RETURN-TO-SCHOOL PLAN

Carmi-White County Unit #5

2020-2021

Carmi-White County CUSD #5 has been working on a plan for reopening our schools for the 2020-2021 school year. This document provides educational plans and operational protocols, based on guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Egyptian Health Department, and the C-WC Transition Team.

The district’s transition team is comprised of district administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, representatives from the Egyptian Health Department, and White County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), along with consultation from other personnel.

This guide outlines the educational plans and protocols in place for the start of the school year. As requirements change, this plan will be automatically updated. Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, it is possible the district could return to remote learning. (A remote learning plan is being developed that will be more intensive and rigorous than last spring.) It is important to note that the health and well-being of students and staff are of the utmost importance. While school may look a little different, the district’s commitment to providing a quality education for all students remains the same.

We are currently in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, therefore IDPH guidelines will:

• Require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks;
• Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space;
• Require social distancing be observed, as much as possible;
• Require that schools conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks or require that individuals self-certify that they are free of symptoms before entering school buildings; and
• Require an increase in school-wide cleaning and disinfection.

All public and nonpublic schools in Illinois serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students must follow these guidelines. THESE GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Back-to-School Nights, Open Houses and Orientations will be done virtually or in small groups.

Guidance

The health and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority as we strive to provide a safe learning environment. The following protocols are in place for students and staff:

• Health & Wellness
• Instruction
• Food Service
• Transportation
• Operations & Maintenance
• Human Resources
• Technology
• Extra/Co-Curricular

Health & Wellness

All CDC and IDPH guidelines must be followed for the safety and well-being of our educational community.  Daily, all students and staff members are required to complete the COVID-19 screener.  Each school will have an isolated space for any individual who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms during the school day.  

Per guidelines, face masks are mandatory, and students will be social distanced to the greatest extent possible. The limit of 50 individuals in one space, which includes school buses, will be observed.   Each school will also limit access to visitors and volunteers.  

Any individual with symptoms associated with COVID-19 should stay home.  These symptoms include a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.  Families and staff members are asked to report possible infections to the school so that contact tracing may occur.  If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, CWC #5 will follow IDPH guidelines for quarantine.  Those individuals must follow doctor’s orders, be out of school for at least fourteen days, and can return to school upon the presentation of a doctor’s note.  

Students/employees that were in close contact (defined as closer than six feet for more than fifteen minutes) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 must self-quarantine for fourteen days.  

Considerations will be given to the impact that COVID-19 has on the mental health of faculty, staff, students, and their families. The mental and emotional well-being of students and staff members will be monitored closely. Access to school counselors and social workers will be readily available.

Instruction

For the health and safety of all students, C-WC #5 is providing parents with a choice regarding their child’s education. Daily attendance and engagement of students is expected whether students are participating  in-person or remotely. The school district will continue to address curriculum needs by focusing on essential standards and addressing any areas of learning loss during the school closure. To give staff time to finalize instructional plans, the first day of student attendance will be Thursday, August 20th (instead of the 17th that was originally on the school calendar).  In order to maximize the instructional minutes provided for students, Early Childhood through Grade 5 will follow a regular school schedule. Results from our recent parent survey indicated that approximately 25% of our parents would choose remote instruction for their students. If those numbers are accurate, one teacher at each grade level (K-5) will be assigned as the remote learning teacher for their respective grade. Teachers at grades 6-12 will teach face-to-face and remotely. Therefore, grades 6-12 will have a slightly altered schedule to give departmentalized teachers time to plan, offer remote learning instruction, and answer student/parent questions.

As the first step of online registration, parents will choose between face-to-face instruction and remote instruction, or indicate that they are not enrolling their student in C-WC. Parent selection will be for a minimum of a nine week period. However, a different learning option can be selected each nine weeks. We recognize that this is a difficult decision, therefore, parents will initially have until September 4, 2020 to change their minds. This change can be made by contacting their student’s school administrator.

Face-to-Face Instruction

Face-to-face instruction is our most effective means of educating students. All face-to-face classrooms will follow social distancing guidelines to the extent possible. Face masks will be required while inside the building, except when eating. However, breaks will be given in order to allow students the opportunity to take their masks off, while socially distancing themselves.  Student desks will face the same direction with frequent cleaning and disinfecting protocols followed. In addition, students will practice frequent hand hygiene and use hand sanitizer as needed. Desks and/or tables will be spaced out in the classroom as much as physically possible.

