Summer Update from Dr. Kari Cremascoli – July 14
Posted on 07/14/2021

Dear District 39 Families,

We hope you and your family are enjoying these gorgeous summer days! As promised, District 39 is providing families with updates on our planning efforts throughout the summer. Below are a few updates. Our next district-wide update to families is expected on July 28, so please continue to look for email updates from District 39 during these summer months.  

Planning Updates from the CDC, ISBE and IDPH
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten (K)-12 Schools, and this guidance has been adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Wilmette Public Schools District 39 is reviewing this new guidance for implementation this fall as we partner with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to clarify the health and safety protocols for the start of the school year. 

Within these new guidelines are two noteworthy changes that educators and families have been eager to hear:

  1. The updated school guidance now aligns with guidance for fully vaccinated people, which allows activities to resume for fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask except where required by federal, state, and local rules and regulations. 
  2. CDC recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms to reduce transmission risk. When it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet, other layered mitigation strategies are recommended.

We will be working throughout July to better understand and incorporate these guidelines into our fall reopening plans and will share additional updates as information becomes available. The health and safety of our students, educators, and families remains our highest priority. 

Vaccination Update
As we prepare for the fall, we will be requesting vaccination status information from families. Having this information in advance will allow the District to more efficiently implement public health guidance for the 2021-22 school year. For example, current Illinois Department of Public Health guidance indicates that fully vaccinated individuals may have the option of not wearing a mask indoors and are not required to quarantine after exposure to a positive COVID-19 case, if the individual remains asymptomatic. You are not required to provide the District with documentation of COVID-19 vaccination. Please be aware, however, that those without a record of vaccination on file will be required to follow the health protocols for unvaccinated individuals. Please look for an email next week from District 39 that will provide additional information and directions regarding how to provide vaccination status information. 

Summer Construction Projects
We continue to make substantial progress on each of our summer construction projects. The school addition projects at Romona and McKenzie Schools remain on schedule along with the electrical, health/life safety and air conditioning projects at WJHS. All projects are on track for completion prior to the start of the new school year. 

Summer School in July
Summer school programming started July 6. This summer, District 39 is focused on academic review and reinforcement for students through a variety of programs. Our students and staff who are participating in our July summer programming are off to a fantastic start. If you have any questions or need support regarding summer school for your child, please reach out to our D39 Summer School Coordinator, Debbie Cooper, at [email protected] . 

Welcome to D39’s New Communications Director
Following a yearlong intensive search, District 39 is pleased to welcome Mr. Leo Krause. Mr. Krause joins District 39 with a wealth of experience in communications having recently served as the Director of Communications for Sacred Heart Schools in Chicago and previously for Loyola University. Mr. Krause grew up in Wilmette and currently resides in Evanston with his wife and son. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Krause to our D39 team!

Important Dates for the Start of the 2021-22 School Year
District 39 is planning for full in-person instruction and typical school hours to start the new school year.  The District 39 2021-22 school year calendar is available online. Below are some important dates to note for the start of the new school year:

  • Wednesday, August 18 - Class Assignments Emailed to Parents
  • Thursday, August 19 - 5th Grade Orientation at HMS
  • Friday, August 20 - 7th Grade Orientation at WJHS
  • Monday, August 23 and Tuesday, August 24 - Teacher Institute Days
  • Wednesday, August 25 - First Half-Day of Student Attendance (AM) 
  • Thursday, August 26 - First Full Day of Student Attendance
  • Monday, September 6 - Labor Day - No School
  • Tuesday, September 7 - Rosh Hashanah - No School

We hope you continue to enjoy your summer!  Please look for our next D39 update on July 28.

Your partner in education,