
Tomorrow (Thursday, June 23) from 5 to 7 pm at Admin Office (504 E Warren) will be a district substitute drive! If you have ever considered earning extra money by substitute teaching, substitute bus driving, or substituting for support staff, please consider stopping by. Mobile fingerprinting will be available to assist in the substitute licensing process.

Reminder: Tomorrow (Thursday, 6/23) the Bunker Hill CUSD #8 will be hosting a substitute sign-up drive at Admin Office (504 E Warren Street) from 5 to 7 pm. If you have ever considered substitute teaching, substitute bus driving, or substituting for support staff (custodians, cooks, etc.) we would love to answer your questions! Mobile fingerprinting will be available.

Tonight: Regularly scheduled Board of Education at 7:00 PM. Venue has been changed to Bunker Hill High School Multipurpose room due to Wolf Ridge Library remodel. For agenda, click: https://bit.ly/3O94UHo

Substitutes needed at Bunker Hill CUSD 8!! Mark your calendars for next Thursday, June 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Administration Office (504 E Warren Street) for the Bunker Hill One-Stop-Sub-Shop Event! Bring two (2) forms of ID and we will take care of the rest! On-site fingerprinting will be offered courtesy of the Regional Office of Education #40! This includes:
-- Substitute Teachers
-- Substitute Bus Drivers
-- Substitute Support Staff (custodians, aides, secretaries, etc.)

Ribbon Cutting for the newly refurbished BHHS Tennis Courts! Members of the community are invited to a re-dedication ceremony with the school district, the BH Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, donors and supporters, as well as the students who started the whole project years ago. The ceremony will be held at the BHHS Tennis Courts on 314 S. Meissner Street at 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 16, 2022

#BHill8 is hiring! The following positions are still available to be filled for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. More information can be found at:https://bit.ly/3NP6y0B

#BHill8 Schools have teamed up with our community partner the Bunker Hill Library to assist with the summer reading program. More than ever, reading is needed to minimize the typical "summer slide" and the district is proud to support this local program! Sign up for the Summer Reading Program at the Bunker Hill Public Library this year for a chance to win Cardinal’s tickets, get a free school t-shirt, and TONS of other awesome prizes!
Use the QR code or this link to register today! https://forms.gle/pZov1iWNGtv1L6XS9

Elementary and Junior High Events:
Monday, 5/16 =
Tuesday, 5/17= 8th Grade Field Trip
Wednesday, 5/18=
Thursday, 5/19= Last Day for PreK
Kindergarten Farewell-6:00 at Wolf Ridge
WR vs. BHHS Staff Volleyball Game at 7:00 at BHHS
Friday, 5/20= 6th&7th Grade Awards at 1:00 at Wolf Ridge
Monday, 5/23= Last Day of School 2:00 Dismissal

Reminder: Join us tonight for an Informational Meeting on re-starting a Bunker Hill Activity Booster! While fundraising is always a part of Booster Clubs, this club is looking to bolster community and school pride. All are welcome, so bring your ideas and consider volunteering to serve! Tonight at 6:30 PM at the BHHS Multipurpose Room.

Tonight: Regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge. For agenda click: https://bit.ly/3Ey3kez

BH8 Parents -- The BH Board of Education is requesting your feedback on two proposed models to add classrooms in order to reunite 6th-8th graders in one building. To provide feedback, text the 9-digit code 392-805-143 to the phone number 728-55 to get a link to participate in this Exchange. Or click: https://tejoin.com/scroll/392805143

BH families -- Let's show support for all those in our community who are fighting and have fought this battle. We are teaming up with Gillespie CUSD #7 to host a "Paint District 8 Pink" on Monday, April 25 including the after-school baseball/softball games featuring #BHill8 vs Gillespie. Forms are due this Friday, 3/25. For details, contact Unit Office

