At the September 23rd Board of Education meeting, the Bunker Hill CUSD #8 School Board voted to move forward in the timeline of implementing the Bunker Hill #8 Re-Start Plan originally developed by a large and diverse committee of parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, health department officials, and board members during the early summer months. Although the plan has been delayed due to a late summer surge in downstate Illinois and a couple of local outbreaks, the goal had never changed: in-person learning 5 days/week. The next two phases (and possible third) are as follows:
• Beginning on Monday, September 28 = All students in grades K-5 will return 5 days/week. Pre-K, Jr High and High School will remain on the hybrid/blended model. Instructional IEP students in all grades K-12 have the option to return 5 days week as well.
• Beginning on Monday, October 5 = All students in grades 6-8 will return 5 days/week.
• High School (grades 9-12) has a TENTATIVE return date of October 13. However, this is not guaranteed, and will be decided on October 7th after studying the impact of more students returning in the K-8 setting.
We are thrilled to soon see all our students in person, and thus far, our students have done an amazing job with social distancing, masks, and hand washing. Please encourage students to continue these habits for the foreseeable future, as our behavior both inside and outside of school is what will enable this model to continue safely.
Thank you to all parents and family members for your support, patience, and continued partnership during this difficult time. We are still in this together and will be for the duration of this situation.
We are excited to announce that Wolf Ridge will be participating in Start with Hello Week next week, September 21st-25th. Students will learn about the importance of staying positive, reaching out to help others, and the power of a simple, "Hello!" We will have special activities, lessons, and even fun dress-up days next week. Please read the flyer above for more information about each day. Whether you are learning from home or at school on specific days, please join in!
The new floor at BHHS is now officially finished! #BHill8 Inspire...Empower...Innovate
A hot and humid day for #BHill8 Jr High Baseball and Softball. Great games with social connections but still socially distant!
Welcome Back! It has been 164 days since our students have walked the halls of #BHill8 schools. We look forward to welcoming the rest of our students back soon!
Our buildings, although they may appear different this year, are READY to welcome back our #BHill8 students tomorrow for the first time since March 13!
First home game of the season for our Wolf Ridge Patriots Girls' Softball team! A little different looking, but so important to see our kids participating in an activity safely!
BHCUSD#8 NUTRITION NEWS
Welcome to the new school year! Providing breakfast and lunch to students is an integral part of a student’s educational experience. Good Nutrition is critical to a student’s health and wellbeing, and ensures that students have the nutrition they need throughout the day to learn. Breakfast and Lunch will be available to BHCUSD students during Remote Learning. Please make sure to use the link below to access the order form that must be completed the night before the meal is requested. All applicable charges will apply.
Starting on the first day of school (August 24th) from 12:00 pm until 12:30 pm at the Wolf Ridge Elementary and Junior High building under the canopy (700 West Orange Street). Meals ordered will be available for pick up for remote learners. Meals served during remote learning will be charged to the students account in the same manner as in the past. Student National School Lunch Program pricing applies ( free students are free, reduced students are $0.30 breakfast and $0.40 for lunch and paid students are $1.75 for breakfast and $2.80 for lunch). Pick up meals will be served curbside, drive-thru style.
Students receiving meals MUST BE an enrolled BHCUSD student. Students do not have to be in the vehicle for meal pick-up. When picking up meals please tell the cashier the students name and grade level.
To apply for free and reduced meals; Paper applications can be obtained from your student’s school OR the district website www.bhcusd.org . Contact Ms. Bethany Spickerman at bspickerman@bhcusd.org or (618) 585-3116 with any questions on applications.
To order your student(s) meals for each day, click on the link below and fill out the form. This order will be for the entire week, there will be no day-by-day meals. We will take into consideration that your student may be on either M-T or TH-F in-school attendance, or total remote learning.
To order meals, please click here: https://bit.ly/3aIURGK
Your form will go directly to me, Rachelle (Shelly) Wuellner. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly at rwuellner@bhcusd.org or (618) 585-3116 ext. 226
#BHill8 is hiring for the following support staff positions:
-- Part-time/temporary custodian
-- Part-time recess/lunch monitor
To apply, visit https://bit.ly/2FFHJGZ
Help #BHill8 schools re-open! Let's all do our part to stop the spread.
Here are some tips from the health department to help control the spread of the outbreak in our community.
