Heritage Community Unit School District #8

Good Afternoon,

We continue to see an increase in student illness at the Elementary/Junior High and we understand the frustration and concern this causes for everyone. Please know that we are taking this situation seriously and are implementing additional measures to sanitize and disinfect all areas of the school throughout the day and evening.

We remain in regular communication with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. At this time, they have advised that this illness is viral in nature and must run its course. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow their guidance.

We ask for your continued partnership in helping limit the spread of illness by following these safety measures:

-Keep students home if they are ill and for at least 24 hours after a fever has resolved without medication

-Do not send students to school if they are complaining of symptoms such as fever, headache, stomachache, or extreme fatigue

-Encourage frequent handwashing and good hygiene practices

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we work together to keep our students and staff as healthy as possible. We will continue to share updates as needed.

Please take care of yourselves and stay well.

Dr. Norton

Dear Families,

We are currently seeing a higher than usual number of student absences at the Elementary/Junior High School due to a virus circulating in our community.

We are being proactive and have implemented additional preventative measures in both of our buildings to help limit the spread of illness and maintain a healthy learning environment for students and staff.

Our custodial team continues to do an outstanding job with enhanced daily cleaning and disinfecting procedures. In addition, Mr. Wolf, our Head of Maintenance, will use electrostatic sprayers in the evenings throughout the buildings as an added layer of protection.

I am also in communication with Dr. Tounkara from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District as we continue to monitor the situation together.

The most common symptoms we are seeing include fever, tiredness/lethargy, and in some cases a cough lasting several days.

We ask for your partnership in reinforcing healthy practices at home:

-Encourage frequent handwashing
-Sanitize high-touch surfaces
-Keep students home when they are ill
-Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to keep our schools healthy. We will continue to monitor attendance and provide updates if needed.

Take care and stay well!

Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent

Due to the road conditions and extremely frigid temperatures, all activities scheduled for today are canceled to ensure the safety and well-being of all.

Please take care and stay warm today.

Dr. Norton

E-Learning Day: Friday, January 23

Due to the extremely cold temperatures expected at arrival time tomorrow, Friday, January 23, Heritage CUSD #8 will utilize an E-Learning Day for all students.

Student safety is our top priority, and these dangerously cold conditions make in-person arrival unsafe. Students will not report to school buildings.

Teachers will post assignments and learning expectations through their usual platforms or students should complete their assigned packets. Attendance will be taken based on student participation and completion of assigned work. Staff will be available to support students during the school day.

Coaches will communicate directly with students and families regarding the status of any afternoon or evening practices or events..

Stay warm and take care,

Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent
Heritage CUSD #8