Well it looks as if this is a good time to discuss "snow days".  Last year we added remote learning to our daily live and how that affected snow days.  It would seem that it would be easy to halt snow days and move to remote learning on those days instead.  However, after having our fill of remote learning opportunities we believe that it is even more evident that every day we have students in the classroom with our professional staff, the better off our students will be.  Additionally, many times our snow days result from a last minute decision to cancel classes and our staff and students will likely not have the resources they need to fully engage in remote learning.   So, for those students who love the anticipation of having a snow day and all the fun that can be had during an unexpected day off from school, you are in luck "Snow Days" in the PORTA District are still a possibility.  But as you know, those days do not come often or easy as it is still important to hold school so that students can learn and parents can get to work uninterrupted.   As such here is our yearly information on how and why we might call a "Snow day".

Each Winter, usually in February or March we create and set the school calendar for the upcoming school year.  In fact the Superintendent's council and I just sat down recently to begin the process for next school year and the Board usually adopts that calendar in March or April of each year.  Each calendar must have 174 student attendance days and 180 teacher work days and an additional 5 emergency days built into the calendar.  Typically, you would see those emergency days built in on the last five days of the calendar and as we use emergency days we change those calendar dates to attendance days, extending the school year for each "snow day "we use.  At the point that the district uses all the emergency days the new calendar would show that students would be dismissed 5 days later than expected.  Also, after the 5 emergency days are used the district can begin requesting "ACT OF GOD" days.  If Act of God days are approved students are not required to attend any longer than the original 5 emergency days and the School District's General State Aid is not reduced.  
Back to the Calendar, we have used zero emergency days at this point in the year, so our expected last day for student attendance, at this time, is May 24, 2022.  We are planning on holding High School Graduation on May 27, 2022.  With the impending weather it is possible we will utilize one or more emergency days this week, which in turn will push the last day of attendance back by each emergency day used.
Ok, now the decision making process we use to close school because of weather related issues.  I guess I would start by saying there is no set guideline or policy that the PORTA District follows.  I will say that at-20 degrees wind chill I am very concerned about the safety of our students, especially when I see our youngest students on a daily basis showing up to school with only a hoodie on or lite jacket.  So, when we hit those marks of -20 degrees or above you can expect that we may cancel school.  Most often snow and unsafe roads are the main issue.  The process I use to determine if we have school  begins with me driving many of our bus routes and worst roads to determine safety.  Sometimes it only takes me a matter of minutes to make a determination, others an hour or more.  During my driving time I usually talk with all the local Superintendents, road commissioners and County Commissioner.  All of the driving and discussion takes place prior to 5:30 AM because as a rule I like to make the decision by that time and get parents notified.  Of course, depending on the timing of the weather we may make that decision earlier or slightly later, but not much later.  If the weather on the previous evening indicates that we will likely close due to poor road conditions, poor timing of snow fall, and/or that we will have difficulty clearing our lots and sidewalks we will try our best to make that decision the night prior.  One aspect to school closures that I have only recently had to contemplate is insuring staff can make it to school and if they cannot will be have enough subs to cover classrooms.  With the shortage of subs in the State of Illinois we have to be cognizant of how many subs we have available to insure classroom coverage, if we foresee a shortfall that will also be a factor in making a decision to close school.
Once the decision is made to cancel school I create a SchoolMessanger call, notify all supervisors and each of those individuals have a specific task to complete as well, some of which might be calling radio and television or starting a phone tree.  We have to consider what events are occurring and when, how we can reschedule those events and how much time and manpower it will take to make the parking lots and sidewalks safe before we allow anyone in the buildings. 
Closing school because of extreme weather is a matter that we take very seriously.  In the end we want to balance the need to have the students in class with there overall safety and well-being.  Attending a few extra days at the end of the school year is much easier than having students placed in danger in a bus accident or getting frost-bite while walking to school or waiting for a bus. 
 Thanks for taking the time to read this piece.

Dear parents and guardians, 

We are pleased to share that the isolation and quarantine period for students and staff members sick with COVID-19 or considered a close contact has been reduced to five days. 

Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Board of Education and Sangamon County Health Dept announced that the agencies have adopted CDC guidance for P-12 schools that halves the isolation and quarantine period. The Centers for Disease Control updated its guidance for P-12 schools on January 6, 2022.   

As a result, effective immediately, PORTA CUSD 202 will implement the updated guidance. As soon as possible, we will contact staff, students and families who are currently impacted by a quarantine with a revised return to school plan.

Today’s announcement does not change the state of Illinois’ mask requirement for anyone inside school buildings. The Governor’s indoor mask mandate for school is still in effect until further notice. 

Staff and students who are currently impacted by a quarantine now have a revised return to school date. Please see the chart below to know when to send your child back to school.

If a student or staff member tested  positive or first had symptoms on the following date: The new return to school/work date is the following:
Monday, 1/3 Monday, 1/10
Tuesday, 1/4 Monday, 1/10
Wednesday, 1/5 Tuesday, 1/11
Thursday, 1/6 Wednesday, 1/12
Friday, 1/7 Thursday, 1/13
*Any date prior to 1/3/2022 may return on Monday, 1/10 **The date above is if a person is fever free for 24 hours and symptoms have improved.

Unvaccinated students and not boosted staff members who are close contacts are now required to quarantine for 5 days or can continue the "Test to Stay" program,  testing on days 1,3 and 5.   The following is a table with the revised return to school dates.

If an unvaccinated student or not boosted staff member was a close contact on the following: The new return to school/work date is the following:
Monday, 1/3 Monday, 1/10
Tuesday, 1/4 Monday, 1/10
Wednesday, 1/5 Tuesday, 1/11
Thursday, 1/6 Wednesday, 1/12
Friday, 1/7 Thursday, 1/13
*Any date prior to 1/3/2022 may return on Monday, 1/10 **Test on day 5 if possible

In addition, I want to pass along information from IDPH and CDC related to quarantine and recommended isolation periods. Below is summary information.

What is quarantine? 
Quarantine means staying home for at least 5 days after exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19. This is because someone can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 but may not show symptoms. Even though someone may not show symptoms, they can still spread the virus.

Quarantine is different from isolation. Isolation is used by someone who has symptoms of COVID-19, or tests positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they don’t have symptoms. Isolation helps prevent transmission of the virus by separating people infected with the virus from those who are not infected.

How does this new quarantine guidance impact staff and students if they test positive for COVID-19?

​Good Morning,
After our weekly testing results were shared this morning we learned that we have 8 students who tested positive, which in the realm of things is not bad, unfortunately, those 8 are in separate classrooms.  With the addition of 8 classrooms we will not have enough testing supplies to fully test all our students who would qualify for the Test to Stay program.  So, at this time I have instructed the Building admin and nursing staff to test those students that we can and if a student is asymptomatic (no Symptoms) and unable to be tested to offer to parents the option of remaining at school as long as they are asymptomatic.  Any student who is symptomatic and does not meet the criteria to remain in school will trigger a call to parents and quarantine that student until we can return to our Test to Stay program.

I will continue discussions with Health officials today, as I have been in contact with them this entire week to determine what we can do to alleviate our situation.  If I am directed to act in a different manner we will comply with those directives.  

I know that this decision will not be popular with some of our staff and parents, but our experience from our own "test to Stay" program indicates the vast majority of students who enter the test to stay program test negative throughout the process and are able to remain in school.  Sending 8 classrooms, along with the three already in "Test to Stay'  home to quarantine is not a good option for students or teachers, by doing so would only move us closer to a remote/elearning scenario.

Again, I will confer with health officials and if directed to take another path we will comply.  I am sorry we are in such a controversial situation but we will work through this and move forward in one way or another.