Wolf Ridge & BHHS Baseball/Softball Parents -- We now have concessions available for purchase at all BH home games. However, we need parents or student athletes to work these games in order to be able to continue to offer this to families. This is also a potential source of funds to be able to supplement our activity fund for each sport. To sign up to work an evening or two, please click this link: https://forms.office.com/r/0VCYiTbG8c

Bunker Hill CUSD #8 has the following vacancies available:
1) Maintenance/Custodial at Wolf Ridge
2) Cheer Coach at BHHS
For information about how to apply, visit: https://bit.ly/3u8dSMB

Tonight: Regularly-Scheduled Board of Education meeting at Wolf Ridge at 7:00 PM. For agenda, click: https://bit.ly/3J6ulqW

Bunker Hill CUSD 8 is pleased to announce the availability of free, 24/7 online tutoring, homework help and essay review available to all students in grades 6-12! To begin, students simply need to log in at https://app.paper.co

Due to icy road conditions, Bunker Hill CUSD #8 will be closed tomorrow (Friday, 2/25). The district will be utilizing an e-learning day tomorrow. Stay safe, and we will see everyone back on Monday! Students should check their school emails and Google Classroom for details. Meals will be available for pickup at Wolf Ridge at 11:30 am. Stay safe!

Due to the predicted wintry mix entering our area, Bunker Hill CUSD #8 will be dismissing early today (Thursday, 2/17) at 12:30 PM. However, if roads begin to deteriorate quicker than anticipated, we may dismiss even earlier. We will continue to monitor these conditions, and any earlier dismissal will be communicated as soon as possible. Stay safe!

Regularly-Scheduled Board of Education meeting tonight (Tuesday, February 15, 2022) at Wolf Ridge at 7:00 PM. For agenda, click: https://bit.ly/362KyyK

Due to current and anticipated unsafe road conditions, school will again be cancelled tomorrow, Friday, 2/4. Stay safe & warm, and we will welcome everyone back on Monday!

While we don’t normally cancel school based on the weather forecast, it appears that there is almost uniform agreement amongst local meteorologists that we are in for a severe winter storm in the coming hours that will last through the night and continue through at least Wednesday and possibly into Thursday. At this time, we are cancelling school for Wednesday only. This will be a snow day – not a remote learning day. A decision for Thursday will be communicated out either Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Stay safe!

