Families,

Madison County ROE #41 has developed a Return to Learning Plan for the 2021 – 2022 school year.

The ROE has reviewed our previous Return to Learning Plan that governed the 20-21 school year and reviewed the document based on guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education. Additionally, input from stakeholders was taken into account to ensure the ROE properly utilizes American Rescue Plan resources to provide our students with a safe environment, appropriate academic programs, social emotional supports, and current technology. Each of which will allow our students to grow academically and socially as our ROE recovers from a living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Areas identified in the Return to Learning Plan include: American Rescue Plan, Wellness, Human Resources, Technology, Instruction, and Operations. The areas will guide the day to day practices and procedures that occur in each school facility from entrance, exit, classroom instruction, lunch, etc. for our anticipated Return to Learning in the weeks ahead. While the plan is comprehensive, the ROE will be forthcoming if changes and adjustments are needed as we travel down uncharted waters.

Thank you for your time, effort and constant dedication to our students!

Robert W. Werden, Regional Superintendent

*This set of guidelines and protocols was updated and reflecting IDPH guidance as of 8/17/2021. This document is an ever changing outline based upon the recommendations and guidelines set forth by the CDC, Illinois State Board of Education and IDPH and may be updated based on school community, relevant litigation, county positivity numbers, and after consultation with local public health officials. Modifications to this plan could include increased mitigation measures to decrease the spread of COVID-19. The plan will be regularly reviewed, but no less frequently than every six months, taking into consideration the timing of significant changes to CDC guidance on reopening schools. In determining whether revisions are necessary, and in making any revisions, the ROE will seek public input and take such input into account. If the CDC Guidance has been updated at the time the ROE revises this plan, the revised plan will address the ROE’s policies for each of the CDC’s safety recommendations.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Updated 9-7-2021)
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN REQUIREMENTS									Page
Overview									4
Committee Members									4
Important Dates									4
WELLNESS
Maintaining the Health and Safety of Students, Educators, and other staff									5
Physical Distancing									5
Face Coverings and P.P.E.									5
Hand Hygiene									6
Training									6
Facilities Cleaning Plan									6
Routine high touch cleaning mitigation									7
Supplemental cleaning mitigation									7
School bus cleaning mitigation									7
HEALTH
Contact Tracing in Combination with Isolation and Quarantine									8
Student Staff and Visitor Health Checklist									9
Return to School Flowchart									11
Weekly COVID Screening									11
Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Testing									12
Test-to-Stay									12
Promoting Vaccination									12
Disabilities or Other Health Care Needs									13
Coordinate with Public Health Officials									13
Communication Plan									13
HUMAN RESOURCES
Staff Return Plan									14
Staffing Levels									14
Professional Travel and Field Trip Requests									14
TECHNOLOGY
Devices & Web Access									15
Device Distribution Plan									15
INSTRUCTION
Overview									15
Assessment and Classroom Instruction									15
Intervention Services									16
Social Emotional Support									16
Community Partnerships									17
QUARANTINE/EXCLUDED STUDENTS
Overview									17
Attendance									18
Grading									18
Incomplete									18
Communication and Engagement									18
Students with Special Education Services									19
Homeless Students									19
Transition Back to On-Site Learning									19
SEL and Relationships									19
Activities to Promote Wellbeing									20
AMERICAN RESCUE SPENDING PLAN
Overview									20
Data									21
Timeline									21
Programs/Curriculum									21
Capital Improvement									21

 

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN REQUIREMENTS

Page 4 - Overview

Sweeping through the world in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major upheaval to all aspects of life, including unprecedented school closures in the spring and fall of 2020. Opening 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 ROEs to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.

Most recently, funds available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act require that ROEs 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 August 4, 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.

Taking the public’s input into account, this plan was also developed through meaningful consultation with a collaborative of school and ROE administrators teachers, school staff, food service staff, labor association leaders, and county health department officials.

Opportunity for the public to provide is ongoing and can be provided by completing the on-line survey found HERE. 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 ROE’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 ROE’s regular communication platforms.

Committee Members: Robert Werden, Tricia Blackard, Stevie Brown, Toni Corona, Kristen Degler, Molly Slaussen, Greg Stewart, Sherry Brendel

Important Dates Meeting Dates:

Madison County Public Health Department Collaboration Date: July 13, 2021

Public Comments: Ongoing through web based survey

WELLNESS

Page 5 - 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 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 only while they are under quarantine or excluded from school consistent with guidance or requirements from a local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health. If a student does not meet the above criteria, but requests remote learning due to a medical condition, the request for remote learning will be evaluated under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If the student has a qualifying medical condition, the student may be provided homebound instruction. This guidance is based on recommendations by the CDC and IDPH guidance for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools and an updated Executive Order 2021-18 for the State of Illinois by the Governor.

