As the situation surrounding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus continues to change, District 54 is working with amazing community partners to provide food to families who are struggling financially.

We would like to thank the number of individuals and organizations who have inquired about how to make donations to help those in our community who may be struggling. We feel the best practice is to work with organizations who are currently offering these services in our community and will therefore not be collecting food. Please do not bring food donations to the district office as previously mentioned.

The Schaumburg Township Food Pantry and many faith-based charities are providing food to families in our community. Click here to access a list of these pantries on the Schaumburg Township website. In order to encourage social distancing, these organizations are not collecting food at this time.

The District 54 Education Foundation has also created a new fund called the D54 Foundation Crisis Fund, which will be used to support our most at-risk families, including the 20% of students who qualify for free lunch. This emergency fund will help families impacted by this virus, and could be used in the future to provide immediate access to financial assistance for financially struggling families.

To donate, visit any of the following websites:

• District 54 Education Foundation – select Crisis Fund
• Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Schaumburg Township Food Pantry

Families needing assistance may benefit from the following. These organizations ask that you please check their website before coming to ensure that they still have the food supplies.

• The Schaumburg Township Food Pantry is now running a drive-through pickup from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the township office, One Illinois Blvd. in Hoffman Estates. For more information, please call (847) 732-7166.
• Willow Creek Community Church will also be running a mobile food truck distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center parking lot, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
• District 54 staff will be working with Township High School District 211 to distribute meal bags with five days of lunches, five days of breakfast and a half gallon of milk from 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday at Hoffman Estates High School, 1100 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates. This is a drive-through pickup. When you arrive at the school, please stay in your vehicle. We will load the bags into your trunk or back seat.
• Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry, 1451 Bode Road in Schaumburg, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. near the garages.
• Living Hope Food Pantry, 777 Meacham Road in Elk Grove Village, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 11:30-noon.
• Trinity Charities Food Pantry, 927 Plum Grove in Schaumburg, is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Lugares de despensa de alimentos y oportunidades de donación

A medida que la situación en torno al nuevo coronavirus de 2019 continúa cambiando, el Distrito 54 está trabajando con increíbles socios de la comunidad para proporcionar alimentos a las familias que tienen dificultades financieras.

Nos gustaría agradecer a la cantidad de personas y organizaciones que han preguntado cómo hacer donaciones para ayudar a aquellos en nuestra comunidad que puedan estar luchando. Creemos que la mejor práctica es trabajar con organizaciones que actualmente ofrecen estos servicios en nuestra comunidad y, por lo tanto, no recolectarán alimentos. No traiga donaciones de alimentos a la oficina del distrito como se mencionó anteriormente.

La despensa de alimentos del municipio de Schaumburg y muchas organizaciones benéficas religiosas están proporcionando alimentos a las familias de nuestra comunidad. Haga clic aquí para acceder a una lista de estas despensas en el sitio web del municipio de Schaumburg. Para alentar el distanciamiento social, estas organizaciones no están recolectando alimentos en este momento.

La Fundación Educativa del Distrito 54 también ha creado un nuevo fondo llamado D54 Foundation Crisis Fund, que se utilizará para apoyar a nuestras familias más expuestas, incluido el 20% de los estudiantes que califican para el almuerzo gratuito. Este fondo de emergencia ayudará a las familias afectadas por este virus y podría usarse en el futuro para proporcionar acceso inmediato a asistencia financiera para familias con dificultades financieras.

Para donar, visite cualquiera de los siguientes sitios web:

• District 54 Education Foundation – select Crisis Fund
• Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Schaumburg Township Food Pantry

Las familias que necesitan asistencia pueden beneficiarse de lo siguiente. Estas organizaciones le solicitan que revise su sitio web antes de venir para asegurarse de que todavía tengan los suministros de alimentos.

