Todd J. Vilardo , about 4 hours ago

Dear Charleston CUSD #1 School Community,

As a child, I was intrigued by the cornucopia’s association with Thanksgiving. I recall my mother telling me that the “horn of plenty” was a reminder of the harvest time and for people to be thankful for being provided with food. I later learned that the large, horn-shaped wicker basket overflowing with produce is a symbol of abundance. Aside from its mythological origins, the cornucopia serves today as a reminder to be thankful – in abundance. Recognizing the broad cast of the COVID-19 shadow, I want to pause and shed some light on the good we have in our lives as we approach our Thanksgiving holiday break.

To our teachers and support staff, thank you for adapting to new instructional practices and new school routines, thank you for your courage, creativity and collaboration, and thank you for caring for kids, regardless of the circumstances.

To our parents, thank you for learning new technologies with us, for your perseverance and sacrifices made to support your children, and for putting your trust in our staff, regardless of where children learn.

To our School Board members and administrators, thank you for listening with empathy to our community, for deliberating diligently and for keeping a focus on student learning and safety for all.

To our students, thank you for showing patience, grace and grit through challenging times for which you never asked.

I am thankful for everyone who is striving to do their best under incredibly difficult circumstances. None of this has been easy, and none of it has been or will go perfectly, but we have learned much together over the past several months that will make us stronger for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year and beyond.

I hope you’ll likewise acknowledge the people and things you find most fulfilling and find ways to express your gratitude. Please be safe and stay healthy over our Thanksgiving break, and we will return to learn on Monday, November 30.

With abundant gratitude,

Todd J. Vilardo
Superintendent of Schools

CUSD1 , 4 days ago

At the board meeting this week, two students were recognized for their recent achievements in FFA. Emma Metzger received her American Degree during the 93rd FFA convention and Ashley Updegraff received her State Degree during the Virtual 92nd Illinois FFA Convention. (Pictured with FFA Sponsor Ben Oakley and CHS Principal Aaron Lock.)

CUSD1 , 5 days ago

American Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, December 7, 2020 2:30-6:30pm
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule an appointment

Schmitz, Abbie , 11 days ago

CUSD #1 Families,
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the school district will not be hosting the Gifts 4 Kids program at Carl Sandburg and Jefferson for this year. The school staff is working closely with the Charleston Police Department to support the Shop with a Cop program. Applications for this program have been sent home with students. If you have questions or interest in applying, please reach out to the school counselor.
Families in need of support for the holiday may look at the community resource, One Stop Community Christmas in Mattoon. The deadline to apply is November 20th. Please follow the link below for more information.
http://onestopcommunitychristmas.com/index.php

Although this was a difficult decision to make, we are still committed to supporting our students and families. We have enjoyed hosting this program in years past and we look forward to hosting again next year. Please reach out to the school with questions or concerns!

CUSD1 , 11 days ago

Free Charleston Community Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery