Valley View School District To Suspend All Extra-Curriculars

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Officials with the Valley View School District announced Thursday that starting this weekend, all extra-curricular activities, including sports, would be suspended in response to COVID-19 concerns. A letter sent to parents and guardians by Assistant Superintendent Rachel Kinder outlines the district's plan for extra-curriculars moving forward, and also states that parents and guardians keeping their children home will not count toward truancy.

Here is a full transcript of the letter:

Dear Valley View Families,

As a result of events worldwide in the last 24 hours regarding coronavirus, I want to provide you with an update on the actions we are taking in VVSD. Our decision-making is driven by our top priority, which is the health and safety of our students, staff, and visitors to our school buildings.

We are continuing to actively monitor the rapidly changing health issue related to coronavirus in partnership with public health agencies, the Illinois State Board of Education, community partners, legal counsel and other local school districts. We will continue to follow the direction provided by public health organizations at the local, state, and federal levels.
I am in regular communication with superintendents of local school districts and we are sharing information, ideas, and practices in order to make certain we address the evolving concerns and supporting the health and wellness of our entire community. I also continue to collaborate with VVSD leadership to assess the situation and to discuss our action plan going forward.
Here are some key points that you need to know as of today, Thursday, March 12:

• We do not have any suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus in VVSD at this time.
• A decision to close schools has NOT been made at this time. The consideration to close schools will be made in coordination with public health agencies if circumstances require it.
• Participation in certain athletic events will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
• Individual schools will notify you if events are cancelled for Thursday, March 12
• As a precautionary measure, effective Friday, March 13, we are postponing extra curricular activities, field trips, family engagement events, travel and gatherings outside of the school day. Recess and Physical Education classes will continue as normal.
• Before and After Care will continue at the direction of our community partners.
• Our VVSD community demands a high-level of cleanliness in our buildings and on our buses at all times. Our building operations and transportation staff meet those standards in cleaning our buildings every night.

As an added precaution, we have instructed our custodial staff to increase the frequency in the cleaning of “high touch” surfaces during the day such as doorknobs, cafeteria tabletops, restrooms, bus seats etc.

• “At home learning” guidance will be shared in the event of a school closing. Options for formal “e-learning” may be considered if circumstances dictate.
• If parents choose to keep their child home from school, these absences will be counted as “confirmed” (or “excused” in ISBE language). These absences will not count toward truancy.
• Students or staff members who are experiencing symptoms of illness (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, shortness of breath or other symptoms) should remain out of school until they are symptom-free for 24 hours or have a physician’s clearance.

We will keep you updated as this rapidly evolving public health situation continues. We thank you for your support of our schools and your patience as we navigate this unprecedented situation.
Rachel Kinder, Ed.S

Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Valley View School District 365U

As of March 12, 25 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Illinois, though none within the Valley View School District.

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