  As I noted in the January 4th blog and call, the district has seen an increase in COVID cases, which is consistent with the State and rest of the world at this point.  We have been asked when or/if we will be moving to remote as a result?  Our answer to that is we will find every way can to remain in person.  While keeping track of student positive cases and quarantine is extremely important the real issue we are facing is staffing in our buildings.  At this point the most likely reason we would have to move to an eLearning situation would be due to a lack of staff available to teach and insure a safe learning environment. We, like all school districts, are short on substitutes in all areas but most important at this moment are substitutes in our classrooms whether for a teacher or aide.  Currently, when we exhaust our sub list we utilize internal staff to fill open positions due to quarantine.  In many cases our staff members are taken away from their normal position and placed in a classroom so that we have educators in our classrooms.  As such, staff are giving up their normal duties or are giving up their plan/free time so that we can remain in session. So, as a plea for help, if you or someone you know has an interest in subbing even if for only one day a week please consider doing so.  If you are interested in subbing or becoming Para Pro certified and would like more information on how to become certified please check out the following links:  Teacher Sub   or Para Pro Cert.  If interested you can call any of the school buildings and talk with an administrator and they too can help guide you in the right direction.

Earlier this week we also shared that the national shortage on testing supplies is negatively impacting our district.  Currently, we are days away from running out of those testing kits.  We have contacted the Sangamon county Health, IDPH and the State distributor of those supplies in hopes that we will receive a shipment soon.  If we are unable to retain those test kits, we are currently working out details on how we will continue the Test to Stay program with health officials.  This is a serious concern for us as at any given time we may have 50 to 100 students in the program rather than being quarantined at home.  The overwhelming majority of students and staff in the Test to Stay program never test positive and are able to remain in school as a result.  We will keep you up to date on this situation as we learn more from health officials.

Also in our last message we discussed the court hearing involving nearly 150 school districts, including PORTA.  Mr. Devore. on behalf of the plaintiffs. made motions to certify the class action and a temporary restraining order (TRO) at the hearing held Wednesday,  January 5th.  The court took the motion to certify the class under advisement.  If the court grants the class certification, it would mean that any order in this case (such as a TRO) would apply to all students in the district, not merely the named plaintiffs.  
The TRO hearing lasted until the end of the court day, but was not completed.  No ruling was issued and the hearing will be continued on another date.  The court has not yet set a date to continue the hearing, but indicated it will likely be later in the month of January, at the earliest.  I will let you know as soon as the date to continue the hearing is set.

As we are about ready to return to school tomorrow, January 4, 2022 I believe many are confused about the new guidance on quarantining for students and staff who are COVID positive.  Currently, the CDC has offered new guidance on a 5 day quarantine, with certain qualifiers, for those who have tested positive and are asymptomatic. Additionally, IDPH has also pushed those rules out and in both cases they have indicated the 5 day rule is for the general public and that school guidance is forthcoming.  So, unfortunately we are still expected to follow the 10 day quarantine rules we have followed so far this school year.  We do expect changes to those quarantine rules in the coming days or weeks and hope that those changes are friendly for keeping our students in school.   

Testing supplies for the Test to Stay program are in short supply.  We order our testing supplies through the State of Illinois and prior to winter break ordered 2000 tests for our program and only received 320 of those tests.  Obviously, this concerns us greatly as we have relied heavily on the Test to Stay program to keep students in school and expect to continue the program as long as the State requires quarantine.  We have since ordered more of the rapid tests and look forward to receiving a full order, if we do not we will insure you know how that impacts our our program and your children.  One item of particular note:  If your child was tested over break and was positive you should report that to your school nurse.  The reason we ask for that information is it allows us to exclude your student from testing (Weekly and Test to Stay) for a 90 day period.  This makes life easier for your child and helps to maintaining testing supplies at the school. 

As reported earlier this school year, the PORTA District was one of approximately 150 school districts who were named in a law suit concerning quarantine of students and masking mandates.  We are expecting some resolution to this law suit on the 5th of this month, as a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) hearing is set for this date. If the TRO is successful, the mask mandate for students will be lifted for a period of time while more legal actions on the issue are considered.  Additionally, if the TRO is successful quarantine rules will be changed significantly and at this time we do not know how that will impact our current process.  If the TRO is unsuccessful, we will continue following CDC/IDPH and Sangamon County guidelines.

