
The faculty, staff and administration of #BHill8 wishes everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing our students back in on January 6, 2021 with the attached modified (hybrid) schedule for the first week and a half upon return. If all goes well, plans are to resume full in-person 5 days/week learning on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021. Please note, as has been the practice throughout this hectic year, every arrangement is subject to possible change. However, in the interest of planning for childcare and a dedication to in-person learning, please plan on following this schedule unless otherwise communicated.

Would you like to receive meals while remote learning?
We will be offering pick up and delivery! Our pick-up locations are at Wolf Ridge Elementary and the Superintendent parking lot from 11:30 until Noon, Monday through Friday during school days.
Delivery is available for Woodburn, Royal Lakes and anyone who cannot make it to the two pick up sites.
To sign up for meals, please email Shelly Wuellner at rwuellner@bhcusd.org.

As we close our 14th week of school (13th with students), we will be shifting to remote learning beginning on Monday, 11/23. This temporary pause of in-person instruction became evident just days ago. #BHill8 wishes everyone to remain safe and healthy, and we hope to return our kids back to in-person instruction as soon as it is safe to do so.

Due to a network issue, Bunker Hill 8 has lost internet and phone service temporarily. If you must get ahold of the schools, please leave a voicemail and it can be checked during intermittent periods. We are working hard to get this resolved within the next hour. If it is an emergency, please come to the Superintendent Office. Masks must be worn to enter.

As we close out our 13th week of school (12th week with students), #BHill8 continues to operate successfully and safely. The local trends are mirroring trends across the state, which are alarming. We need EVERYONE's help (inside AND outside of school) in order to continue in-person learning safely. Remember to practice the 3 W's:
-- Watch your distance
-- Wash your hands
-- Wear a mask
#WeCanDoIt #ILSchoolsStepUp

As #BHill8 concludes our 12th week of school (11th week with students), I am happy to again report this week that we have had no new cases of COVID-19 reported to Bunker Hill CUSD 8 by the Macoupin County Public Health Department.
I want to continue to thank and praise our students for the awesome job they are doing following the safety protocols. Following safety protocols both inside and outside of school makes all the difference in our ability to continue in-person learning at Bunker Hill. Everyone's continued cooperation and understanding is much appreciated.

Here is the link for the Patriot Peek at the Week for November 9th-13th.
https://www.smore.com/n4j5k

It was a SWEET week at Wolf Ridge! Click on the link to view the Patriot Peek at the Week. Don't forget to go on a Storywalk this weekend!
https://www.smore.com/hqnad

As #BHill8 concludes our 11th week of school (10th week with students), I am happy to report this week that we have had no new cases of COVID-19 reported to Bunker Hill CUSD 8 by the Macoupin County Public Health Department.
I want to continue to thank and praise our students for the awesome job they are doing following the safety protocols. Following safety protocols both inside and outside of school makes all the difference in our ability to continue in-person learning at Bunker Hill. Everyone's continued cooperation and understanding is much appreciated.

For the week ending 10/23, the 10th week of the 2020-21 school year, the following graph represents total number of quarantined staff and students. One additional case of Covid-19 positive occurred this week, and contact tracing was successfully completed in conjunction with the Macoupin County Public Health Dept. So far, there have been no confirmed cases of spread within the schools and 100% of positive cases associated with the district have occurred outside of school. We can do this!

Click on the link below to view the new Patriot Peek at the Week Newsletter for October 26th-30th. We have a lot going on next week with Red Ribbon Week, Fall Class Parties, and StoryWalks!
https://www.smore.com/h2zve

This week, Bunker Hill #8 received notification that an individual associated with the school district tested positive with Covid-19. While the school district has no evidence this occurred within the school, we have been in contact with Macoupin Co Public Health Dept and are currently contact tracing close contacts. This chart will be updated weekly in order for the community to monitor the district's mitigation effectiveness, while also seeing the cause and effect from events both inside and outside of the school setting, and their effect on quarantine sizes. Bunker Hill #8 is deeply committed to in-person learning and we need everyone's help both inside and outside of school to continue safely.

Now Playing
It’s National School Lunch week, October 12th through the 16th!
Help us celebrate the grand finale by dressing up like you're going to the red carpet on Friday October 16th!
We will be doing something special in the cafeteria each day, for those who are choosing to get school lunch.
We can’t wait to see everyone

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!

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!

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.

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

Be sure to sign up for the final week of free meals from Bunker Hill CUSD #8 at this link: https://bit.ly/365V0lc

Sign up at this link for meals during the week of 5/4-5/8/2020 #BHill8 #BH8mealsrock https://bit.ly/3feNcSi

Sign up for meals this week 4/13-4/7 at this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAN__pcdUXZUOThJMTJJOERSWDhGODJaV1E4RUhQOTRSQS4u

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

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.

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