• If you’ve been exposed to anyone who has tested positive or were at the site of the outbreak at the times laid out by the health department, get tested so you know your status. The virus impacts people in different ways and while one person may not show any symptoms, another may become seriously ill.
• If you test positive, it is important that you and everyone in your home abide by the quarantine guidelines laid out by the public health department as well as cooperate with their contact tracing efforts in order to contain it efficiently.
• If you’re out in the community wear a mask to protect others in the community and yourself.
• If you have a cough, fever, lose sense of taste or smell or notice any other symptoms stay home and arrange to be tested at the local health department.
We are in this together, BH community and BH schools. We are stronger together!
Today for #BHill8 families:
Class of 2020 Graduates & Families –
After the disappointment and understandable frustration following Friday’s decision to cancel the BHHS Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony, I feel an explanation (as best as I can provide) is owed.
First and foremost, I would like to CONGRATULATE the class of 2020 not only for their academic accomplishments throughout their K-12 career, but also in demonstrating resilience, compassion and grace in the face of these very difficult times. Please know that if there was any way that this ceremony could have been conducted safely, it would have. It broke my heart to do this, and for that, I am truly sorry.
As many of you know, we were able to flawlessly celebrate the 8th Grade Class Promotion ceremony the evening before. All of the decorations were up, speeches were ready, the weather forecast was perfect and we were set to celebrate the Class of 2020!
At approximately 3:00 PM, I received notification that the Macoupin Co Public Health Dept, who had approved our graduation plans, was either unable to 1) confirm notification of an order to quarantine or 2) unable to confirm quarantine status regarding multiple potential guests at our ceremony. Between the hours of 3:00 and 4:00, multiple alternatives were investigated, and ultimately the recommendation came from the MCPHD to cancel.
At this point, a couple of key factors come into play. First, the district could endanger the public’s health by continuing the ceremony. Secondly, in these highly litigious times, the district could potentially be at risk for liability. Our insurance provider has communicated, as all providers covering schools throughout the state have said, to disregard public health officials’ recommendations would basically warrant our coverage null and void.
So whether we feel the Coronavirus is a potentially deadly virus, or that it is overblown by the media, nothing changes the district’s obligation to 1) protect the health of our community and 2) preserve taxpayers’ interest.
At the end of the day, it was a difficult decision to make, but unfortunately was the right one. We all have good reason to be upset, frustrated and angry. Hopefully not with each other, but with the situation. After all, we are in this together, and we all want to return to the “old normal” as soon as possible. As is true in all trials, silver linings can be found. Take a look at the social media accounts of these new graduates and you will see hurt and disappointment, yet they are still modeling class and understanding. We at Bunker Hill CUSD #8 love all our students, but this Class of 2020 especially should make all of us proud.
Together, we will get through this, and after each day, even tough ones like Friday, we are one day closer to brighter times.
Thank you again for the support, patience and partnership during this time, and the days to come.
Respectfully yours,
Todd
Todd Dugan - Superintendent
Unfortunately the District must cancel the scheduled BHHS Senior Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony scheduled for tonight (Friday, 8/7/2020). Our district, in consultation with the Macoupin County Public Health Department, has made the decision to cancel this ceremony out of an abundance of caution after learning of a confirmed outbreak within the community that could potentially lead to an increased risk by holding the ceremony. This is an extremely difficult decision to make; however the health and safety of our students, staff and community is currently our top priority. #BHill8 is saddened at this announcement, and we thank you in advance for your understanding.
Maple Street Clinic will be doing physicals and immunizations at Wolf Ridge on August 10, 2020 from 3-7 PM.
In-person Registration will be held at Wolf Ridge August 5, 2020 from 12:00pm -7:00pm. Due to COVID-19 we are requesting that all new families to the district or returning students that want to register in person please call 618-585-3116 to schedule an appointment.
Tonight: Regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge. As in recent months, public comments may be emailed to bspickerman@bhcusd.org prior to 6:30 PM. If attendance is requested, please contact Central Office for details regarding Phase 4 requirements. https://bit.ly/30cV6ot
Below is a message emailed to all students in grades 3rd-12th at Bunker Hill CUSD #8 this afternoon from Superintendent Dugan:
Good afternoon, #BHill8 students!