• Schaumburg Township – La despensa de alimentos del municipio de Schaumburg ahora está llevando a cabo una recolección de 1 a 3 p.m. los martes y jueves en la oficina del municipio,  One Illinois Blvd. en Hoffman Estates. Para obtener más información, llame al (847) 732-7166.
• Centro de Administración Rafferty del Distrito 54 – Willow Creek Community Church también llevará a cabo una distribución móvil de camiones de comida de 11 a.m. a 1 p.m. todos los miércoles en el estacionamiento del Centro de Administración Rafferty del Distrito 54, 524 E. Schaumburg Road en Schaumburg.
• Distrito 211 de Township High School, cinco días de almuerzos, cinco días de desayuno y medio galón de leche de 9 am a mediodía cada jueves en la escuela secundaria Hoffman Estates, 1100 W. Higgins Road en Hoffman Estates. Esta es una camioneta drive-through. Cuando llegue a la escuela, quédese en su vehículo. Cargaremos las bolsas en su maletero o asiento trasero.
• Iglesia del Espíritu Santo Despensa, 1451 Bode Road en Schaumburg, ofrece servicio de recogida los jueves de 2 a 5 p.m. Cerca de los garajes.
• Living Hope Food Pantry, 777 Meacham Road en Elk Grove Village, ofrece servicio de recogida los jueves de 11:30 a mediodía.
• Trinity Charities Food Pantry, 927 Plum Grove en Schaumburg, está abierto de 4 a 6 p.m. Jueves y de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. Sábados.

Dear District 54 Community,

Today Illinois Governor Pritzker announced that schools will continue to be closed through April 30 as we all do our part to prevent the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

I know I’m speaking for all of our employees when I say that we would rather be at school, connecting with students in person. However, the health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. At this point the medical professionals are all recommending social distancing as the key to staying well during this pandemic.

Virtual Learning

We will continue to offer virtual learning online at sites.google.com/sd54.org/vlearning54. I am so grateful to the employees who so quickly adapted to this new way of teaching so they could continue to help your students thrive academically. If you need internet access at home or are having any technology problems, please email vlearning@nullsd54.org for support. Spanish-speaking families can also contact BarbaraVelez@nullsd54.org.

Food Distribution

I am also grateful to the volunteers who are continuing to provide food for our financially struggling families.

• Willow Creek Community Church will also be running a mobile food truck distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center parking lot, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.

• District 54 staff will be working with Township High School District 211 to distribute meal bags with five days of lunches, five days of breakfast and a half gallon of milk from 9 a.m. to noon each Thursday at Hoffman Estates High School, 1100 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates. This is a drive-through pickup. When you arrive at the school, please stay in your vehicle. We will load the bags into your trunk or back seat.

You can find more information about food distribution and how to support local food distribution on our website.

Finally, I want to thank the parents and guardians of our students. I know you are trying to help your children stay focused on their studies at home while also working remotely, cooking, cleaning and keeping everyone healthy. Many of us are parents too. We understand that it’s not always easy. We are here to support you. Here is a resource you may use to talk about the coronavirus with children: National Association of School Psychologists Parent Resource – Talking to Children About COVID-19.

Also please reach out to your children’s teachers, your school principal, assistant principal, social workers or psychologists if there is anything you need. As long as we work together for the children, they will grow and thrive.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Andy DuRoss

What is a perfect way

to celebrate an April Fool’s day?

Of course, wear your Pajama’s to “school”

It’s comfy and cozy and cool

Show your Collins’ pride

And your sleepy, silly side!

Post your pictures to the link that your teacher pushes out through Google Classroom or Seesaw!

Google link for PJ Day: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ohRV4KP3boqsweKK6

Dear Collins School Community,

We hope that everyone was able to rest and relax during this unusual spring break. Please know that the entire Collins staff is thinking of you all during these uneasy times and we truly miss our time together in school.  We are so thankful for your continued flexibility and support as we move into our second week of VLearning.  Please continue to encourage your child to keep up with their school work routines. Our teachers have been working very hard to ensure students understand the material and to provide the support when students have questions.  Students can email their teacher, myself or any Collins staff member at any time if they need support or if they have questions. Many of our staff gave up time during their spring break to attend a Virtual Symposium provided by District 54 in order to continue to learn about new ways to connect with our students, provide engaging learning experiences and support their social and emotional needs.

Last week, Superintendent DuRoss’ sent out an updated email. He communicated that our time learning at home has been extended through April 7^th.  This makes it very important that students are logged in for learning on March 30th.

