2020 - 2021 School Re-Opening FAQ
We will continue to add answers to this document as questions arise. As JTHS receives updated guidance from Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), information may be revised.
INSTRUCTION
How will JTHS determine which students can receive remote instruction and which students can receive in-person instruction? JTHS is allowing families to determine what is best for each student.
- The Blended Learning Structure will allow for each student to have in-person instruction at least one day a week.
- Depending on need, students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Plans, Homeless students and students receiving English Learning services may be scheduled for more than one day of in-person instruction a week. This will be determined based on student need and safety requirements.
- Students below grade level or demonstrating a deficiency in literacy and/or math may also be scheduled to attend school more than one day a week. This will be determined based on student need and safety requirements.
- A Remote and Blended Learning handbook will be developed and distributed to students and staff after all protocols and procedures are finalized.
Will students participate in physical education? Yes, schools are still required to ensure students are enrolled in physical education during the 2020-2021 school year. However, in-person physical education will need to follow IDPH guidelines, which includes not allowing more than 50 individuals in one indoor space, regardless of the size. Therefore, all 9th grade students will be completing their physical education requirement remotely. In-person classes for upper classmen will be going outside weather permitting and scheduled in various spaces when weather does not permit. Additionally, locker rooms will not be utilized during the 2020-2021 school year and physical education uniforms will not be required. Students reporting for in-person instruction are asked to wear PE appropriate clothing and footwear. JTHS staff are currently working on the logistics for PE and this will be communicated when it is finalized.
Will students be able to participate in music classes in-person? Yes, students will be able to participate in JTHS music classes in-person, but these classes will be implemented differently, following the guidelines from IDPH. JTHS staff are currently working on the logistics for Music classes and this will be communicated when it is finalized.
How will the Advisory program be implemented? The advisory program will not be implemented as it has been in the past during the 2020-2021 school year. There will not be an advisory period scheduled. The Student Services Team is planning how to deliver the guidance curriculum in a different manner during this school year.
My student is an incoming freshman. Will there be an orientation, and when will they receive their schedule and device? JTHS is currently working on a plan for orientation and schedule/device pick up. We will communicate this information as our plans are finalized.
PHYSICAL SAFETY & HEALTH
How will JTHS reduce the risk of exposure of COVID-19 to students and staff in the hallways? JTHS is working with our architects to devise a traffic flow plan for passing periods. Hallways and stairwells will be one way so that all individuals are walking the same direction and have room to remain socially distant as possible. Students and staff are required to wear face masks and no lockers will be used in areas of higher foot traffic. Students will not be allowed to congregate in hallways during passing periods.
Will the district provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizing supplies for classrooms/offices and staff? Yes, JTHS will provide PPE and needed sanitizing supplies for classrooms/offices and staff.
How will JTHS reduce the risk of exposure of COVID-19 to students learning and staff working within JTHS buildings? JTHS will follow the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines for in-person instruction for Phase 4:
- Require the use of appropriate PPE, including face masks for all students and staff;
- Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space;
- Require social distancing be observed, as much as possible;
- Conduct symptom screening and temperature checks as directed to ensure that individuals are entering buildings free of symptoms; and,
- Increase schoolwide cleaning and disinfection.
Will students participating in the Hybrid/Blended Remote education model be allowed to use lockers to store belongings? Students will not be assigned a locker for the 2020-2021 school year unless there is a specific need that is approved through building administration.
How will JTHS provide meals to students? Unfortunately, due to IDPH guidelines that do not allow more than 50 individuals in one indoor space, regardless of the size; JTHS will not be providing breakfast and lunch during the school day through a regularly schedule period. JTHS will provide a grab and go option for all students. The logistics of the grab and go lunch and breakfast will be communicated when it is finalized.
Will students and staff need to get tested for COVID-19 before starting the school year? No, this is not recommended by the CDC.
What is the procedure if someone who was in any building is diagnosed with COVID-19? Individuals who did not have close contact with the person who is sick can return to work or school immediately after disinfection. Those who had contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19 infection should isolate at home and monitor for symptoms for 14 days. Close contact means the individual was within 6 feet of the individual with symptoms for more than 15 minutes.
TRANSPORTATION
Will the district provide transportation to students? Yes, JTHS will continue to provide transportation to students participating in the Blended Learning Structure. Students and transportation staff will be required to wear masks and there will be a restriction of one student to a seat unless students reside in the same household.