It is almost a certainty that we will be negatively impacted by this sudden surge in COVID cases due to the Omicron strain.  Hopefully, this newest variant quickly moves on and we can have some relief.  We ask that you have patience with our district.  Our focus is and has been finding ways to keep students in school while working through mandates and guidelines forced upon us. 

I am writing to inform you and not to perpetuate or cause any panic. The PORTA School District and every school district in Illinois and the United States, for that matter, has been made aware of a circulating TikTok post. This Post was not a direct threat and alluded to a nationwide “school shooting and bomb threat for every school in the USA even elementary schools” that will supposedly take place on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. The original post is general and not directed at a specific school. So far, the origins of this post are unknown and there is no indication this post has specified targeted school district.
This information has been shared with our District and school administration, and local law enforcement.
Please know that, in conjunction with local law enforcement, we will continue to monitor social media. There are no indications of known threats within PORTA Schools at this time. I am sharing this notice out of an abundance of caution and as a precautionary measure. 
The safety of our students and staff is our priority. All safety concerns to our school or students are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Since returning to in-person learning this school year, schools nationwide are dealing with school safety concerns that seem to be heightened and causing anxiety, fear and nervousness among our staff and students.
Here are some key points about making good decisions and easing these concerning feelings:
• Be sure to report any concerning message you hear or see in person or online to a trusted adult, school administration or staff member, or police.
• The Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program for students to share school safety issues, find resources to get help and find encouragement to help others. Reports can be submitted here.
• Please do not promote social media rumors, instead, tell us.
• If you feel uncomfortable about something you read, something you hear, something you
see please, report it so we can do something about it.
• Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming and using webcams.
PORTA CUSD 202 is committed to keeping our schools a safe place for learning, and we will work together to continue to keep it that way.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Matthew W. Brue
Superintendent

I wish I could be delivering good news to all of our PORTA Parents this Holiday week, but unfortunately, we are being forced to extend our remote learning for grades 7-12 for an additional week.  For a multitude of reasons, the work required to open the building after the Art Room Fire last Tuesday will not be completed sufficiently to allow students and staff to return.  As such, November 29-December 3rd will be remote learning for all 7-12 grade students and we will continue to follow the current schedule and all students will be expected to report into each class as they have this past week.  If your child is having difficulty with internet connection, please have them contact the building principal and accommodations will be offered.  
As for events that will be occurring here at the High school, we will likely be adjusting the Fall Play and any home sporting events scheduled for the week of November 29th.  Participants will be contacted by Coaches and Sponsors in regards to changes in game and practice venues. 
Prior to students returning to in person learning the District and our Insurance carrier will ensure that air quality tests are completed and in good order to return and that all areas where students will have access will be safe.  Additionally, the Regional Office of Education will tour the building to evaluate if occupancy is warranted.  
Again, I apologize for any inconvenience, this has been a trying time for our students and staff and extremely frustrating for the administrative team and Board of Education.  We will continue to update our families as we learn more about our timelines and progress.  As always, if you have any questions or need help with connectivity please feel free to contact us and we will help in any way possible. 

​

The vast majority of the building is overwhelmed with the smell of smoke and most of the building has soot damage of some nature.  We have partnered with an extreme Response Team from ServPro who have evaluated the building and are planning to cordon off specific areas to reduce spread of the smoke smell and will also implement air scrubbers to help reduce the smell.  We have also had an air quality team involved today (11/17) who will monitor air quality and perform forensic analysis throughout the restoration process to ensure everyone is safe.  
Insurance companies were notified early yesterday morning and adjusters have been assigned and we are currently waiting for approval from those organizations to begin full retoration efforts.  We hope to have the approvals by the end of today, November 17, 2021.  Depending on the specific area, restoration efforts might include removal/replacement of ceiling tiles and cleaning from top to bottom of that room, to mild cleaning and placement of air scrubbers to reduce odor.  All HVAC ducts and units will be cleaned.  Furniture, carpeting, cloth seating will all be evaluated and either cleaned or replaced.  
We have been told to expect a team of 50 to 70 workers completing the restoration in the next 10 to 12 days, with the goal of allowing students to return to in person learning on November 29th.  Restoration will continue beyond the 29th especially in the immediate area of the current art room and shop areas.  As we get closer to the 29th, we will have a better understanding of classrooms that are available for use in these areas and will create a plan to ensure we have adequate teaching and learning spaces for our students and staff.