Virtual Learning

• On Monday, March 30, through Tuesday, April 7, District 54 will continue to interact with students through the D54 V-Learning Website.  The website also contains a parent guide, a student guide and frequently asked questions.
• Any families who do not have Internet access at home or have additional questions after going through the website, please email VLearning@nullsd54.org.  This email address is being monitored by D54 technology specialist and they are happy to help families in any way necessary.  Spanish-speaking families who need assistance can contact BarbaraVelez@nullsd54.org or call 847-357-5074.
• Elementary V-Learning classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We understand that this schedule may not work for every family, therefore, students have the flexibility to complete tasks at any time. However, students participating during the listed V-Learning times will be able to interact in real time with their teachers.

Butterbraid and Fannie May Distribution
We will have both Fanny May and Butterbraid orders sorted and ready for you to pick up tomorrow, March 30^th, between 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  We are asking that you drive through our front circle, much like morning drop off, to the far North end of our building (near Door 2). Please do not park your car or get out of your car, we will come to your car to get your name and bring the order(s) to you.  Please be cooperative and patient with us as we will do our best to move everyone through quickly keeping a safe distance.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at nellhaack@nullsd54.org.

STC PTA Summer Scholarship
Prior to break, we shared information regarding the STC PTA Scholarship opportunities for summer programming. Seeing that school is not in session, the STC will be accepting applications electronically.

Any student currently in grades K-7th is eligible to apply for a summer camp/program scholarship. Applications need to be submitted online by Friday, April 10th. Please scan all supporting documents (PTA card or proof of membership, copy of camp information, and the completed camp registration form) and send to STCPTAScholarship@nullgmail.com. You can also direct any scholarship related questions to this email, as well. Please don’t forget to apply online using the application found at:  https://pta.sd54.org/resources/elementary-scholarship/

Family Assistance and Crisis Fund
Families needing assistance may benefit from the following. The District 54 Foundation has created a Crisis Fund to provide support to our most at-risk students and families during this great time of need.  Please click the link for the most up to date information on Food Pantry Locations and Donation Opportunities. https://sd54.org/2020/03/19/food-pantry-locations-and-donation-opportunities/

Support During School Closing
If you or your child are feeling anxious during the school closure and you would like support, please feel free to reach out to our school support team:

Ms. Julia Hasten, Social Worker JuliaHasten@nullsd54.org
Mrs. Haneen Abbasi, Psychologist HaneenAbbasi@nullsd54.org

Summer of 54 Camp Opportunities
Summer is right around the corner and the perfect way to enjoy it is to join a Summer of 54 camp! Your child can build robots, design a t-shirt, learn a new sport, brush up on music skills, and so much more! T-shirts are included with registration, which is now available in your Parent Portal. Seats fill up fast so sign up now to be a part of the Summer of 54 Camp family! If you would like more information on each camp and the courses, please click on  2020 Summer of 54 Camp Brochure.

Registration for 2020-2021
Registration for the 2020-21 school year will open on Monday, March 30 through the Infinite Campus Portal.  Please login to review the current information and make any necessary changes.  If you do not have a portal account, you should have received an email on March 14 inviting you to create one.

As a reminder, all families are required to prove that they live within District 54 boundaries every year. If we are unable to verify your residency electronically, you will receive a letter by U.S. mail, which will list the residency documents you can provide to the school office to complete your registration.

You are also able to pay the $50 consumable fee for 2020-21, as well as purchase milk and sign up for the instructional device insurance through the portal.  If you believe you will qualify for the Free Lunch Program in the 2020-21 school year, and therefore will receive a fee waiver, do not pay the consumable material fee now. Applications will be available in August for the Free Lunch Program.

Information about busing will be mailed the first week in June.