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Families –
First, I would like to thank everyone for their continued support, understanding and patience during this time. As expected, a return from Christmas break has indeed resulted in higher numbers of Covid-19 both in our community and also among our school populations (students and staff). However, I hope tonight’s update provides some relief to those that are wondering why we are still open?
As we are all aware, Covid-19 cases are surging higher than at any point thus far in the pandemic. This is occurring locally, regionally, across the state, and indeed across most of the entire nation. Our district anticipated a larger uptick upon return from break, and yesterday’s numbers confirm this was a correct assumption. However, our screening test (Shield) is doing exactly what it is intended to do, which is to proactively catch positive students even up to 2 days before they are contagious. 13 of yesterday’s numbers were last week’s Shield results, but we expect a lower number this week. As the only district in Macoupin County that has screening tests in place, we are better positioned to use this additional layer to keep our schools safely below “outbreak” status. Many of the districts that have pivoted to remote learning have been due to an inability to staff employee absences, either out sick, quarantined or taking care of their own sick children. Others have delayed the break by a week or two in the hopes that this latest “surge” will subside. This may be delaying the inevitable, as any return from a lengthy hiatus will see more Covid-19 positives, unless every student and family member completely stayed home for this time period, which we know is not always the case. We are determined to provide as much in-person instruction as possible, as our students and families deserve nothing less. In fact, this past weekend, both principals, our school nurse and myself spent many hours sifting through test results, contact tracing, and notifying families of exposures, all in an attempt to ensure one thing: that schools will be open and safe this week.
Our district is not blindly remaining open, immune to the rising cases in our community. On the contrary, each positive case is plotted on a grid on a 4’x8’ markerboard broken out by grade levels and corresponding dates of exposure. We have 22 positives in the entire district which reflects a positivity of 3.7%, well below the current 15.2% rate within our county. In fact, we are closely monitoring 2 classrooms that could approach potential “outbreak” and are prepared to close a classroom, but not the entire district with 565 negative students still requiring daily in-person learning. Middle-school volleyball has been temporarily paused out of precaution, and we also have a “back up” plan which could include taking an emergency day (i.e., “snow day”) in the event of a lack of available staff and/or substitutes. Like all emergency days, they would be added to the end of the academic year in order to ensure that no days of in-person learning is lost. In fact, the CDC and IDPH recommend 4 key strategies to keeping schools open safely: 1) vaccines, 2) testing, 3) monitoring community spread, and 4) working with health officials. Bunker Hill CUSD #8 is doing all of these (and more) to keep our schools open daily. We are, like many of you, exhausted from this effort over the past 22 months. However, exhausted or not, we are here and will continue to be here for our students and families!
With this increase in numbers, large numbers of close contacts, and no clear end in sight, it can be tempting to feel discouraged by this. However, as a well-known expression states, “the sun always shines above the clouds.” Just a little over a year ago, we didn’t have any of these methods to remain open. Students and staff have the option to get a vaccine, they have the choice to test weekly, they have the choice to test if a close contact while remaining in school. Sports are continuing (with some periodic pauses, rescheduled games) but with no capacity limit, and isolation periods are now shortened to 5 days (down from 14 a year ago). Things are looking up slowly, and we have to be through these 22 months of clouds, right? And if there is a community around that is up to the task of weathering difficult times together as a community, it is Bunker Hill 8! So all hands on deck, and we look forward to welcoming our students back to school tomorrow! And the day after. And the next day.
Thank you for your continued partnership and grace, it is very much appreciated. As always, please reach out to me with any questions.
Have a great evening,
Todd

Tonight: Regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge. For agenda: https://bit.ly/3DQdjKb

Tonight: Regularly-scheduled Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge Library. For agenda, click: https://bit.ly/3HyP6eq

Tonight: Regularly-scheduled Board of Education meeting at Wolf Ridge Elementary -- 7:00 PM. For agenda, click:https://bit.ly/3G7yeuy

Tonight: Regularly-scheduled Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge. For agenda, click here: https://bit.ly/3zwBpaG

Good evening, Bunker Hill families --
Today we learned of 4 individuals associated with the Bunker Hill School District that have tested positive for Covid-19:
Wolf Ridge - 1 individual (due to new mitigations, resulting in only 2 close contacts
Bunker Hill High School - 3 individuals (due to new mitigations, resulting in only 4 close contacts)
Our elementary school has received many "opt out" requests due to the recent signing of IL Senate Bill 818 into law, which requires that IF schools teach sexual education then the curriculum must be aligned to standards that address the following topics: consent, healthy relationships, gender identity, sexual health, puberty and sexual orientation. At Wolf Ridge Elementary, sex ed is NOT taught (only a "puberty" talk in 5th grade that parents will always have the right to opt out of) so this law essentially will not impact Wolf Ridge whatsoever. At Bunker Hill High School, a semester of Health is provided, but not a Sex Ed course per se.
Finally, an update on SHIELD testing and test-to-stay. Since the Governor's Executive Order was signed last week requiring school employees to receive the vaccine or submit to testing, literally hundreds of school districts have been reaching out to SHIELD, who was already short-staffed and struggling to meet demand. As a result, SHIELD has delayed the weekly testing until September 23. However, in an effort to offer as many students the chance to "test to stay" our district has been exploring the Binax tests, to deploy in addition to the saliva test. However, I will assure you that if we have to utilize both, our School Board will be apprised and I will insist on a separate "opt in" form, exclusive of the SHIELD form. We have also heard that much of the "test to stay" guidance is changing or will change shortly. Regardless of whether we have the Binax (nasal swab) or SHIELD, we will still be able to meet our September 13th deadline for any family that would like their child to stay in school and avoid quarantine due to simply being identified as a "close contact."
More information will be forthcoming. I suspect that a video or live Q&A Facebook Live may be helpful, as it gets difficult to convey a lot of information in writing without being an extremely boring read 😁
In the meantime, please continue to reach out with any questions, and while we don't always have the answers, and sometimes not the answers we want to give, we are still (and always will be) here for you just a phone call away. As we all worry about what the fall, or next week, or even tomorrow may bring, I was reminded today of a lesson from one of my favorites:
"If you miss the present moment, you miss your appointment with life. That is very serious." -- Thich Nhat Hanh
With that being said, please take the time to thoroughly enjoy the 3-day Labor Day weekend with friends and family, don't miss the "present moment" and we look forward to welcoming our students back to school tomorrow!
Take great care,
Todd