• Pre-K/EC through grade 5 will follow a regular schedule in order to maximize learning time.  
• Grades 6-12 will follow a slightly altered schedule to accommodate the departmentalized structure.

Remote Instruction

Families will have a remote learning option. If the remote learning option is selected, consistent internet access must be available.  Attendance, grading, and accountability is the same as for in-person learning.  This option is for students and/or families with elevated health risks due to COVID, or who do not feel comfortable following the current guidelines required of in-person instruction. Although the remote instruction will mirror classroom instruction to the extent possible, it should be understood that these experiences cannot be equal.  Remote families will have to partner in this educational process with a minimum of five clock hours daily of instruction and assignments. Remote learning will look much different than in the spring. It will be more challenging and rigorous. To begin the year, teachers will record their lessons and make those available for remote learning students to watch at their convenience. Structured “check-in” times will not be required. It is our goal that the instruction occuring during face-to-face learning will be posted remotely in a timely manner.  We ask that you extend grace and patience to our teachers as instructing both face-to-face and remotely is a new challenge for them. Adjustments will be made as we gain more experience and track how our students are responding to the instruction provided. Office hours will be provided at each grade level for students/parents to ask questions.

High School Considerations

High school students will acquire credit in both C-WC face-to-face and remote learning environments.  However, parents who choose to homeschool their students, or enroll them in a private setting need to remember that if they return to C-WC, the following must be considered:

• C-WC only accepts credits from Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved programs. Therefore, when/if your child returns to school he/she will not receive credit unless attending an ISBE approved program.
• Only full-time C-WC students can participate in all extracurricular activities.
• While your child is homeschooled, it is your responsibility to provide your child with all academic requirements for their particular grade level per school code.  

Special Education

Students who receive special education services will have FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) provided whether they participate in face-to-face learning or remote learning. Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and students with 504 plans will be provided services as outlined in their individual plans during face-to-face learning. If remote instruction is selected for a student with an IEP or 504 plan, an individualized remote learning plan will be created, with parent/guardian input.  

Food Service

Daily meals will be provided. Breakfast and lunch will be served in the cafeteria with limited numbers of people, no more than 50, in one space. Meals will be available for pick-up, during designated times, for those choosing remote instruction.

Transportation

The Carmi-White County School district will provide regular bus routes with some changes based upon scheduling needs.  A maximum of fifty people are allowed on the bus, which includes the driver.  All passengers including the driver will be required to wear face masks.  Social distancing, seat limits, and assigned seating will be in place to help with student safety. We encourage parents to transport students to and from school, if possible.

Operations & Maintenance

Increased and enhanced daily cleaning protocols will be established in each building.  Areas that have been used by anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will be closed for proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures.  Signage to help promote IDPH safety guidelines will be posted.  

Human Resources

The C-WC #5 reopening plans are subject to change when formal guidance and/or mandates are issued by the proper authorities (ISBE, IDPH, etc.) All employees will need to be flexible, collaborative, cooperative, and understanding as we work to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff.

Return to Work

• Staff return to work expectations will be based on guidance from the state and federal government. An employee’s request for a special accommodation(s) should be provided to the building administrator and district superintendent for review and consideration.
• Absences that are related to COVID-19 concerns must be accompanied by a physician’s note or official notice from the Egyptian Health Department containing relevant information/direction regarding the claimed condition.
• Eligible employees would be entitled to any COVID-19 related federal, state, and local mandated leaves or accommodations. Otherwise, employees would be expected to use the leaves/absences outlined in their respective CBA’s.
• The district will monitor staffing levels within each building to ensure optimal operations for teaching and learning. In the event that staff levels drop below the ability for the building to meet the educational needs of the students, the district will consider all options to support student learning.

Technology

The Carmi-White County School District will be utilizing technology to provide a coherent and seamless instruction for face-to-face and remote learning opportunities.  The programs and use of technology will be specific to each grade level;  however, the district will attempt to be as uniform as possible through the use of Google Classroom.