Our insurance company will have a Cause and Origin expert in the district today or tomorrow to determine cause for the fire and once they have their investigation completed restoration and remodeling work will begin on the Art room.  

7-12 Grade students will begin remote learning on Thursday November 18, 2021 with the goal to return to in person instruction on November 29, 2021.  Students will follow their normal schedule and login to “Google Meets”.  If connectivity is an issue please contact your building principal and continue to monitor your student email accounts for more updates.  

At this time the pool is fully accessible, if you have questions in regards to lessons, rental, lap swim or water-aerobics please contact Rachel Frost. 

The Tentative plan will be to move the Fall Play to the weekend of December 4, 2021, rather than this coming weekend.

​

Good Afternoon, As you know we have had a significant fire in the building, mainly contained in the HS Art room, but we have smoke and soot damage throughout the majority of the building.  In an abundance of caution, we will need to move to a “Full Remote” schedule for grades 7-12 beginning Thursday of this week and plan on returning to school for in person learning on November 29th if clean up goes as planned.. Remote learning will follow a regular bell schedule. PORTA Central and Petersburg Elementary will continue attending in person.  We will have a technology and personal item pickup day beginning Wednesday November 17, 2021.  Students may ride the bus to school to retrieve belongings and technology and we will transport you back to home following your pickup.  Students who transport themselves may come to the building from 8:15 Am to Noon to pick up technology and personal items from their lockers in preparation for remote learning.  While we are very limited on the number of hotspots we have available, if connectivity is an issue for your family we will try to accommodate your students in some fashion if necessary.  Please check your email for additional information from Mrs. McMahan regarding instructions for remote learning.

All events/Teams/Activities will be contacted by their coaches and sponsors for information about performances, practices and competitions, moving forward.  

The Board of Education meeting for tonight has been moved to Petersburg Elementary Cafeteria.

​

While the district's Covid-19 statistics are good and in fact we didn't have a new case of Covid in our staff in a full month's time, we have just recently been impacted by Covid positive cases in our Transportation Department.  As such, we ask that you be patient with our PORTA Transportation team over the next week to 10 days as we are working on a very limited staff.  Pick-up and drop-off times might be affected and some routes might need to be combined or changed as the week progresses depending on availability of staff. Currently, all routes are covered but it is very possible that we may need to combine routes and/or alter pick-up and drop-off times in the future, if we have additional Covid Quarantine issues.  We would encourage you to transport your students to and from school if you are able and are concerned about the uncertainty of your drop-off and Pick-up times.  Moving forward if we feel you will be impacted we will notify you as soon as possible so that you are aware of any changes. 
Thank you in advance for your patience.

By the time this Blog becomes available to all parents and community members I am sure we will all be very aware that Illinois schools are being required to provide Feminine products in School district restrooms regardless of the gender of those restrooms.  For a number of years, school districts in Illinois have been tasked with providing adequate facilities for all students including transgender students.  In most cases, districts have offered alternative settings, restrooms designated as unisex and allowing access to facilities that best meet the needs of the individual student.  In May of this year the Illinois Legislature passed the legislation shared below, requiring free Feminine sanitary products be made available in all restrooms used by students grades 4-12.   As such, school districts across Illinois are adding feminine product dispensers in all restrooms, PORTA has also recently completed installing dispensers in required restrooms at the Jr/Sr High.  We apologize for the distraction this will cause within our community.  At this time we are required to meet this latest law and will continue to follow the Laws of Illinois to the best of our ability.  While we know, there are strong opinions on this matter we would encourage you to reach out to your legislators to express your personal opinions on Public Act 102-0340.  Thank you.


Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Sections 10-20.63 and 34-18.56 as follows: (105 ILCS 5/10-20.63) Sec. 10-20.63. Availability of menstrual feminine hygiene products. (a) The General Assembly finds the following: (1) Menstrual Feminine hygiene products are a health care necessity and not an item that can be foregone or substituted easily. (2) Access to menstrual feminine hygiene products is a serious and ongoing need in this State. (3) When students do not have access to affordable menstrual feminine hygiene products, they may miss multiple days of school every month. (4) When students have access to quality menstrual feminine hygiene products, they are able to continue with their daily lives with minimal interruption. (b) In this Section: "Menstrual hygiene products" "Feminine hygiene products" means tampons and sanitary napkins for use in connection with HB0156  menstrual cycle. "School building" means any facility (i) that is owned or leased by a school district or over which the school board has care, custody, and control and (ii) in which there is a public school serving students in grades 6 through 12. (c) A school district shall make menstrual feminine hygiene products available, at no cost to students, in bathrooms of every school building that are open for student use in grades 4 through 12 during the regular school day the bathrooms of school buildings. (Source: P.A. 100-163, eff. 1-1-18; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.) (105 ILCS 5/34-18.56) Sec. 34-18.56. Availability of menstrual feminine hygiene products. (a) The General Assembly finds the following: (1) Menstrual Feminine hygiene products are a health care necessity and not an item that can be foregone or substituted easily. (2) Access to menstrual feminine hygiene products is a serious and ongoing need in this State. (3) When students do not have access to affordable menstrual feminine hygiene products, they may miss multiple days of school every month. (4) When students have access to quality menstrual feminine hygiene products, they are able to continue with ​their daily lives with minimal interruption. (b) In this Section: "Menstrual hygiene products" "Feminine hygiene products" means tampons and sanitary napkins for use in connection with the menstrual cycle. "School building" means any facility (i) that is owned or leased by the school district or over which the board has care, custody, and control and (ii) in which there is a public school serving students in grades 6 through 12. (c) The school district shall make menstrual feminine hygiene products available, at no cost to students, in bathrooms of every school building that are open for student use in grades 4 through 12 during the regular school day the bathrooms of school buildings. (Source: P.A. 100-163, eff. 1-1-18; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.) Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law

Another week has passed and as usual I would like to share some information that is important as we continue through our school year.  To begin, our “test to Stay” program has continued to perform as expected. We have had as high as 53 students at any given time in the program and the overwhelming majority of those utilizing the program have been able to stay in school without quarantine. As a reminder, the Test to stay program is separate from the weekly saliva based program known as “Shield”.  We have successfully enrolled approximately 300 students/staff in the Shield program and hope to start collecting those samples/tests late next week. As always, our goal is to keep students in school and out of quarantine and so far our programs are meeting our needs.  
Our Covid positive rates are higher than the halfway point last year for our students, but quarantine rates are lower.  In staff, our Covid Positive rates are relatively low and as of Thursday Evening we only had 1 staff member in quarantine. 
Moving forward, if we can continue to maintain low Staff infection/quarantine rates and can continue the “Test to Stay '' program we will be able to maintain our current and traditional calendar.  
Which leads to a rumor that has been circulating recently about the State of Illinois moving back to all remote learning.  While I am not Nostradamus, I have not heard or been given any indication that the Governor is contemplating shutting schools down and moving to “all remote” learning.  While our daily routine of working through the Covid issues is very daunting, we have found ways to stay the course and I believe the vast majority of districts are also finding themselves in a similar situation.  We are ecstatic to be able to offer full days/full weeks and all the normal school activities and do not want to move away from these practices. So, it is my sincere wish that rumors are just rumors and we can expect to continue as we are for the foreseeable future.  I am sure that some of the rumors we have heard relate to the fact that we are moving into the first holiday of the school year and many are concerned about those activities that may spread the Covid Virus, so please be careful and keep your families safe, but have a great weekend.  
If the unthinkable happens please understand that we will prepare for that eventuality and within days of any announcement the district will have a plan in action, technology access issues resolved and learning taking place.  Again, everyone “knock on wood” we do not want to have to move into the wrong direction and it is not in our plans to do so.

