forward. I will continue to communicate with you on all of this, but today I simply wanted to reiterate how important it is to have our kids in school.
Your support, kindness and willingness to work cooperatively with us is probably the biggest part of our success. Let's keep this positive momentum going as we look forward to a very bright future.
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
The COVID-19 Data Dashboard has been updated to reflect the current numbers within the school district. Once again, we continue to have great success with the outstanding effort with self-reporting and keeping symptoms and potential cases outside of our schools. To see the most up to date COVID-19 data ...
Third Trimester In-Person Election Survey Coming Soon
Very soon, the school district will be providing parents of students who are fully remote the opportunity to opt in to in-person blended instruction for the third trimester which begins March 8th. This will take place through an important survey, which will have a deadline of noon on Friday, February 12th. This will allow time for us to plan for any changes to class assignments, schedules, bus routes and also to help ensure that we are able to continue to provide a healthy and safe environment here at school. As a reminder, parents may opt in to full remote instruction at any time, but fully remote families who wish to switch to in-person instruction must do so at the trimester. Also, due to current social distancing requirements, we cannot promise preferences for which cohort days (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) or mornings or afternoon for prekindergarten and kindergarten. More information and details will be provided soon!
Help Wanted! Full-Time Custodian
Cass School District 63 has a vacancy for a full-time custodian at Cass Junior High School. The normal work hours will be Monday-Friday from 1:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. and the expected salary is $15.00 per hour, plus competitive benefits and insurance. Qualified individuals should complete an online application for consideration. The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, February 5.
Cass Junior High School Picture Retake Days
Picture Retakes will take place for all students on Wednesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 25. Please see the picture retake schedule to find your child’s specific date, time and instructions.
CARE Winter 2021 Snowman Challenge
Do you wanna build a snowman? At a time when it is difficult to find new and unique family time, CARE has come to the rescue with a fun Winter 2021 Challenge! Check it out, and we can't wait to see what your families create together!
Spirit Wear Sale Sponsored by CARE
With kids back in school, now is the perfect time to update your children’s spirit wear. If you are interested in purchased spirit wear for your children, now is your chance. CARE is currently sponsoring a Spirit Wear sale and you can order here.
Indian Prairie Public Library Presents Ignite Change Programs
Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien is hosting three upcoming programs: (1) Virtual Screening: The Long Shadow; (2) Conversation with Frances Causey, Director of the Long Shadow; and (3) Race & Restorative Justice: A Conversational Approach to a Challenging Topic. For more information, please go to Ignite Change Programs.
4H Youth Development
Serving DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties, 4H has lots to choose from for your children to help keep them engaged and involved. From Robotics to Bee Keeping, there may be something here for your children to enjoy.
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Cass63 Connections - January 21, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
We are very excited to be moving into Phase 1b of the vaccination distribution process. This includes people 65 and older as well as those who qualify as “frontline essential workers”. Among many others, this includes the dedicated teachers and staff that work in our schools.
School district superintendents have been tasked to work together in securing a vaccine provider and making this happen locally as vaccines become available. I am excited to share that local school district leaders have made incredible progress already in this regard. It is too early to share details and much work remains locally with our own staff as well as our neighboring school districts, but I wanted to share this good news with you.
While the vaccine supply is still very limited relative to the population that needs access, we remain positive of the progress as we start to see a light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel as it relates to the pandemic. As always, I will share more information with you as this progresses, as well as any longer-term impact this could have on the educational setting.
Otherwise, we have a number of other updates for you this week. There are no words to describe the joy in having our children here at school, and we ask that you please continue to follow the health and safety guidelines that remain in place at this time. Thank you for your cooperation, and please reach out if you have any questions or need anything at all!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Reminder - Daily COVID Certification Required
To ensure the safety of our students, staff and families, one of our strict requirements is making certain that everyone at school is free of COVID-19 symptoms, and has not been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or is suspected of having COVID-19, starting from two days prior to the onset of their symptoms or, if they are asymptomatic, from two days prior to their positive test date until they are isolated.
Parents of children riding the bus to school must complete the COVID-19 Symptom Paper Certification Form. Assuming your child is free of symptoms, the form should be completed and turned in upon boarding the bus each morning. For children walking or riding to school with parents, parent certification should be completed through the Electronic COVID-19 Symptom Parent Certification Form, which will be provided in an email link to parents at 4:00 a.m. the morning of each in school attendance day for their children.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard
The COVID-19 Data Dashboard has been updated to reflect the current numbers which have not changed significantly since the last update before winter break. To see the most up to date COVID-19 data ...
Board Briefs - January 19, 2021
The Board Briefs are highlights from the most recent Board of Education meeting. This is provided as a quick and timely summary to keep our staff, parents and public informed of the key items that were discussed or acted upon. Here is more information from the January 19, 2021 meeting.
Congratulations Mr. Sniegowski!
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Robert Sniegowski, who has served faithfully as the Cass Junior High School for generations! After more than 40 years of dedicated service...
Concord Elementary School Pictures January 26 - 28
Concord Elementary School will be holding Picture Days for the 2020-21 school year next week beginning on Monday. Here are the additional details, schedules and ordering information.