The district has taken the following steps to enhance the use of technology:

• Assign each student a one-to-one device
• Increase the capability of internet access for students by placing wifi routers on buses
• Will provide instruction to students on how to appropriately use technology
• Provide professional development for CWC Staff
• Will provide technical support for students and parents that are remote learning

Extra/Co-Curricular Activities

The Carmi-White County School District will follow guidelines for the health and safety of our students, coaches, and sponsors.  These guidelines are provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Board of Education, and  the Illinois High School Athletic Association. All students in any C-WC district learning environment will receive equitable access to extracurricular activities.

Question and Answer Addendum to the

Back-to-School Plan

1. When does school start?

• Thursday, August 20th

2. What are the start and end times?

• Brownsville - regular schedule
• Lincoln - 8:30am to 2:45pm
• Jefferson - 8:15am to 2:50pm
• Washington - 4th & 5th Grade - 8:20am to 3:00pm, 6th Grade 8:15 to 2:25pm
• Junior High- 8:05am to 2:25pm
• High School- 8:10am to 2:30pm

3. What options does a student have once enrolled in C-WC?

• In-Person Learning or Remote Learning

4. Will transportation be provided?

• Yes, for students who are “bus eligible”  transportation will be provided.
• If possible, C-WC CUSD #5 is encouraging  parents to transport their children.

5. What if I need to change my student’s mode of learning (in-person versus remote)?

• Although we initially stated that there would be a two week time frame for students to make changes, because of the sensitivity of this school year, we will be flexible.
• It is imperative for parents/guardians to communicate with their building administrator as needed.

6. What does my student’s school day look like during face-to-face instruction?

• A traditional C-WC school day will be provided with the implementation of the following IDPH guidelines.
• Require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks;
• Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space;
• Require social distancing be observed, as much as possible; They will be facing the same direction in the classroom.  
• Require that schools conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks or require that individuals self-certify that they are free of symptoms before entering school buildings; and
• Require an increase in school-wide cleaning and disinfection.
• Students will have frequently scheduled movement breaks throughout the day in order to remove their masks under social distancing guidelines.

7. What measures has the district taken to keep our students safe?

• The district will be hiring additional staff members including a nurse, nurse aides, and part-time staff to assist with temperature checks, social distancing, and cleaning.
• Water bottle filling stations in each building to replace water fountains.
• Non-touch thermometers have been purchased for temperature checks.
• Non-touch soap dispensers and hand sanitizer stations will be installed in each building.

8. What measures are classroom teachers taking to keep our students safe?

• All teachers and support staff will wear face coverings
• Increased restroom/hand washing breaks
• Assigned seating
• All students will face the same direction
• Students will be allowed a water bottle in the classroom to replace water fountains.

9. What measures are custodians taking to keep our students safe?

• A hydrostatic disinfectant sprayer has been purchased for every building. Custodians will be disinfecting classrooms daily and CDC approved disinfectant as well as extra precautionary cleaning on all items students have contact with.
• High Touch areas will be cleaned on a frequent basis.

10. What measures are bus drivers taking to keep our students safe?

• Bus Drivers, bus aides, and students will be required to wear masks due to close proximity.
• Assigned seating  
• When possible, students from the same household will be required to sit together.  
• All school buses will be sanitized daily using hydrostatic sprayer and CDC approved disinfectant.  

11. What measures are cooks taking to keep students safe?

• Cooks will wear additional PPE
• Food will be prepared and served by the cooks
• No buffet/salad bars
• Only 50 students in cafeteria at one time
• Socially distanced to the extent possible while eating
• Disposable trays/utensils will be used
• Milk will be served individually by the cooks
• Tables sanitized between groups of students
• Students can bring own lunch

12. Will meals be provided for remote learning students?

• Yes. Parents are required to call their student’s school between 7:30am and 9:00am daily to order lunch and breakfast for the following morning.
• If a parent has children in multiple buildings, all lunches may be picked up at one location.
• Lunches must be picked up from the building and will not be delivered.

13. Will the high school still have open campus lunch?

• High school students will have open campus
• Due to the limit of 50 students in the cafeteria, a grab and go option will be available

14. What measures should students take to keep themselves safe?

• Proper wear a mask (C-WC will supply students with one Carmi-White County Bulldog mask)
• Masks should be washed each evening to wear the next day.
• There will be a limited supply of disposable masks for emergencies.
• Parents/guardians are encouraged to have additional masks for your student.