I would like to share a plea to all of our community members.  One area of grave concern for our district is the lack of substitute teachers and drivers.  if you can help us out by subbing as a teacher or driver we would be extremely grateful. If you have family or friends that might be able to fill our sub positions please share this info with them and ask them to contact the school district if they are interested.  Even if we can utilize someone for one day a week that will go a long way in insuring we can continue to have full weeks/days and uninterrupted educational opportunities.

We will use the Superintendent's Blog to help answer questions about Covid-19 testing and Quarantine through the Q and A section below, which can also be found on the District website, along with other Covid materials.  Web Link to Covid Materials .  
As we receive questions we will add to this page to help everyone stay informed.

Thank you.

​COVID Testing Info/FAQ
 
Test to Stay is only an option if exposure took place at school and both parties are masked at time of exposure. Test to Stay is NOT an option for someone that was exposed outside of school or unmasked. (ie-household member, friend or family member outside of home.)
 
Test to Stay- consent must be given prior to testing iif your student is identified as a close contact. You will have to give consent to the nurse and another staff member. This consent will be for the 4 tests needed for Test to Stay only.
 
If, in the future, your student would need a nasal swab you will be contacted prior to testing and consent would have to be given again. A nasal swab will NEVER be done without your permission.
 
If at any time the student develops symptoms after exposure they would no longer qualify for Test to Stay. They must stay home and contact their doctor.
 
Test to Stay - if day 1, 3, 5, or 7 falls on a day that saliva testing is being done and your student is already opted in for this they will have the option to do saliva testing or nasal swab. The other 3 tests will be performed w/ a nasal swab since the other is only done once a week.
 
The SHIELD saliva testing form only needs to be returned if you want to OPT-IN for weekly saliva testing. If you do not wish for your student to participate in the program DO NOT fill out the form. You may just throw it away.
 
If you signed up for weekly saliva testing am I also giving consent for BinaxNOW (nasal swab) testing?
No. The consent form is ONLY for weekly saliva testing. 

​Greetings PORTA Bluejays,
 
I would like to offer some information about the current mask mandate in an attempt to inform all of our families and community members of the facts revolving around this very sensitive issue.
It is obvious some community members do not believe that the Governor has the authority to mandate mask wearing in schools and that the School Board has the authority to circumvent the mandate and School Code.  Unfortunately, this is untrue, in a communication from the State Superintendent all district Superintendents were notified that the “Executive Order has the full force of law and that for those districts who choose noncompliance school accreditation will likely be revoked pursuant to 23 Ill Admin Cod 1.20.  In fact, ISBE has already revoked school accreditation for this very issue in one school district in Chicago and has sent numerous other letters to school districts who have openly defied the mask mandate.  All of the districts are now on probationary status until they rectify the code violation and in 60 days will lose accreditation in not rectified.
To further clarify, if a school district’s State accreditation is revoked, the district cannot levy taxes, receive State or Federal Funds, participate in IHSA/IESA activities or offer a diploma to a graduating senior. Defying the current mandate also allows insurance companies the window to deny overage to the district and school board members.  (Board Attorney Advice)
So, moving forward, I believe it is safe to say that many Board of Education members, administration and staff sympathize with the attitude to defy this latest mandate, but it is obviously not in the best interest of students and our community to knowingly place district resources and state recognition at risk.
It has been our goal all summer to return to school full days and 5 days a week and we have developed a plan that will allow the district to do so and have a great deal of latitude when making determinations on who must quarantine in the case of close contacts and positive COVID cases. We are finalizing plans to offer voluntary weekly saliva-based testing through a program called “shield”, which then allows the district to conduct a “test to stay” testing regime.  In the latest “test to stay” program students who are following guidelines and have had a close contact with a positive case may opt for the “test to stay” program.  Those students will be able to test on subsequent days (1,3,5, and 7) after the contact and if those tests are negative the student is not quarantined.  If on day 5 the student tests positive we will quarantine but will start that quarantine period as of the initial close contact, reducing the number of student absent days.  The idea is to stop long term quarantine related to close contacts.  Too many were quarantined under last year’s guidelines and never were infected with the virus.  We believe this is a very good way to reduce your time away from work and your students time away from school and it all is contingent of following the current guidelines in place.
On August 19, 2021 the board will be asked to approve our safe return to school plan which includes following the current mask mandate, if that mandate changes in the future the plan will be amended to meet current guidelines.  Student attendance will begin on August 17, 2021 and all students, staff and visitors to the district will be required to follow current Covid-19 mitigation rules, masking included.
The PORTA administration and staff ask, implore our families to please provide a mask for your students. We do not want to be placed in an adversarial position with the students and families, whom we love and respect.  In the instance we have students who refuse to wear a mask, we will offer the opportunity to change their mind and then will treat the issue s a dress code violation, ultimately leading to removal from the building.  Obviously, we do not want to do that, we want our students in class every day, learning.  Please help us meet our goals, we will be as understanding as possible but will enforce all current mandates.

