We are two weeks from beginning a new school year and as you all know we are constantly watching guidance from CDC, IDPH, ISBE and our local Sangamon/Menard County Health Department. Currently, the CDC's recommendation can be found "here". In short, In-person learning should be the priority for all schools and as such we will be returning 5 days a week and full days. This is consistent with the message we have shared beginning in the late Spring. Additionally, masks are required/mandated while in the school building and classroom for all teachers, students and visitors regardless of vaccination status. Social distancing of 3 ft for those wearing masks is recommended and for those who are not masked a 6 ft social distancing is recommended. The district will continue the sanitation program instituted last school year and will also offer testing regimes for those families who choose to be regularly tested or need to be tested as a result of exhibiting symptoms. Masks are required on buses by both students and drivers. Lunch and breakfast distribution will be similar to school year 20-21 but with more options for students rather than a grab and go style meal and all lunches and breakfast meals will be free.
While masking and vaccinations are extremely personal issues, there are specific benefits to both when considering quarantining of students and time lost in the classroom and for parents who are working. We are required to contact trace once an exposure occurs here at school. When we begin that process we will look at that particular classroom or other instructional space and determine who has been vaccinated and who were wearing masks and were a safe distance from the covid positive person. In all of these cases students who are either vaccinated or masked appropriately will not need to be quarantined. Only those who are unvaccinated or unmasked during that contact period will need to be quarantined. In an effort to reduce quarantine for students who have been exposed we are investigating a rigorous testing regime that includes "saliva" testing on a voluntary weekly or bi-weekly basis. This testing has the ability to reduce the number of students who are quarantined as they effectively can "test out of quarantine", something that was not available to Illinois students in the 20-21 school year. While we are just learning about this new testing opportunity we are optimistic that many families will want to opt into this testing as a reassuring piece of mind for those who have been tested. Again, the benefit is fewer days in quarantine and fewer lost working days for students and families.
The PORTA FY 2022 Return to learn plan can be found below and a public comment page is made available as well. A link to the safe return plan can also be found here and will guide you to the PORTA Website.
Thank you for all your support.
PORTA CUSD 202
Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services
August 2, 2021
To comment on this Plan use the following form: Comment Form
To open schools for in-person instruction required strict health and safety protocols which created barriers and limitations to teaching and learning. Recognizing that students across remote and in-person settings faced significant academic, social, emotional, and mental health challenges as a result of the interrupted education and the trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Congress made emergency funds available to local school districts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. Most recently, funds available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act require that school districts develop a Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. As such, this plan has been developed in accordance with the ARP Act and the Illinois State Superintendent of Education declaration of July 9, 2021; is aligned with guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and addresses adjustments needed in response to evolving COVID-19 pandemic circumstances.
Opportunity for the public to provide input will be provided from August 3-10, 2021 through a web-based comment platform. Upon request, this plan will be provided in an alternative format accessible to parents who are individuals with a disability as defined by the ADA. This plan will also be made publicly available on the district’s website. School strategies in this plan may be removed based upon local conditions, levels of community transmission (i.e., low, moderate, substantial, or high), local vaccine coverage, use of screening testing to detect cases in K-12 schools, and consultation with local public health officials to determine the prevention strategies needed. School officials will communicate any changes in plans to staff members, students, and parents through the district’s regular communication platforms.
Maintaining the Health and Safety of Students, Educators, and Other Staff
In accordance with the Illinois State Superintendent of Schools July 9, 2021 declaration, all PORTA CUSD 202 schools will be open fully for in-person learning for all student attendance days for the 2021-22 school year. Remote instruction will only be made available for non-vaccinated or vaccine ineligible students who are under quarantine as directed by the local health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health. The district will be prepared to adjust educational and athletic programming as necessary throughout the year. Absent an order from the Illinois State Board of Education and/or the Illinois Governor’s Office, PORTA 202 schools will be in operation in accordance with the CDC’s updated (July 9, 2021) Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten (K)-12 Schools, also adopted by the IDPH on July 9, 2021. These guidelines include the following:
1. Mask Use
· Mask use is mandated/Required for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Mask use is recommended outdoors during activities (e.g., participating in outdoor play, recess, physical education, sports, extra curriculars) that involve sustained close contact with other people who are not fully vaccinated, particularly in areas of substantial to high transmission.