I am pleased to report another day of 0 new Covid-19 cases associated with our school district.
Beginning this week, enhanced safety protocols at mealtime, passing periods, and recess have been introduced at both Wolf Ridge and Bunker Hill High School in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus. While last week saw an unusually high number of students (and staff) placed in quarantine due to an outbreak stemming from the outbreak epidemiologically linked to the cooperative football team with Staunton High School and 1 classroom outbreak at WR, this week is thus far showing a positive trend. While we hope it is a result of the increased layers of mitigation announced in last week’s email, it is too early to tell. It is certainly encouraging though.
Included is a graphic showing the rolling positivity rate for the 62014 zip code. As you can see, this trend is moving in the right direction this week. Also, with no new positive cases to announce for 2 days in a row, I truly hope that we simply experienced our uptick early in the year. Regardless, the ease with which this virus continues to transmit has resulted in the district altering several practices to avoid numerous "close contacts" in the eventuality of a positive case.
What drives a district’s decision to shift to remote learning, or an adaptive pause this year? Simply put, we are not allowed that option. Schools can, in consultation with local health departments and the IDPH Office of Infectious Disease, take an adaptive pause only if it is approved on a case-by-case basis (such as Staunton’s case).
Many students that were quarantined last week are continuing to return to school for in-person learning, which is has been and always will be our top priority this year. With the number of disruptions to our students over the past 18 months, they deserve every chance at in-person learning they can get, and Bunker Hill CUSD #8 is steadfast in its determination to deliver.
We are thrilled to welcome back our students in the building tomorrow!
Have a great evening, and thank you for helping us ensure that in-person learning continues uninterrupted this 2021-2022 school year!
Respectfully yours,
Todd
Todd Dugan
Superintendent - Bunker Hill CUSD #8