Concord Elementary School Yearbook Order Reminder
Despite the pandemic, we are excited to still be offering yearbooks at both schools this year. If you are interested in purchasing a Concord Elementary School Yearbook but have not already done so, please visit here for more information and the order form. The final deadline for orders is Thursday, February 25.
Last Chance...Dine to Donate at Chuck's!
CARE is hosting a "Dine to Donate" event at Chuck’s in Darien each Wednesday during the month of January! Simply order from Chucks on any Wednesday this month, and be sure to show them the Dine to Donate flyer either on your phone or printed copy when you pick up and Chuck's will give up to 20 percent of the sales back to our schools through CARE! #caresupportslocal
Parenting in the New Age of Anxiety
Cass School District 63 is fortunate to have a thriving community with many opportunities for additional growth and education for our students and families. Parenting in the New Age of Anxiety from the Glenbard Parent Series Presents is one of those opportunities in case you are interested.
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Cass63 Connections - January 14, 2021
Dear Cass School District 63 Parents,
We are very excited to have our students return in-person next week! As a reminder and explained below, we have the Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday, so please be aware of how this impacts the schedule next week.
Several other important updates follow as well. Please reach out to me or the appropriate person on staff if you have any questions or need anything at all. Thank you!
Mark R. Cross, Superintendent
Recognizing Those Who Excel in Cass 63!
Concord Elementary School Teacher Angela Zurawski has been announced as a recipient of the Award of Meritorious Service from the Illinois State Board of Education through the Illinois Teacher of the Year Program. Mrs. Zurawski has been teaching music at Concord Elementary School for many years, providing the foundation for our very successful music program. There is no question that her passion and dedication in teaching our youngest children music has a huge impact at Cass Junior High, Hinsdale South and well beyond. We believe that you can't have a great school district without a great fine arts program, and she is obviously a huge part of that.
Former Technology Assistant and B.A.S.E. staff member Dana Dolehide was the recipient of the ISBE recognition for non-certified staff after she worked in the school district in the area of technology among other things. Ms. Dolehide has since moved on from her role, but she was a tremendous asset to the district during the time she worked here.
King Holiday and Schedule for Next Week
After the Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday, January 18, we resume with our in-person blended framework on Tuesday, January 19 for our Tuesday/Thursday students. Due to the holiday, our Monday/Wednesday students will have in-person instruction on Wednesday and Friday next week and our Tuesday/Thursday students will have a full day of instruction at home on Friday. As a reference, here is the 2020-21 school district calendar.
Daily Parent Certification Reminders
Next week, parents of children riding the bus to school will resume the daily completion of the COVID-19 Symptom Paper Certification Form, which the schools provide to you and it is also available on our website. Assuming your child is free of symptoms, the form should be completed and turned in upon boarding the bus each morning.
For children walking or riding to school with parents, parent certification should be completed through the Electronic COVID-19 Symptom Parent Certification Form, which will be provided in an email link to parents at 4:00 a.m. the morning of each in school attendance day for their children.
Holidays, Travel and Self-Reporting
As a district, Cass 63 has achieved unparalleled success by our metrics in part because we have had no known cases of COVID-19 spread in the school setting. This is something that we feel is essential, and much of that success was because of our parents and families who have self-reported in advance of issues manifesting in the educational setting. We understand many families may have traveled over the holiday, so please be aware of and report any symptoms and close contacts and make the decision to self-quarantine if there is any risk after the holidays. Your cooperation helps ensure the safety of our students and staff, as well as the ability to maintain in-person instruction.
Cass Junior High School Pictures January 20 - 22
As soon as students return to in-person learning, Cass Junior High School will be holding Picture Days for the 2020-21 school year. More information is provided here, including how you can place your order!
Concord Elementary School Pictures January 26 - 28
Concord Elementary School will be holding Picture Days for the 2020-21 school year the week of January 25. Here are the additional details, schedules and ordering information.
Concord Elementary School Yearbook Orders
Despite the pandemic, we are excited to still be offering yearbooks at both schools this year. If you are interested in purchasing a Concord Elementary School Yearbook but have not already done so, please visit here for more information and a link to the order form. The final deadline for orders is Thursday, February 25.
Weather-Related Cancellation Reminders
We are well into the time of year when we could see weather-related cancellations of school. In the event it is necessary to cancel, it is our intention to have all students remain at home for a full day of remote instruction. We would then continue with the remainder of the week on the originally planned schedule. In the event in-person instruction is cancelled in Cass 63, we will send a notification to all parents via text and email once that decision is made. The notification will also be posted on our website at www.cassd63.org as well as on school district social media accounts.
COVID-19 Data Dashboard Updates Resume Next Week
Next week, we will resume with providing updated information on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard. This is updated on the web any time there is a new case among students or staff inside or outside of the school setting, as well as any new close contacts in the school setting. The number of students and staff isolated or quarantined is updated each Thursday for the two prior weeks.
Community Links
Cass School District 63 is fortunate to have a thriving community with many opportunities for additional growth and education for students and parents alike. This week we were asked to share two such opportunities with you and you may find them below:
