Effective: 2/22/22. Last Updated: 8/22/22
Is there an option for families with high-risk and/or autoimmune compromised family members to remote learn?
On May 19, 2021, the Illinois State Board of Education unanimously adopted a Resolution Supporting In-Person Learning that supports the Illinois State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala in making the following declaration after the conclusion of the current academic school year, subject to favorable public health conditions at that time: Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, all schools must resume fully in-person learning for all student attendance days, provided that, pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/10-30 and 105 ILCS 5/34-18.66, remote instruction be made available for students who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and are under a quarantine order by a local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health.
What happens during contact tracing?
We will be pausing contact tracing for proximity/distance to the positive case and shifting our focus to infection control. All positive and probable cases will be represented on the dashboard. Significant increases in a building will trigger additional communication and may include additional transmission control protocols.
What happens if someone tests positive for COVID?
We will continue to exclude students and staff who test positive for COVID-19. If a student/staff member returns on Day 6 after symptoms have subsided, they will be asked to wear a mask on Days 6-10. If the student/staff member chooses not to wear a mask during Days 6-10, they will be excluded.
Will our students be 6 feet apart in all classrooms? Lunch?
Six feet will not be possible in most school settings.
Can my child sit in a pod with only masked students?
No, we will not have pods of students based on masking status. While staff will try to accommodate requests from students to change seats or provide more distance between seats, we can not guarantee that this will be possible.
Can we have “masked” classes versus “non masked” classes?
No, we will not make roster changes based on mask usage.
Does my child have to wear a mask on the bus?
Effective Monday, February 28, students are no longer required to wear masks on buses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has come out with new guidance that no longer requires masks to be worn on buses. More information can be found on the CDC's website.
My child is participating in Behind the Wheel. Are masks required in the car?
Masks are recommended while in the car.
Will my child be counted absent if I choose not to send him/her to school? Will you be sending homework?
Your child will be counted as absent. Students will have access to Google Classroom and will be able to submit their assignments as they would for any other absence.
Will you make zoom/google meets available for all students regardless of why they stay home?
There is no plan to room & zoom.
What additional measures will you take to ensure students' safety?
We will maintain the following mitigation strategies in our buildings:
- Physical distancing
- Handwashing
- Cleaning and Disinfection
- Ventilation
My child has a chronic health condition (asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, etc). I was comfortable sending my child when everyone had a mask on. Now that everyone does not need to wear a mask, how will you keep my child safe?
We will continue to follow all of the mitigation measures listed above.
Will masks be required for band and chorus?
Masks are recommended for band and chorus but not required. We will continue the practice of utilizing bell covers in band.
Will masks be required for early childhood?
Masks are recommended for early childhood students and staff.
Can I learn more about vaccination status of teachers/students?
This information is protected by HIPAA and will not be shared.
Can I learn about the mask status of my child’s teacher? I’m not comfortable with my child’s teacher not wearing a mask. What can I do?
Masks are recommended for staff and students, but not required. We will be respectful of each person’s decision. Other mitigation strategies continue to be followed including physical distancing which continue to provide the healthiest environment.
Will test-to-stay still be offered?
Test to Stay is placed on hold, and it will be monitored and evaluated to see if there is a need to restart the program depending on numbers of positive students.
Where can I find the metrics for my child’s school/classroom?
You may find data about the schools and the district at the following site: https://www.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx/CovidDashboard
We do not have information about individual classrooms.
How will I know what the vaccination rates are in my child’s school?
Because vaccination information is self reported, we are not able to verify the accuracy of any information that would be shared; therefore, we are not sharing the information.
Will parent volunteers be allowed in the building unmasked?
Yes, effective March 9, 2022, volunteers are allowed unmasked in the buildings. Masks are recommended for all volunteers.