Dear Superintendents: 

I know many of you are in a difficult position. The pandemic has required us to navigate changing circumstances and guidance. I deeply appreciate your leadership and the courage and integrity you have shown in tremendously challenging times. Many of you have requested clarity on the action the Illinois State Board of Education will take to enforce the universal indoor masking requirement, and this communication seeks to provide that clarity. 

As you know, Executive Order 2021-18, which went into effect last Wednesday, requires that all students, staff, and visitors wear masks indoors in all P-12 schools in Illinois. Governor Pritzker took this action after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended it. 

The purpose of the universal indoor masking requirement is to ensure all students can safely attend school in-person this fall. We know that consistent and correct mask use is the simplest, most effective way to keep students safely in school, where they can learn and grow to their fullest potential. Masks work best when everyone wears one. Research conducted by the CDC found that schools are safe when they have prevention strategies in place, as documented in the updated guidance from ISBE and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The Delta variant is causing a surge in cases and hospitalizations, and masking is a critical strategy to protect students’ access to in-person learning and to keep students, staff, and the community around them safe. We don’t throw our umbrella away in a rainstorm because we’re not getting wet. We have to keep our umbrella up until the storm passes. 

The executive order has the force of law. I understand the pressure some school and district leaders may be facing from community members, and I will provide you with every support to understand, communicate, and comply with the order.

However, noncompliance is not an option. I will not compromise the health and safety of students or staff, nor will I risk even one child’s life. 

Local boards of education, schools, and school districts do not have the authority to deny the Governor’s Executive Order requiring universal indoor masking in schools. Doing so not only puts students’ health and safety at risk but also opens the district to extraordinary legal liability – potentially without any insurance to cover damages. I strongly recommend that each district consult with its legal counsel and insurer to fully understand the repercussions.

Further, ISBE has and will use its regulatory authority, pursuant to 23 Ill Admin. Code 1.20, to ensure school districts protect students and staff; if school districts fail to do so, this risks State recognition.


A district would have multiple opportunities to remedy the deficiencies that present a health hazard or a danger to students or staff before becoming unrecognized. A district would first have its recognition status changed to “On Probation” and would be asked to submit a corrective action plan. Failure to address the deficiencies would lead to nonrecognition, meaning total loss of access to state funding and loss of the school's ability to engage in any Illinois High School Association and Illinois Elementary School Association athletic competitions.

These are not steps anyone at ISBE wishes to take nor should these steps be necessary. School districts have the moral and legal obligation to follow public health requirements and guidance to keep their students and staff safe. 
Wearing a mask is simple, safe, and easy. I know it can be uncomfortable sometimes, but so are football helmets and seatbelts. Sometimes we have to bear a little discomfort for the sake of safety and because it’s the law. 

We have so many important issues to face as we start the school year, and we want to start the year off with positivity for all our students. I ask that you respect that there is a mask requirement, communicate this to your school communities, and celebrate the return to in-person learning. 

Thank you for your partnership and support.


Sincerely,  


Dr. Carmen I. Ayala 
State Superintendent of Education 
Illinois State Board of Education 

 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.

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