Good evening, Bunker Hill parents –
Tonight, we were notified that one of our 6th grade homerooms has been designated “outbreak status” by the Macoupin County Public Health Department. As a result, all students in this section (not the entire 6th grade) have been issued an “order to quarantine” from the Health Department for the next 10 days. While this is indeed concerning, as it could possibly indicate spread within our buildings, I’d also like to clarify that the IDPH definition of “outbreak” was recently changed from 5 positives from the same room over a 14 day period to now 2 positives epidemiologically linked from the same room over a period of the same 14 days. In addition, we have approximately 58 students and 5 staff members currently on a quarantine order.
What is Bunker Hill #8 going to do differently? We are meeting with teachers and administration over the next couple of days in order to add layers of mitigation until the uptick in cases begins to decline. While we truly want this year to be more normal, we may have to temporarily alter our lunch room practices as each positive student results in 4-5 “close contacts” from the lunchroom. We have also increased ventilation in every room in the district, and will be strictly enforcing this. We will also be bringing back the practice of wiping desks with disinfectant wipes between each passing period in the upper grades. In addition, an online, 24/7 tutoring service will be available for students in grades 6-12 in order to help with assignments while on quarantine (or anytime if needed.) More info to come soon on this.
I would also like to take this opportunity to plead with you to avoid sending students to school with any symptoms of Covid-19. For example, a student who attends school with symptoms for three days before testing positive can result in five days’ worth of contact tracing and ultimately another infection, obviously meeting the new criteria for “outbreak status.” Don’t get me wrong, we want kids in school every day. But this year, please err on the side of caution. If you suspect allergies, keep them home for a day to play it safe. We are also implementing weekly testing and a “test to stay” program with Shield but that will not be operational until September 13 at the earliest. Shield will also come to the district and test everyone (that has consented to the testing, of course) in the event of an outbreak. In the meantime, be aware that any of the following could be symptoms of Covid-19:
-- Fever (100.4 degrees or higher) -- New onset of moderate to severe headache -- Shortness of breath -- New cough -- Sore Throat -- Vomiting -- Diarrhea -- New loss of taste or smell -- Fatigue from unknown cause -- Body or muscle aches from unknown cause
Until then, please help our schools keep more kids in person for more days. How can you help?
-- Please keep sick kids home until an alternate diagnosis can be confirmed. I realize this is tough for working parents, but ultimately leads to more time out of the classroom (and more students and staff on quarantine).
-- Reach out to help families whose kids have been quarantined as a “close contact.” Bunker Hill is a wonderful community, and we do remarkably well taking care of each other and helping in any way we can. Sometimes, just a card or kind Facebook message letting someone know you’re thinking of them and willing to help with errands can help greatly. These are strange, tough times and the only way through it is together.
-- If your child is 12 years or older, consider the Pfizer vaccine that was just formally given full approval (rather than emergency use authorization) by the FDA. Of course, that decision is between you and your doctor.
-- Opt your child in to the weekly saliva test performed onsite by Shield. The more students and staff we have signed up, the less the days your child will have to spend on quarantine. This is not meant to coerce, but simply to offer the only approved way to avoid a quarantine (a paper copy of the consent form will be sent home with every student in the district tomorrow). Please return by September 3, 2021 which will ensure your child can also qualify for the “test to stay” policy.
Please know that no one wants our students out on 10-day quarantines, or eating lunch behind plexiglass, or wearing masks over their smiling faces, or spitting saliva into plastic tubes. However, we truly do not want anyone to get sick as a result of school, either. Behind the scenes, we have our school nurse charting students’ quarantine status on a Google spreadsheet at all hours, principals and teachers contact tracing sometimes for a week at a time, coordination with the health department from early morning until late in the evening, and many of us devoting many extra hours ensuring our schools will be safe tomorrow. We are gladly doing this, but could certainly use the help and of course the continued patience, grace, and understanding that the vast majority have continued to display.
At the end of the day, even a very long day of contact tracing and disinfecting, we are here for you and the students of Bunker Hill 8, and will continue to be. We look forward to seeing our students back in school tomorrow, and look forward to the day when this pandemic is a distant memory.
Thank you for your partnership,
Todd

Tonight: Regularly-scheduled Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge. For agenda, click: https://bit.ly/37KLq93

Tonight: Special Meeting of the Bunker Hill CUSD 8 Board of Education at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge -- For agenda, click: https://bit.ly/3ismU2F

Just Announced: Coffee with the Superintendent at Sage House outdoor dining area tomorrow (Wednesday, August 4, 2021) at 6:00 PM. Join Bunker Hill #8 Superintendent Todd Dugan for an informal Q&A session on the upcoming school year, reopening guidelines, and general information about the school district. As always, comments, concerns and compliments are welcome! Plan on attending in order to learn about the possible scenarios for the 2021-22 school year and the rationale behind each one. Event will also be streamed on Facebook Live; however, online questions may not be moderated depending on attendance and volume of questions.

Tonight: Re-Scheduled monthly Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge. For agenda, click: https://bit.ly/2Wpj0Pp

JR. HIGH
SOFTBALL
Parent meeting on Jul 22, 2021 at the High School Multi-Purpose room at 5 P.M.
TRYOUTS
July 26,27,28 2021 At the High School from 3-5pm
Games begin on Aug. 4th
Physicals must be done before tryouts begins, and proof of insurance turned in.