Your voices matter! I want to hear from you and I am creating a space for this at a “town hall webinar” on Thursday, July 16, 2020 starting at 4:00 PM. Any student who wishes to speak can speak, any student who has a question can ask a question, and any student with input to me about school starting during COVID-19 will have a chance to share ideas and thoughts with me. Here is the Zoom link details:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77540325247?pwd=TUM0L1pBdUw4cFk2Ylljd1NaOEZDdz09
Meeting ID: 775 4032 5247
Passcode: 2Sf1CG
This is a chance for student voice, and I hope you can join! If you cannot join, but you have questions or ideas, please share them with me via email at tdugan@bhcusd.org
Best wishes to you and your families!
Mr. Dugan, your superintendent
PS – Parents, you are invited to ask questions either on the Google form sent out last week, or on the Facebook Live event beginning at 6:00 PM. While you are of course more than welcome to attend with your child, this event is for student voice only. Thank you for your understanding! 😊
#BHill8 parents and students-- Our district's Re-Opening Committee is preparing a plan to reopen #BHill8 schools in the Fall. In order to assist families, our district is preparing a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document. If you have one (or two) critical questions, please submit them with this link: https://forms.gle/evptNtaakuGaEbYP7
Tomorrow: #BHill8 Superintendent Todd Dugan will host a "virtual" Coffee with the Superintendent on Wednesday, July 1 at 6:30 PM on Zoom. An update will be shared on the district's current progress on its Re-Opening Plan. Questions, compliments and comments welcome! Invite here:
Todd Dugan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Virtual Coffee with Superintendent
Time: Jul 1, 2020 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79540472065?pwd=T21jaFBUNmJCSlZJckN5UGpzMEpMdz09
Meeting ID: 795 4047 2065
Password: 4EeeVA
** Corrected Link:** Please consider filling out the below survey to assist the Bunker Hill CUSD #8 Re-Opening Committee plan for the upcoming school year:
https://bit.ly/2AiuZDN
High School flooring project moving along ahead of schedule. Excited to have a whole new look to welcome students back this fall!
Happy Memorial Day, #BHill8
Be sure to sign up for the final week of free meals from Bunker Hill CUSD #8 at this link: https://bit.ly/365V0lc
#BHill8 is so proud of the Class of 2020! #ILSchoolsStepUp
Sign up at this link for meals during the week of 5/4-5/8/2020 #BHill8 #BH8mealsrock https://bit.ly/3feNcSi
Illinois has launched Call4Calm, a free emotional support text line for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. To speak with a mental health professional, text “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish) to 552020 #ILSchoolsStepUp
Reminder that #BHill8 is distributing Remote Learning materials today at Wolf Ridge from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the car line. Please stay in your car and let us know your child's grade and teacher.
Please see this flyer for details regarding Remote Learning Packet pickup tomorrow (Tuesday, 4/14) at Wolf Ridge from 3-6 PM
Sign up for meals this week 4/13-4/7 at this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAN__pcdUXZUOThJMTJJOERSWDhGODJaV1E4RUhQOTRSQS4u
Our Homework Hotspot at the Unit Office is now even stronger. If accessing, please do so from a vehicle on the north side parking lot. Please practice social distancing. Kudos to #BHill8 Maintenance Director Doug Dey for the professional installation #ILSchoolsStepUp
How about a non-COVID19 update? With all the somber posts, here is something to look forward to: a mockup of the BHHS floors to be finished this summer!
Two Free "Homework Hotspots" for #BHill8 Students. Thank you to Madison Communications!
In order for BH administration to pursue devices and possible hotspots for unconnected students, we need 100% participation to please fill out the following form as soon as possible: https://bit.ly/2ws5IF2
If you would like school meals this second week of the statewide school closure, please fill out the following link no later than 9:00 AM on Monday, 3/23/2020 or call your child's school. https://bit.ly/3bgZxCz
The amount of kindness pouring out of the #BHill8 staff, volunteers and community members has been nothing short of AMAZING! #ILSchoolsStepUp
Thank you to Day Lilies Daycare for providing these super cute St Patrick's Day learning kits for all our students! What a great community we have in #BHill8 #ILschoolsstepup
Great job to #BHill8 BHHS 12th grader Claire for dong an outstanding job of taking over our social media for Public Schools Week 2020 #PSW2020 #publicschoolproud #lovepubliceducation
A Reminder from the #BHill8 School Nurse
Tonight's WR Volleyball game at Carlinville has been cancelled
Tonight's WR Boys' Basketball game has been cancelled
No School today Thursday, January 23. Stay safe, #BHill8
Today, #BHill8 is closed to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School resumes tomorrow Tuesday, January 21
From the faculty and staff of #BHill8, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy the holidays with family, and we will see everyone on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 when classes resume for students.
