Mahomet-Seymour outlines plans for upcoming “Act of God” Days

Mahomet-Seymour Superintendent Lindsey Hall sent an email to parents Tuesday afternoon to update them on the “Act of God” days ordered by Gov. JB Pritzker in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Mahomet-Seymour School District is on break until March 20, 2020.

The “Act of God” days do not have to be made up at the end of the school year and students cannot be required to complete school work during that time. Originally “Act of God” days were created for snow days or other natural occurrences that would prohibit students from attending schools.

“These are not instructional days, and schools are essentially closed down,” Hall said. “Students cannot and will not be graded or assessed on any work completed during this time.

“We are looking at Act of God days differently than we have in the past due to the unique and severe situation we are facing with COVID-19. That being said, it is our goal to provide a continuation of the education and engagement our students have been receiving since August of 2019.  We are committed to helping our students stay engaged during this time period.”

Hall said that the Mahomet-Seymour School District will be offering learning opportunities for students, depending on their grade level.

“ It will be focused on a variety of activities that could include utilizing Chromebooks for 3rd-12th grades.  Our PreK-2nd grade students will have other types of learning activities,” Hall wrote.

Beginning March 24, the Mahomet-Seymour School District teachers will email parents with continuing education/engagement activities to do at home. The resources will also be listed on the district website under “COVID-19 Resources.”

The district will also provide hard copy/paper that can be picked from the school principal. 

“The work completed by students will not be turned in or graded,” Hall wrote. “The purpose is for our students’ minds to stay actively engaged through this time.”

Building principals will be available for students who have medication, their Chromebook or other equipment at the schools, but arrangements must be made by phone or email to get the items. 

The Mahomet-Seymour School District is also providing free breakfast and lunch to any child between March 23 and 30. Pickup locations will be available at on the east side of Middletown Prairie Elementary and Lincoln Trail Elementary between 10 a.m. and noon. This is a drive-up service only opportunity. 

To account for the need, parents are required to fill out this Google Form to request meals and delivery, if needed. 

Hall wrote, “Any child under the age of 18 or in the ATLAS program is eligible. Children do not need to be students of the Mahomet-Seymour CUSD #3 Schools.

The Mahomet-Seymour School Buildings are not open to the public from March 23-30. The only exception is if PARENTS make arrangements with the administration to pick up items at a specific time.  

Hall said there are a couple ways for the community to help the school district. 

The Give Me Five Food program is taking donations at https://mahomet.revtrak.net/lincoln-trail-give-me-5/#/list. 

Mom’s Food Pantry will also be taking donations at the CAIR Center at Mahomet-Seymour High School on March 20 from 9 a.m. and from 5-7 p.m. Mom’s Pantry needs non-perishable food items and hygiene products. Clothing donations will not be accepted.