Special meeting of the Board of Education tonight (6/30) at 7:00 PM at Administration Office -- See agenda: https://bit.ly/2SAmD3k

The last day of student attendance is Tuesday, May 25 with a 12:30 dismissal. Please visit the link below to see the full calendar.
https://bit.ly/3fhZjyA

BHHS to host Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic for students aged 16 and over with parental permission. See below for info from Macoupin County Public Health Dept:
ATTENTION: Parents/Guardians of Macoupin County school district students age 16 and older & all school staff - we are working closely with your school and will be providing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in your school next week.
Click on the link below to register. You much use the voucher code that is specific to your school district.
Completing the registration form will serve as a placeholder -- the date for these in-school clinics will be determined based on how many students and staff register for the vaccine.
https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/d6570f4f-353d-45c2-8bd5-2a0bccec54b7/
Voucher Code for Bunker Hill students and staff:
BHCUSD

Tonight (3/24) at 7:00 PM: The Bunker Hill Education Association will present a School Board Candidate Forum on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 7:00 PM.
The event will be live-streamed on the Bunker Hill School District Event YouTube page at BHCUSD8 Events YouTube.
All of the candidates have been invited to attend the forum, live-streamed from the BHHS Multi-Purpose Room with masks and social distancing per IDPH Phase 4 Guidelines. The non-partisan candidates are: Lindsey Kahl, John Bauer, Shadow Collins, Brandon Rull, Jonathan Burris, and Jamie Fryman. Three seats are currently up for election.
Here is the link to view the forum: https://youtu.be/IhNk_1AC_30

Bunker Hill CUSD #8 Summer School 2021 Registration is now live! Please sign up by April 15, 2021 in order to reserve a spot! Click link to register: http://bit.ly/3fgSnDR

IMPORTANT UPDATE TO BUNKER HILL CUSD 8 SPECTATOR POLICY
Yesterday the state of Illinois announced news regarding a Bridge to Phase 5, and although Illinois has not reached the metrics for the Bridge Phase at this time, it does loosen attendance restrictions for indoor venues of capacity greater than or equal to 200. Effective immediately – our spectator policy is as follows:
• 50 visiting team guests may attend BH events, provided they bring their home pass
• Bunker Hill 8 will now expand to three (3) fans per athlete
More details will be coming soon, especially once Spring outdoor sports contests begin!

Good evening, Bunker Hill 8 families –
As we close the books on the 3rd quarter of what has been a most unusual school year, I would like to share a couple of updates with you regarding Covid-19 and remote learning going forward for the final quarter.
For the remainder of the year, Bunker Hill CUSD 8 will comply with the ISBE mandate that all school districts allow families that wish to choose remote learning based on concerns of health and/or safety during the pandemic. However, beginning 4th quarter (Monday, March 14) students will no longer be able to move between “remote” and “in-person” at will unless they have specifically been ordered to quarantine by the Macoupin County Public Health Department. We have been accommodating and flexible in this regard during times when cases rise, but we cannot continue to accommodate students that elect remote and in-person many times, sometimes in the span of a single week.
Also, I would like to again extend the warmest appreciation to all of our students, staff and families who have done an outstanding job with masks, social distancing, attendance limitations, etc. It does feel like we are now in the “comeback” phase. As of the time of this writing, we have 0 staff and only 1 student in quarantine in our entire district! This is a cause for celebration, yet we also don’t want to become careless and move backwards. However, this would be an excellent time for parents of remote learners to re-consider in-person instruction. Unfortunately, we have many students that need the most assistance electing the remote learning option. While we will absolutely not overrule ISBE’s mandate, nor force anyone uncomfortable about the virus to return, we are simply asking that parents assess their child’s grades and learning progress to determine whether remote learning is the best choice. Our fourth quarter begins on Monday, and we hope to soon welcome back 100% of our students within our walls.
Again, thank you for your continued partnership this year, and I hope all is well with each of you and your families,
Thanks,
Todd
Todd Dugan, Superintendent

