AMBOY – Amboy School District Superintendent Joshua Nichols was pleased with the e-learning day held in the district on March 16. “It went very smoothly and that is a credit to teachers, staff, administration, parents and students,” he said. “I was very impressed by everyone that day.”

March 16 was also the first day of providing a sack breakfast/lunch for students. Nichols said 105 meals, breakfast and lunch, were provided that day with the number increasing to 127 on March 17, and 144 on March 18. By the end of the week, the district had served a total of over 500 meals and students were able to continue learning despite the “unprecedented event” everyone is facing.

Other than during spring break, Nichols said each of the school principals is at their school office from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then they help with lunch distribution. The district office is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With Governor Pritzker’s shelter in place order and the school closure now extended through at least April 7, Nichols noted that the school district is still under the Gubernatorial Closure and utilizing Act of God days through March 30. The Illinois State Board of Education plans to issue new guidance for March 31 and beyond.

Assistance during spring break

During Amboy’s spring break, the district is closed from March 23 to 27. Nichols said they will resume providing services on Monday, March 30. 

However, parents of any student who will go hungry during the week of spring break are asked to please reach out to Superintendent Nichols at jnichols@amboy.net or to Central Principal Mrs. Schamberger at jschamberger@amboy.net and they will get things in place to see that the child has a school lunch during break.

After spring break

Starting on Monday, March 30, all district services (school lunches and e-learning packets) will be centralized at Central Elementary School. Curbside pick-up will take place at door 19 on the east side of the building in the alley. Traffic will flow from the north to the south. 

During the school closure students are not allowed in the buildings but are able to participate in the curbside pick-up of materials and lunches. After guidance is received from the state this week, Nichols will issue a more detailed plan so the district can properly prepare. The district will send out two surveys, one to help determine student access to the internet and another to determine how many school meals they need to make.

Nichols emphasized that he appreciates all the help and support he has received during this time. “I am truly impressed by how people turn out in a crisis to help one another,” he said.