Charleston CUSD 1 -

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

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.)

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

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!

Free Charleston Community Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery

A message from our CUSD#1 Health Professionals: https://youtu.be/8n4PSNeiKAQ

First 150 kids, ages 17 and under, will receive a FREE Gingerbread House & Paint Kit courtesy of Christmas in the Heart of Charleston Sponsors & the Coles County Arts Council. You must sign up for this event through the Charleston Rec. Department by Friday, Nov 13th @ noon. Kit pick-up will be Saturday, Nov 14th 10am - 12pm at City Hall. Completed art work will need to be dropped back off at City Hall between Nov 16th and Dec 2nd. Art work will be on display around the Square starting Dec 5th and will continue throughout the month. To register for this event, click the link below: https://apm.activecommunities.com/charlestonrecdept/Activity_Search/christmas-in-the-heart-winter-art-kit/8188

With the schedule changes, students in classes with pre-scheduled meetings will need to update their Teams calendar. Here is a set of directions to help: https://5il.co/mtk1.

Please expect bus delays in these first few days back to in-person instruction. It's typical to see delayed buses during the first week of school. Thank you for patience as we work to get all district students home safely.

November 3 Re-opening Update https://youtu.be/6_neaHnE10U

Hello Carl Sandburg Families, I wanted to send a reminder of the different entrance and exit points for each grade level! We can't wait to see you tomorrow!

ReOpening Update from Dr. Vilardo: https://youtu.be/FTCMcEeVoqk

All classes in Empower have been restored.

We are investigating an issue with students not being able to see their classes in Empower. We will update you as soon as we know more. Thank you!

If you are planning for your child to ride a bus to/from school this year, please be sure you have done the following things in Skyward Family Access: 1. Completed the 2021 Bus Form in the Online Registration tab 2. Verified that your child has information in the Busing tab (Bus #'s, pickup/drop-off times/ locations) We want to ensure that this information is accurate before the return to in-person instruction next week. Please contact your child's school if you have any questions or concerns.

Families of students in Grades K-6 who selected the Remote Learning Option for Quarter 2: We will host a brief Remote Learning Orientation on Thursday, November 5th from 6:30-7:00pm via Zoom. Families will learn about expectations and guidelines for remote learning in Grades K-6 as well as have an opportunity to ask questions. Technology tips and resources will be shared with you at this event as well. We will share a link for the Zoom meeting on Wednesday 11/4. Please mark your calendars.

Important Health Reminder: If your child is sick with symptoms such as fever, headache, upset stomach, sore throat, etc, they need to stay home along with any other siblings in the district. If they report or exhibit any of these symptoms while at school, the student (along with any other siblings in the district) will need to be picked up from school immediately. IDPH guidelines state that all household members (i.e. siblings and parents) are all required to quarantine for 10 days unless there is an alternative diagnosis. Students may continue with remote learning, but will not be allowed back into their buildings for in-person instruction until a negative covid test is received, an alternative diagnosis is provided, or ten days have passed without any additional symptoms. Please contact your school nurse with any questions.

Cub Scouts Virtual Fall Recruitment Night is TONIGHT (Monday, October 26, 2020) @ 6:30pm and is open to all boys and girls in grades K-5. For more information, please see the attached flier: https://5il.co/mhhm

It's two weeks away! The schools are in final stages of getting ready for students to return.

CMS students hard at it today. Great job, students!!!!