Yesterday, #BHill8 School District Nurse Christy Scott facilitated the first student tele-health virtual "doctor on demand" office visit with our new partner @hazelhealthinc With her help we were able to provide a student suffering from acid reflux whose prescription had run out, feel better and get back to class. If you have not enrolled yet and are interested, please visit https://my.hazel.co/bhschools

Updated Link for tonight's HS BBB Game vs. Mt Olive: https://youtu.be/findd3rGlu8

Attention #BHill8 parents of current PK-12th graders! Are you interested in an engaging summer learning experience designed to recoup learning loss due to the pandemic? Please complete the district's interest survey in order to help us plan for our own Summer Learning Experience! https://bit.ly/3pIHaxa

Tonight (2/17): Regularly-scheduled Board of Education meeting at 7:00 PM at Wolf Ridge. If attending, masks and social distancing will be required. Agenda can be found here: https://bit.ly/2M58gRy

Due to the poor conditions of rural roads in outlying areas, along with cold temperatures and additional snow forecast for the morning, Bunker Hill CUSD #8 will utilize a Remote Learning Day on Wednesday, 2/17. Meals can be ordered by emailing swuellner@bhcusd.org by 9:30 AM.

As Bunker Hill CUSD 8 continues to work toward ensuring compliance with IDPH guidance on spectators at athletics and school activities, yet still allow all student athletes representation in the bleachers, these guidelines have been created for all "home" games. Most BH opponents are not allowing "visiting" spectators at this time.
Guidance continues to change daily, so we thank you in advance for your understanding. While we realize these guidelines will not please everybody, we are grateful that our student athletes now have the opportunity to do what they love: play sports!
Also, should our EMS region move out of Phase 4 and into Tier 1, 2 or 3 these will need to be adjusted. Good luck to our student athletes, and we are hopeful for an exciting and safe season of Winter Sports!
Please read spectator guidelines here: https://5il.co/pc3f

Sniffles? Sore throat? Is your student sick or is it allergies? Schedule a virtual doctor’s visit with our partner Hazel Health from your school nurse office, so you can get answers and peace of mind. Go to https://my.hazel.co/bhschools to sign form

Reminder: Coffee with the Superintendent (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Details: Join Zoom Meeting at the below link
http://bit.ly/3oOjat6 is the link to join. Credentials are:
Meeting ID: 734 1961 4806
Passcode: 2h9u4b
This virtual meeting will allow parents and community members the opportunity to ask questions and share comments/compliments/concerns. No prepared agenda, just an easy way to stay informed #BHill8

When your child is feeling sick, you want to get care quickly. Our student health partner, Hazel Health, provides virtual doctor’s visits for all students. Visit https://my.hazel.co/bhschools to sign up.

A tummy ache shouldn’t stand between your child and a good day at school. We’ve partnered with @HazelHealthInc to provide students with virtual doctor visits so they can get the relief they need. Go to https://my.hazel.co/bhschools to sign up

Headache making it hard to concentrate? We’ve partnered with @HazelHealthInc to provide students virtual doctor visits when they are feeling sick. Be sure to register your child during our 2-week Enrollment Drive: https://my.hazel.co/bhschools

Students in Bunker Hill CUSD 8 now have access to expanded student health services through our partner @HazelHealthInc Learn more by watching this short video https://vimeo.com/369926372 and sign the form to access this service at https://my.hazel.co/bhschools

We've started our two-week Enrollment Drive for student health services with our partner @HazelHealthInc Parents please sign the new student health form today at https://my.hazel.co/bhschools

We’re excited to announce a new health service, @hazelhealthinc, giving our students access to virtual doctor visits while at school. A signed form is required for a student to receive these services. Sign this form today at https://my.hazel.co/bhschools

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