Jefferson Elementary School

The Principal of the Matter

Updated Information

We have set a date for school pictures and it is Monday, January 25th. We will take pictures of in person learners that morning while we are in session. Then, from 12-2 we will allow remote learners to come into the school gym to get their picture taken. Parents will bring their child to the front door and we will have a TA there to take the student’s temperature before entering the building and give them some hand sanitizer and direct, just the student, to the gym where there will be another TA in there to help guide the student to get their picture taken. After their picture is taken, the student will be escorted back to their parent or guardian, who will be waiting outside of the building for them. Students will be socially distanced in the gym while waiting.

With the district plan to move to an adaptive learning schedule beginning next week, we will be changing to a fully remote meal service plan for the next 3 weeks.  Meals will continue the be free of charge for all families with children 18 & under and will need to be ordered using the link below.  Orders must be placed each week by 2pm Tuesday for pick up Wednesday at one of our 3 locations (Jefferson, Shepherd, or Lincoln).  Pick up times are from 10:45-12:15. Please select to site that works best for you, not necessarily the school your child attends.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. McConnell at 815-313-3337 or at [email protected].

Click Here to Order Lunch

Meal Announcement & Proposed Stops and Times

Important Dates

January

18 -- No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

19 -- 6:00 p.m. Board Meeting (Central)

25 -- Picture Day

Jefferson News

Remote Learning

Many families have had questions about Remote Learning. We currently have a team of individuals including teachers and members of the technology department finalizing a plan for the return to school, both full day remote and half day.

Here are some of the highlights of the planning and preparation for Remote Learning:

iPads purchased for all students K-8
iPads available with WIFI capability for families who do not have WIFI
Staff training over the summer
Feedback from parents on remote learning from last spring; address concerns
Full Remote Learning will include daily attendance and grades will be assigned.

Our team is exploring avenues to improve Remote Learning. The final plan will be released in the coming weeks. Areas being reviewed include:

Streamlining the process to make it more user friendly
Families with multiple children
Use of videos to support learning both during the instructional day and after school
Support during the instructional day
Consistent technological formats of instruction
Scheduling

We have added a link to our district webpage that will compile information on our Remote Learning plan. Some information, like Remote Learning Platforms, have been provided and can be easily accessed by clicking on the link. Please check back for information before school begins: http://www.oes141.org/RemoteLearning.aspx

Health and Safety

Dear Ottawa Elementary Families,

Given the increased attention and focus on the coronavirus in the media, we wanted to share some general information with you regarding this virus. Please click on the following link from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to access information related to the coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html#situation-summary.

Here is some of the most recent information concerning coronavirus:

The health risk to the general public from coronavirus remains low.

Currently, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends schools hold classes and events as usual and follow their routine cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Per IDPH guidelines the best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus, which are similar to the precautions you would take to avoid the flu.

IDPH always recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

We will continue to monitor this situation and follow recommendations made to public schools by the CDC, IDPH, and the LaSalle County Health Department. The District hopes that together we can proactively work to keep all members of the school community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Ottawa Elementary Administrative Team