15. What face coverings are acceptable?

• All face coverings are acceptable as long as they cover the nose, mouth, and have sides.
• This includes masks and gaiters and must follow district dress code policy.

16. What if my student cannot wear a mask?

• You must have your physician complete a medical exemption due to a health condition
• If you have a medical exemption, you will need to provide your student with a face shield as an alternative, and your student will be required to wear that face shield. In this scenario, additional social distancing measures may be taken since shields are not as effective as masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
• You have the option to keep your student at home and participate in remote learning.

17. What if my student has a mask at school but refuses to wear it or wear it properly,        covering the nose and mouth?

• All people in the school building must wear a mask and wear it properly.
• Students will be directed to wear the mask properly and be given the opportunity to comply.
• If a student repeatedly refuses to wear a mask or not wear a mask properly, the school may determine that the student can only participate in school through remote learning.

18. How will the district certify that students are symptom free? (See Appendix 1)

• Each student’s temperature will be checked upon arrival to school and/or the bus stop.
• If a student is symptomatic, his/her temperature will be taken.
• School nurses will be available to all students, if needed.

19. What will happen if my student has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher or exhibit COVID-19 symptoms? (See Appendix 1)

• We will isolate the student and contact parents/guardians for pick up
• Students must be temperature free for 24 hours prior to returning to school (if no other COVID symptoms)
•  Student may be required to stay home for up to 10 days if other COVID symptoms exist

20. What happens if a student/staff member in the school is diagnosed with COVID-19? (See Appendix 1)

• The school will inform families if a student or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 maintaining confidentiality.
• The health department will notify all parents of students who have to be quarantined.
• We cannot reveal the name of the person diagnosed with COVID-19.
• If your student has had “close contact” with the infected person (within six feet for more than 15 minutes), your student will be required to stay home for up to 14 calendar days. During this time, your student should participate in Remote Learning
• Close contact means your student was within six feet for more than 15 minutes with the individual who tested positive for COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19.
• As cases are confirmed by the health department, the district will post this information on the school’s website (# of confirmed cases by building, only)

21. Will remote learning work be graded?

• Unlike this past spring, remote learning assignments will be graded.

22. Will the district provide a device for my student to do remote learning?

• All district students will be issued a Chromebook.

23. How do I pick up a device for my student?

• Each building will communicate when and how Chromebooks are to be picked up

24.  Will extra-curricular activities be provided?

• All district students will receive equitable access to extracurricular activities.
• The IHSA currently has a proposal to adjust the sports season calendar and individual sport guidelines to allow for the safe participation of student athletes.  This plan is currently waiting for ISBE/IDPH approval.
• District will provide transportation following safety guidelines and parents may transport their students in coordination with their respective coaches.

25.  How will special education students receive their educational services?

• Special education students who participate in face-to-face learning will follow their  individualized educational program.
• Special education students who participate in remote learning will follow an individualized remote learning plan
• All IEP teams will continue to complete individualized educational programs and re-evaluations according to federal requirements.

        26. When should students be kept at home?

• Parents are urged to keep their student home if they exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms.
• Your student attending school could cause other students to be exposed and removed from school.
• School districts have removed attendance policies and attendance incentives to encourage students to stay home when exhibiting symptoms to allow the school to continue without further exposure to other students and staff.

27. Will we still have Back-to-School Night?

• Yes. Each building will handle Back-to-School Nights differently.
• Building specific questions will be addressed then.

28. What are the considerations for school closure?

• Recommendations for school closure will be based off the data and through consultation between the C-WC #5 Administration and the Egyptian Health Department.
• Individual schools, grade levels, classes, wings, floors, and/or the C-WC #5 District could be closed in response to school-based cases of COVID-19 due to significant absenteeism of students and/or staff. If this were to happen, those affected would receive instruction remotely and follow the District’s Remote Learning Plan. The length of the closure would be determined on decontamination procedures, contact tracing, or other mitigation strategies. Closures could range from short to medium length (i.e.1-2 weeks) or as part of a larger strategy with substantial community spread requiring medium to long length (i.e. 4-8 weeks or more of closure). Each of our buildings are unique, and the decision to close and for how long is dependent on a number of factors and available information. We are currently waiting on additional guidance from the IDPH and ISBE concerning school closure.
• We understand the importance of face-to-face instruction but the health and well-being of our students and staff is of utmost importance.

Appendix 1-