· Unless exempt by CDC Order, passengers and drivers are required to wear a mask on school buses.
· We will continue to monitor the health and wellbeing of our students and staff and adjust accordingly if needed. Everyone should be prepared to wear masks if our local metrics warrant that need.
2. Physical Distancing
· To the extent possible within school and classroom structures so that it does not exclude students from full day in-person learning, school staff will help students commit to physical distancing as much as possible by modeling and reinforcing physical distancing of a minimum of 3ft, of distancing wherever possible. 6ft. of distancing is encouraged.
· Maximizing physical distance as much as possible when moving through food service lines and while eating indoors. Aside from the cafeteria, additional spaces for mealtime seating will be utilized when available and feasible. All Student meals will be free for the 2021-2022 school year in accordance with USDA reimbursements. Meal Patterns will return to 2019-20 guidelines and extra items will be allowed for purchase at the Jr/Sr high Level.
· Physical distancing measures will be done in an equitable manner that does not perpetuate tracking (e.g., separating people into fully vaccinated and non-fully vaccinated cohorts).
3. Contact Tracing in Combination with Isolation and Quarantine
· Students and staff who have symptoms of infectious illness, such as influenza (flu) or COVID-19 and who are unvaccinated, should stay home and contact their healthcare provider for testing and care.
· Individuals in our school environments who show symptoms of COVID-19 should report to health care professional’s office to be either sent home. Parents should ensure that ill students are picked up from school promptly after being notified. Ill students will not be allowed to utilize the school bus to return home.
· Students and staff who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine after a recent close contact to someone with COVID-19. Fully vaccinated people who were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 but do NOT have COVID-19 symptoms do not need to quarantine or be tested. Quarantine decisions will be made and communicated by Menard and Sangamon County Health Department officials.
· Student absences related to a COVID-19 isolation or quarantine will be recorded as excused. To ensure continuity of services, school work missed during such an absence can be requested and made up in accordance with the school’s policy (refer to student handbook); social, emotional, mental health, or other needs will be provided in accordance with a student’s IEP or 504 Plan. Parents of students who have social, emotional, mental health, or other needs outside of an IEP or 504 Plan should contact their child’s principal to discuss needs. Remote instruction will only be made available for non-vaccinated or vaccine ineligible students who are under quarantine as directed by the local health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health.
· Absent COVID-related leave days previously provided by Federal law, staff absences related to a COVID-19 isolation or quarantine will be recorded in accordance with the district’s sick leave policy and related professional negotiations agreements.
· To the extent allowable by privacy laws and other applicable laws, school health care professionals will continue to collaborate with Health Department officials to confidentially provide information about people diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, including making notifications to staff and parents as soon as possible regarding those who were in close contact of someone in the school who tested positive for COVID-19.
· Students and staff suspected of having COVID-19, whether they were tested or not, are to follow the CDC guidelines and Menard/Sangamon County Health Department guidelines to determine when they can return to school.
4. Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette
· School staff will monitor and reinforce frequent handwashing and respiratory etiquette by
· continuing to teach handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
· assisting young children with handwashing;
· reminding everyone in the facility to wash hands frequently;
· using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible;
· continuing to teach respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering coughs and sneezes)
5. Facility and Transportation Cleaning, Disinfection and Ventilation
· School teaching staff, custodial staff and transportation staff will continue to clean surfaces daily, and between classes to the extent possible. To further reduce the risk of spreading infection, these staff will also use disinfectants to disinfect spaces occupied by someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 24 hours.
