Introduction

Dear Staff and Families:

Calumet City School District 155 will open its 2023-2024 school year with full in-person attendance. The District has assessed the updated guidance from the CDC, IDPH, and ISBE and is prepared to provide face-to-face instruction, food services, extracurricular, and interscholastic activities.

The District’s back to school plan outlines necessary procedures to ensure a safe return to school while maintaining focus on strong academics and ensuring the health and safety of the District’s community. The development of the plan was created with input from staff, community, and other stakeholders with the understanding that it will take the community for a successful implementation.

Due to the pandemic’s fluid, ever-changing impact, the District will continue to monitor and assess the data related to COVID-19. The District will make data-driven decisions and is prepared to move from in-person to remote learning as necessary.

In order to meet the needs of our students in the event the District needs to move into a remote learning format, the District will utilize its State approved eLearning/remote learning plan. The District’s eLearning/remote learning plan can be found on the District’s website or by using the following link: District 155 eLearning/Remote Learning Plan.

The remainder of this communication is intended to provide an overview of our back to school transition plan which includes an overview of mitigation strategies implemented by the District.

Best Health Practices

Calumet City School District 155 will continue to follow best practices as defined by the CDC and IDPH.

Handwashing - Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Social Distancing - Individuals should maintain a minimum of three feet of distance between one another when possible. Social distancing remains one of the best strategies for limiting exposure and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Face Masks - Calumet City School District will not require the use of face masks. However, if a child chooses, the district will support them and the decision they make.

It is understood that most employees and students will arrive at school or the district with their own face masks, whether homemade or commercially manufactured.

The District also maintains a limited stock of disposable face masks for students who need them, short-term guests, and visitors. Disposable masks are designed for a single use and should be placed in the trash at the end of each day. The district will not provide disposable masks on a daily basis.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Buildings and Grounds leadership continues to monitor the CDC, IDPH, and CCDPH for the best practices in cleaning the District’s schools. The products used for cleaning are on the EPA approved list. All of our custodial and night time cleaning staff have been trained in the proper use of the cleaning materials, PPE and the necessary frequency of cleaning to meet CDC guidelines.

The District has also installed additional hand sanitizer stations throughout buildings and will continue to maintain these stations. Each student and staff member will be required to sanitize their hands upon entry into the building and will be encouraged to wash their hands throughout the school and work day.

Screening and Temperature Checks

All members of the Calumet City School District family are responsible for conducting a daily personal health assessment before coming to school, attending an appointment, meeting, or getting on the bus.

Each day, prior to arriving on campus, individuals should complete a short assessment by cross-checking their personal health against the CDC’s list of COVID-19 symptoms.

Fever or Chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

The list does not include all possible symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, please stay home and do not report to school or try to get on the bus.

COVID-19 Reporting Requirements

The District requires formal reporting for all individuals who have a confirmed case of COVID-19, have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 or have an assumed case of COVID-19 as detailed below.

Those who are exhibiting symptoms will not be authorized to come to school or district and should take the following steps:

Report your condition using the Staff or Student COVID-19 Symptom Report Form

Staff: https://forms.gle/w3bU6hG3SngxSKA9A
Student: https://forms.gle/9dTEsXyksRkyARgV6

Report your condition to the school office (if a student).
Report your condition to your supervisor and log absence into AESOP (if an employee).
Stay home - Students will be required to say home between 5-10 calendar days from onset of symptoms. Proper proof of testing or medical documentation may reduce your stay at home.
Contact your medical provider immediately for further guidance on care and possible COVID-19 testing.

COVID-19 Isolation Rooms

Each school building will have dedicated isolation rooms for individuals who are suspected of having or showing symptoms of COVID-19. The isolation rooms will be structured in compliance with CDC and IDPH guidelines. Students who are placed in the COVID-19 isolation room will remain in the room until parents or guardians come and pick them up.

Students and Staff Who are Sent Home with COVID-like Symptoms

The local departments of public health in Illinois, Cook County and Chicago have recently

updated their guidance concerning COVID-19 testing and return-to-work/school admittance.

For the most updated information please visit ISBE of education website found here: https://www.isbe.net/coronavirus

Accommodations

Any person requesting accommodations, employee or student, may request so by following the process outlined in the student handbook or board policy.

Academic Plan

The District looks forward to beginning our school year by providing student instruction fully in-person following pre-pandemic academic schedules.

In the event the District or an individual school needs to move into remote learning, the schedule outlined in the table on the next page will be utilized. Remote learning instruction will be delivered online (synchronous) or through worksheet based packets (asynchronous) depending on length of closure or quarantine. The approved District’s eLearning/remote learning plan can be found on the District’s website or by using the following link: District 155 eLearning/Remote Learning Plan

Full Remote Learning Format Following eLearning Plan
Remote Learning Group	Remote Learning Days
All Students	Monday - Friday

Important Calendar Dates

August 21, 2023	Trimester Begins/Teacher Institute/No Student Attendance
August 22, 2023	Teacher Institute/No Student Attendance
August 23, 2023	First Day of Student Attendance

As the fall trimester progresses, District 155 will reevaluate its plan as needed and make adjustments to schedules and adjust relative to current health related data and guidance provided by CDC, IDPH, CCDPH, and ISBE.

School Bus Transportation

The District is working with our bus company, Kickert, and its other bus vendors to provide safe transportation for those who qualify. It will be required that all students who are transported on a school bus adhere to the recommendations set forth by the guidance outlined by local health officials and ISBE.

Food Service

The District is also working closely with our food service partner, Taher, to guarantee a safety-first food service through grab and go breakfast and cook on-site lunch. Breakfast and lunch services will return to pre pandemic cafeteria services.

Extracurricular, Interscholastics, and Athletics

Extracurricular, interscholastic, and athletic activities will begin at the start of the school year. We are also excited to welcome Patton School District 133 to our conference for the upcoming year. All after-school programs will be approved on an individual basis, as plans are developed, and guidance is provided by each school, the Cal-Ridge Conference, and the Illinois Elementary School Association.

Visitors and Building Access

Visitors will be allowed for the 2023-2024 school year. However, in the event of new guidance, the district will shift to limit access depending on community and school related needs. All visitors must show a valid photo ID upon entrance to our facilities.

District 155 Goal

Teamwork and communication between the District, families, and staff will be critical this Fall. It is our goal to work with our stakeholders and provide a safe and high quality learning environment.