No school tomorrow (Tuesday, December 17th) due to winter weather and road conditions. Stay warm and safe, #BHill8
Due to weather, there will be no school Monday, December 16 for #BHill8
A huge thank you to The Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring, displaying district artwork and donating awards to all winners. The Christmas Walk Art Winners are Seniors Claire Runde (2nd), Star Barnes (1st), and Lou Le Masson (3rd). 6th grader Kayleigh Trimm won Voters Choice award.
Have a happy Thanksgiving break, #BHill8
This week, American Education Week 2019, the 3 administrators of #BHill8 participated in the Shadow a Student challenge. Wolf Ridge Principal Shonda Ronen shadowed an elementary student, Superintendent Todd Dugan shadowed a junior high student and BHHS Principal Matt Smith shadowed a high school student. The exercise is designed to focus on the experience of what is most important to our work in K-12 education: the students. Valuable insight and empathy were gained as a result.
Our hearts break for Vandalia Schools 203 and their community. Please consider showing your support by wearing red and black tomorrow (Tuesday, 11/19). Our thoughts of positivity and healing are with the Vandalia community.
Bunker HIll Mayor Betty Phelps serves as guest instructor for the day in #BHill8 2nd grade classroom
Happy Veterans' Day, #BHill8
Reminder that tomorrow Friday, November 1st is a 12:30 Early Dismissal for School Improvement
One more hour to stop by Administration Office for trick-or-treating #BHill8
Reminder - Tonight at Administration Office from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in #BHill8
Congratulations to Wolf Ridge 4th gra
der Heidi Kahl on receiving a Board Salute tonight by the #BHill8 Board of Education! Her waste no wax project is an inspiring work of student activism! We are proud of you!
So excited to share a final copy of our #PortraitofaGraduate that so many in the #BHill8 community worked collaboratively on over several sessions late last year!
Science Club at #BHill8 Wolf Ridge have fun experimenting with acid and base reactions #NGSS
Reminder: FAFSA can be filled out beginning tomorrow, October 1, 2019
#BHill8 Administrators and Directors are hard at work washing cars for charity today at BHHS until 11
This Saturday (9/21) from 9:00 AM until before the BHHS Home Football game, the administrators and directors of Bunker Hill CUSD #8 will be washing cars at BHHS for free will donations to replenish the "Back to School" Bash fund for 2020.
*** Will be cancelled in event of rain
4th graders beginning career awareness #BHill8 #careerready #redefiningready
The Wolf Ridge Girls' Softball team devoting their Saturday morning to their community service project: painting the #BHill8 football stands before next weekend's opening game. #PublicSchoolProud #proudsupt
#BHill8 was honored to send student messages to the ceremony dedicated to the renaming of Rt159 for Corporal Charlie Heinemeier Highway. Corporal Heinemeier was a #BHill8 hero!
Welcome Back to #BHill8 #ILBacktoSchool
Two very dedicated #BHill8 teachers waded through a flooded field around closed, flooded roads to make it to Opening Institute #ILBacktoSchool
Welcoming our new families to the #BHill8 district
New #BHill8 teacher orientation focusing on the organizational culture
#BHill8 is Excited to Pilot Online Registration -- Opening Tomorrow 7/31/2019 via email!
Happy 4th of July #BHill8
#BHill8 teachers engage in summer learning opportunity about using Chromebooks in the classroom
The inaugural #BHill8 STEM camp continues...
Good luck today to the BHHS Trap Team at State Tournament!
Congratulations to the May Patriots of the Month: Jake Wall; Frank Thyer; Wren Hurley; Gibson Maher; Hunter Hayworth; Jaxon Mellenthin; Connor Renshaw; Wes Lybarger; David Fowler; Colleen Meisenheimer; Hope Lybarger; Tommy Sander; Mady Landreth; Izabella Hargrave; and Ruth Gibson.
Happy Memorial Day #BHill8
Below is a link to the video of a science assembly that took place last Friday at Wolf Ridge. Our students put A LOT of work into this and even had the opportunity to present their efforts to a large audience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bitvx-ERLR0
Nation School Lunch Hero Day
These ladies are the true heros of our cafeteris! Join in in congratulating them on their special day.
Parents of students that will be entering kindergarten for the 2019-20 school year will be able to register for school during the Prek screening and registration dates/times. See the attached flyer.
Social Media safety tips for parents