· When possible and as circumstances allow, staff may open doors and windows, and/or allow for activities, classes, or lunches outdoors.
· When it does not pose a safety or other risk, transportation staff may keep vehicle windows open at least a few inches to improve air circulation as feasible.
6. Promoting Vaccination
· Working with the Menard/Sangamon County Health Department, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, available to anyone in our area 12 years of age and older, was held at PORTA Jr.-Sr. High School on June 4 (2nd dose date of Clinic July 2nd). Additional clinics will be added as demand for the vaccine increases.
· Respectful of peoples’ varying levels of vaccine confidence, those who want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 can contact the Sangamon/Menard County Health Department to find out where they can get vaccinated in our community.
7. Disabilities or Other Health Care Needs
· Parents of students who need accommodations, modifications, or assistance related to COVID-19 safety protocols, disabilities, underlying medical conditions, or weakened immune systems should contact their student’s case manager or building Principal to discuss the need(s).
· Staff members who need accommodations, modifications, or assistance related to COVID-19 safety protocols, disabilities, underlying medical conditions, weakened immune systems, or a sincerely held religious belief or practice (covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) should contact their school’s principal to discuss the need(s). Staff members with weakened immune systems are advised to contact their healthcare professional about the need for continued personal protective measures after vaccination.
8. Visitors
· Nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with people who are not fully vaccinated are discouraged from visiting schools.
9. Collaboration with Public Health Officials
· District officials will continue to collaborate and consult with the Menard/Sangamon County Health Department officials throughout a pandemic on various logistics and decision-making including, but not limited to, quarantines, school health and safety protocols, screening testing, contact tracing, vaccine clinics, and emergency school closings.
10. Plan Review
· This plan will be reviewed no less frequently than every six months and revised as appropriate after seeking and considering public input. Revisions will address the most recently updated safety recommendations by the CDC, provided in an alternative format accessible to parents who are individuals with a disability as defined by the ADA, and made publicly available on the district’s website.
Other notifications:
· Students will be issued individual devices (Chromebooks or IPads) should the need for school closure at any point arise, and/or should students need to be quarantined.
· Athletic programs will run as normal with full activity fees charged and admission charged at indoor, home sporting events. The NFHS system will continue to be utilized for those who wish to view from home.
· Field trips and fundraisers will resume as normal.
· HS absences due to a documented local health department quarantine or isolation order will not count when calculating semester exam exemptions.
· Locker rooms will be utilized for PE.
While masking and vaccinations are extremely personal issues, there are specific benefits to both when considering quarantining of students and time lost in the classroom and for parents who are working. We are required to contact trace once an exposure occurs here at school. When we begin that process we will look at that particular classroom or other instructional space and determine who has been vaccinated and who were wearing masks and were a safe distance from the covid positive person. In all of these cases students who are either vaccinated or masked appropriately will not need to be quarantined. Only those who are unvaccinated or unmasked during that contact period will need to be quarantined. In an effort to reduce quarantine for students who have been exposed we are investigating a rigorous testing regime that includes "saliva" testing on a voluntary weekly or bi-weekly basis. This testing has the ability to reduce the number of students who are quarantined as they effectively can "test out of quarantine", something that was not available to Illinois students in the 20-21 school year. While we are just learning about this new testing opportunity we are optimistic that many families will want to opt into this testing as a reassuring piece of mind for those who have been tested. Again, the benefit is fewer days in quarantine and fewer lost working days for students and families.
The PORTA FY 2022 Return to learn plan can be found below and a public comment page is made available as well. A link to the safe return plan can also be found here and will guide you to the PORTA Website.
Thank you for all your support.
PORTA CUSD 202
Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services
August 2, 2021
To comment on this Plan use the following form: Comment Form
To open schools for in-person instruction required strict health and safety protocols which created barriers and limitations to teaching and learning. Recognizing that students across remote and in-person settings faced significant academic, social, emotional, and mental health challenges as a result of the interrupted education and the trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Congress made emergency funds available to local school districts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. Most recently, funds available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act require that school districts develop a Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. As such, this plan has been developed in accordance with the ARP Act and the Illinois State Superintendent of Education declaration of July 9, 2021; is aligned with guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and addresses adjustments needed in response to evolving COVID-19 pandemic circumstances.
