McHenry Times

Harvard Community Unit School District 50 issued the following announcement on  April 27.

Dear Harvard Community, District Staff, and Students,

Recently, we have found ourselves in an unimaginable predicament with the sudden onset of COVID-19. Unexpectedly, our spring activities came to a halt, and we had to learn social distancing and self-quarantine. The Governor of Illinois canceled in-person learning for the rest of the school year. 

The Harvard CUSD 50 Board of Education would like to thank Dr. Tafoya for his leadership during these unprecedented times. We could not be more proud of our administration for working so diligently to continue to provide for our students and our community. We recognize the efforts the district staff has put forth behind the scenes to put this new way of learning in motion. In an ongoing effort to keep our students engaged and learning, district principals are using creative methods such as video messaging and online meetings to connect to their buildings. We thank them for their strength and guidance during this difficult time. Our technology department has worked tirelessly to make sure each and every student in our district has access to the technology needed to continue learning and stay connected to their classes. They are working around-the-clock to provide tech support for our staff and families. Our teachers and aides are in constant contact with families from their own living rooms. Kitchen tables have turned into learning stations. Family pets and siblings have become part of the classroom, making cameo appearances during Zoom chats. It's very different, but it's working. The district building and maintenance department is continuing the care of our facilities, focusing heavily on sanitization inside our schools based on recommendations from the Illinois Department of Health. We notice our people going above and beyond day after day, and we are so appreciative. All of these actions are a testament to our motto #HarvardRising. Our teachers and aides are in constant contact with families from their own living rooms. Kitchen tables have turned into learning stations. Family pets and siblings have become part of the classroom, making cameo appearances during Zoom chats. It's very different, but it's working. The district building and maintenance department is continuing the care of our facilities, focusing heavily on sanitization inside our schools based on recommendations from the Illinois Department of Health. We notice our people going above and beyond day after day, and we are so appreciative. All of these actions are a testament to our motto #HarvardRising. Our teachers and aides are in constant contact with families from their own living rooms. Kitchen tables have turned into learning stations. Family pets and siblings have become part of the classroom, making cameo appearances during Zoom chats. It's very different, but it's working. The district building and maintenance department is continuing the care of our facilities, focusing heavily on sanitization inside our schools based on recommendations from the Illinois Department of Health. We notice our people going above and beyond day after day, and we are so appreciative. All of these actions are a testament to our motto #HarvardRising. The district building and maintenance department is continuing the care of our facilities, focusing heavily on sanitization inside our schools based on recommendations from the Illinois Department of Health. We notice our people going above and beyond day after day, and we are so appreciative. All of these actions are a testament to our motto #HarvardRising. The district building and maintenance department is continuing the care of our facilities, focusing heavily on sanitization inside our schools based on recommendations from the Illinois Department of Health. We notice our people going above and beyond day after day, and we are so appreciative. All of these actions are a testament to our motto #HarvardRising. 

We are thankful for our vendors Aramark and Durham. They are doing an excellent job working together to continue to supply our students with nutritious breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. We are humbled by the generous efforts from our community members, such as the Harvard Fire and Protection District producing a bedtime story series for our younger scholars. We see the outreach of support on our local Facebook pages, people caring about their neighbors and looking out for one another. We are proud of our community for standing together in this difficult time. 

It's hard to not feel some degree of sadness for the things that we are missing right now, from spring concerts to the Spain exchange trip to the sports season that have been canceled or postponed. We feel the same uncertainties you do. We see the sacrifices you are making by staying home and the difference it is making. It's powerful to know we are saving lives by our actions. The Board of Education is proud to serve this community and very grateful for your support through this trying time. We are confident that, above all, we will get through this together. #HarvardRising

Sincerely, 

Harvard CUSD 50 Board of Education

Julie Lehmann, Board President

Mindy Shafer, Board Vice-President

Sharon McMillan, Board Secretary

Dr. Richard D. Crosby, Board Member

Kristina Duber, Board Member

Hugo Roldan, Board Member

Sandra Theriault, Board Member

Original source can be found here.

Source: Harvard Community Unit School District 50