Important Dates
March 23^rd – 27^th – Spring Break
March 30^th – Butterbraid and Fanny May Drive-Thru distribution 2:00 – 4:00 PM
March 30^th – April 7^th – Vlearning for all students
April 1^st  – School Spirit Day – Pajama Day

Sincerely,

Nell Haack   and   Katie Kurtz

Principal                   Assistant Principal

Family Assistance

Families needing assistance may benefit from the following. These organizations ask that you please check their website before coming to ensure that they still have the food supplies:

• The Schaumburg Township Food Pantry is now running a drive-through pickup. People can call ahead to schedule an appointment at (847) 884-0030.
• Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry, 1451 Bode Road in Schaumburg, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. near the garages.
• Willow Creek Community Church will also be running a mobile food truck distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, in the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center parking lot, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
• Living Hope Food Pantry, 777 Meacham Road in Elk Grove Village, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 11:30-noon.
• Trinity Charities Food Pantry, 927 Plum Grove in Schaumburg, is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Reporting 2019 Novel Coronavirus
If your child is sick and cannot participate, please email me at nellhaack@nullsd54.org . It is especially important for us to track illnesses while the COVID-19 virus is spreading in our state. Should we have a case of COVID-19 affiliated with our school, we will let you know.

Foundation Crisis Fund
District 54 has received several inquiries from families asking if they can make a donation to support those in need during the school closure.  Thank you for your care and concern for our community.  Anyone wishing to donate is welcome to make a financial contribution to our District 54 Foundation Crisis Fund linked here.

Support During School Closing
If you or your child are feeling anxious during the school closure and you would like support, please feel free to reach out to our school support team:

Ms. Julia Hasten, Social Worker JuliaHasten@nullsd54.org

Mrs. Haneen Abbasi, Psychologist HaneenAbbasi@nullsd54.org

As Superintendent DuRoss’ email stated, our time learning at home has been extended beyond spring break through at least April 7th. Therefore, we are looking forward to seeing our students back in action through our V-Learning Website on Monday, March 30th.

If you had any difficulty last week, remember you can always visit the D54 V-Learning Website to have a better understanding of how the process of V-Learning works.  If you have specific questions after going through the website, email your questions to VLearning@nullsd54.org . This email address is being monitored by D54 technology specialists and they are happy to help families in any way necessary.  And as always, feel free to email any Collins staff member, including Mrs. Kurtz and me.  We are always happy to help!

School Supply Kits for 2020-2021
Our PTA has once again organized school supply kits to be purchased should you choose prior to the 2020-2021 school year.  The kits include many of the supplies that will be listed on our supply lists. Flyers were sent home this past Friday.  You can order online at www.shopttkits.com using account code 20603. The deadline for ordering the kits is 6/5/2020.

Registration for 2020-2021

Registration for the 2020-21 school year will open on Monday, March 30 through the Infinite Campus Portal.  Please login to review the current information and make any necessary changes.  If you do not have a portal account, you should have received an email on March 14 inviting you to create one.

As a reminder, all families are required to prove that they live within District 54 boundaries every year. If we are unable to verify your residency electronically, you will receive a letter by U.S. mail, which will list the residency documents you can provide to the school office to complete your registration.

You are also able to pay the $50 consumable fee for 2020-21, as well as purchase milk and sign up for the instructional device insurance through the portal.  If you believe you will qualify for the Free Lunch Program in the 2020-21 school year, and therefore will receive a fee waiver, do not pay the consumable material fee now. Applications will be available in August for the Free Lunch Program.

Information about busing will be mailed the first week in June.

Summer Opportunities in D54
Summer is right around the corner and the perfect way to enjoy it is to join a Summer of 54 camp! Your child can build robots, design a t-shirt, learn a new sport, brush up on music skills, and so much more! T-shirts are included with registration, which is now available in your Parent Portal. Seats fill up fast so sign up now to be a part of the Summer of 54 Camp family! If you would like more information on each camp and the courses, please click on 2020 Summer of 54 Camp Brochure.

District 54 Education Foundation – 23rd Annual Golf Outing
Join the District 54 Education Foundation for our 23rd annual golf outing on Monday, June 8 and make a difference in the lives of District 54 students!

The golf outing at the Schaumburg Golf Club is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event. All proceeds support District 54 breakfast programs, STEM programs, and grants for students from financially struggling households.

Please consider supporting District 54 children by becoming an event sponsor or golfing. The Foundation is also looking for raffle items and gift cards to award as prizes.

This is an amazing opportunity to be a champion for District 54 students, so if you work for a business or corporation looking to make a difference locally – or you know someone who does – please share this information! Visit d54foundation.org/golf-outing for details or to register as a sponsor or golfer.