Opportunity for the public to provide input will be provided from August 3-10, 2021 through a web-based comment platform. Upon request, this plan will be provided in an alternative format accessible to parents who are individuals with a disability as defined by the ADA. This plan will also be made publicly available on the district’s website. School strategies in this plan may be removed based upon local conditions, levels of community transmission (i.e., low, moderate, substantial, or high), local vaccine coverage, use of screening testing to detect cases in K-12 schools, and consultation with local public health officials to determine the prevention strategies needed. School officials will communicate any changes in plans to staff members, students, and parents through the district’s regular communication platforms.
Maintaining the Health and Safety of Students, Educators, and Other Staff
In accordance with the Illinois State Superintendent of Schools July 9, 2021 declaration, all PORTA CUSD 202 schools will be open fully for in-person learning for all student attendance days for the 2021-22 school year. Remote instruction will only be made available for non-vaccinated or vaccine ineligible students who are under quarantine as directed by the local health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health. The district will be prepared to adjust educational and athletic programming as necessary throughout the year. Absent an order from the Illinois State Board of Education and/or the Illinois Governor’s Office, PORTA 202 schools will be in operation in accordance with the CDC’s updated (July 9, 2021) Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten (K)-12 Schools, also adopted by the IDPH on July 9, 2021. These guidelines include the following:
1. Mask Use
· Mask use is mandated/Required for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Mask use is recommended outdoors during activities (e.g., participating in outdoor play, recess, physical education, sports, extra curriculars) that involve sustained close contact with other people who are not fully vaccinated, particularly in areas of substantial to high transmission.
· Unless exempt by CDC Order, passengers and drivers are required to wear a mask on school buses.
· We will continue to monitor the health and wellbeing of our students and staff and adjust accordingly if needed. Everyone should be prepared to wear masks if our local metrics warrant that need.
2. Physical Distancing
· To the extent possible within school and classroom structures so that it does not exclude students from full day in-person learning, school staff will help students commit to physical distancing as much as possible by modeling and reinforcing physical distancing of a minimum of 3ft, of distancing wherever possible. 6ft. of distancing is encouraged.
· Maximizing physical distance as much as possible when moving through food service lines and while eating indoors. Aside from the cafeteria, additional spaces for mealtime seating will be utilized when available and feasible. All Student meals will be free for the 2021-2022 school year in accordance with USDA reimbursements. Meal Patterns will return to 2019-20 guidelines and extra items will be allowed for purchase at the Jr/Sr high Level.
· Physical distancing measures will be done in an equitable manner that does not perpetuate tracking (e.g., separating people into fully vaccinated and non-fully vaccinated cohorts).
3. Contact Tracing in Combination with Isolation and Quarantine
· Students and staff who have symptoms of infectious illness, such as influenza (flu) or COVID-19 and who are unvaccinated, should stay home and contact their healthcare provider for testing and care.
· Individuals in our school environments who show symptoms of COVID-19 should report to health care professional’s office to be either sent home. Parents should ensure that ill students are picked up from school promptly after being notified. Ill students will not be allowed to utilize the school bus to return home.
· Students and staff who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine after a recent close contact to someone with COVID-19. Fully vaccinated people who were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 but do NOT have COVID-19 symptoms do not need to quarantine or be tested. Quarantine decisions will be made and communicated by Menard and Sangamon County Health Department officials.
· Student absences related to a COVID-19 isolation or quarantine will be recorded as excused. To ensure continuity of services, school work missed during such an absence can be requested and made up in accordance with the school’s policy (refer to student handbook); social, emotional, mental health, or other needs will be provided in accordance with a student’s IEP or 504 Plan. Parents of students who have social, emotional, mental health, or other needs outside of an IEP or 504 Plan should contact their child’s principal to discuss needs. Remote instruction will only be made available for non-vaccinated or vaccine ineligible students who are under quarantine as directed by the local health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health.
· Absent COVID-related leave days previously provided by Federal law, staff absences related to a COVID-19 isolation or quarantine will be recorded in accordance with the district’s sick leave policy and related professional negotiations agreements.
· To the extent allowable by privacy laws and other applicable laws, school health care professionals will continue to collaborate with Health Department officials to confidentially provide information about people diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, including making notifications to staff and parents as soon as possible regarding those who were in close contact of someone in the school who tested positive for COVID-19.
· Students and staff suspected of having COVID-19, whether they were tested or not, are to follow the CDC guidelines and Menard/Sangamon County Health Department guidelines to determine when they can return to school.
4. Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette
· School staff will monitor and reinforce frequent handwashing and respiratory etiquette by
· continuing to teach handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
· assisting young children with handwashing;
· reminding everyone in the facility to wash hands frequently;
· using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible;
· continuing to teach respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering coughs and sneezes)
5. Facility and Transportation Cleaning, Disinfection and Ventilation
· School teaching staff, custodial staff and transportation staff will continue to clean surfaces daily, and between classes to the extent possible. To further reduce the risk of spreading infection, these staff will also use disinfectants to disinfect spaces occupied by someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 24 hours.
· When possible and as circumstances allow, staff may open doors and windows, and/or allow for activities, classes, or lunches outdoors.
· When it does not pose a safety or other risk, transportation staff may keep vehicle windows open at least a few inches to improve air circulation as feasible.
6. Promoting Vaccination
· Working with the Menard/Sangamon County Health Department, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, available to anyone in our area 12 years of age and older, was held at PORTA Jr.-Sr. High School on June 4 (2nd dose date of Clinic July 2nd). Additional clinics will be added as demand for the vaccine increases.
· Respectful of peoples’ varying levels of vaccine confidence, those who want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 can contact the Sangamon/Menard County Health Department to find out where they can get vaccinated in our community.
7. Disabilities or Other Health Care Needs
· Parents of students who need accommodations, modifications, or assistance related to COVID-19 safety protocols, disabilities, underlying medical conditions, or weakened immune systems should contact their student’s case manager or building Principal to discuss the need(s).
· Staff members who need accommodations, modifications, or assistance related to COVID-19 safety protocols, disabilities, underlying medical conditions, weakened immune systems, or a sincerely held religious belief or practice (covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) should contact their school’s principal to discuss the need(s). Staff members with weakened immune systems are advised to contact their healthcare professional about the need for continued personal protective measures after vaccination.
8. Visitors
· Nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with people who are not fully vaccinated are discouraged from visiting schools.
9. Collaboration with Public Health Officials
· District officials will continue to collaborate and consult with the Menard/Sangamon County Health Department officials throughout a pandemic on various logistics and decision-making including, but not limited to, quarantines, school health and safety protocols, screening testing, contact tracing, vaccine clinics, and emergency school closings.
10. Plan Review
· This plan will be reviewed no less frequently than every six months and revised as appropriate after seeking and considering public input. Revisions will address the most recently updated safety recommendations by the CDC, provided in an alternative format accessible to parents who are individuals with a disability as defined by the ADA, and made publicly available on the district’s website.
Other notifications:
· Students will be issued individual devices (Chromebooks or IPads) should the need for school closure at any point arise, and/or should students need to be quarantined.
· Athletic programs will run as normal with full activity fees charged and admission charged at indoor, home sporting events. The NFHS system will continue to be utilized for those who wish to view from home.
· Field trips and fundraisers will resume as normal.
· HS absences due to a documented local health department quarantine or isolation order will not count when calculating semester exam exemptions.
· Locker rooms will be utilized for PE.