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 are to help students commit to physical distancing to the extent possible by:

• arranging furniture and materials to model and reinforce physical distancing of at least 3 feet and movement, when possible
• maintaining seating charts
• coordinating bathroom/restroom breaks to eliminate high levels of congestion
• providing assigned seating for students and encourage students to remain in these seats to the greatest extent possible; and
• developing marked paths of travel in classrooms and corridors.
• School staff will maximize 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 (e.g., weather permitting).
• Physical distancing measures are to be done in an equitable manner that does not perpetuate academic, racial, or other tracking (e.g., separating people into fully vaccinated and non-fully vaccinated cohorts).

Face Coverings and P.P.E.

• In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 2021-18, masks are required to be worn indoors by all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to Pre-K-12 schools who are two years of age or older and medically able to tolerate a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
• During school transportation: CDC’s Order applies to all public transportation conveyances including school buses. Regardless of the mask policy at school, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses, including on buses operated by public and private school systems, subject to the exclusions and exemptions in CDC’s Order.
• Masks will be provided to students on school buses and throughout the school day.
• Reasonable accommodations (clear masks, shields, etc.) will be made for students with disabilities in accordance with CDC guidelines and the ADA.

Page 6 - Hand Hygiene

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 containing at least 60% alcohol (for teachers, staff, and older students who can safely use hand sanitizer) when hand washing is not possible;
• continuing to teach respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering coughs and sneezes); and
• providing adequate handwashing and hand sanitizer supplies that are safely stored.

Training

Each staff member will be required to complete safety training related to our physical distancing, face covering, hand hygiene procedures and protocols for a symptomatic staff member, student or visitor. Each building will provide training to staff that is specific to their unique circumstances. Hand hygiene and physical distancing will be included in our curriculum to help educate our students on the importance of proper hand hygiene and personal safety. Additionally, employees will be trained on the proper way to disinfect their workspace.

Students will be receiving grade level appropriate education and guidance for proper social distancing, the use of PPE and proper hand hygiene during the first two (2) weeks of school and reinforced throughout the year. Each school will develop a plan for providing our students with building specific safety measures to follow and why these measures are important.

Facilities Cleaning Plan

School custodial staff will continue to clean surfaces daily. To further reduce the risk of spreading infection, these staff will also use disinfectants on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency COVID-19 “List N” to disinfect spaces occupied by someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 24 hours.

Custodial staff will continue to regularly replace school ventilation system filters throughout the school year. When possible, staff will open doors and windows and have activities, classes, or lunches outdoors when circumstances allow.

Page 7 - Routine high touch cleaning mitigation

• Restroom stalls and dispensers
• Cafeteria tables
• Toilets, sinks and faucets
• Food preparation surfaces
• Drinking Fountains
• Wiping down of desks by students after use each hour or multiple times a day

Supplemental cleaning mitigation

• Door handles and knobs (including exterior doors)
• Handrails
• Recreation equipment/playground equipment
• Countertops
• Light switches
• Copier, printer and fax control buttons
• Front desk and lobby surfaces Personal area cleaning mitigation
• Teacher Desks
• Computer keyboards and mouse
• Phones
• Chair arms
• Remote controls
• Cabinet and file drawer handles
• Microwave, refrigerator, appliances, coffee machines

School bus cleaning mitigation

The transportation sanitation plan for each respective district will be determined by that district. Typically, those will include the following:

• daily disinfection of the bus fleet.
• bus company facilities be cleaned daily (or between use on all vehicles) with emphasis on high touch surfaces and restrooms.
• physical distancing and PPE plan developed for the transportation staff when they are at the bus garage.
• school buses be disinfected daily at the end of routes using only products that meet the EPA criteria and manufacturers’ guidelines and allowed to sit overnight for maximum disinfectant dwell time.

HEALTH

Page 8 - Contact Tracing in Combination with Isolation, Quarantine, and Exclusion

Students and staff who have symptoms of infectious illness, such as influenza (flu) or COVID-19, should stay home and contact their healthcare provider for testing and care.

Individuals in our school environments who show symptoms of COVID-19 are to immediately report to or be escorted to the school’s office to be tested, sent home, or be isolated in the school’s supervised safe area while awaiting pickup/evaluation. Students and staff are required to wear masks while in the safe area. Parents should ensure that ill students are picked up from school within 30 minutes of being notified. Ill students will not be allowed to utilize the school bus to return home. To facilitate COVID-19 diagnosis and inform the need for isolation of close contacts and/or quarantine, a rapid COVID-19 test may be administered on site by a school staff member only with parental consent.

Students and staff who are not fully vaccinated will be excluded from school after a recent exposure to someone with COVID-19. Only students who have a signed parent consent form on file for the Rapid Point-of-care Antigen test (BinaxNow) will be allowed to participate in the “test to stay” option. Students and staff should provide documentation of their COVID-19 vaccination cards to their school's office. 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 and will not be excluded from school. Quarantine decisions will be made and communicated by Madison County Health Department officials; however, exclusion decisions will be made by the school district.

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 to students who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine or who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine only while they are under quarantine or excluded consistent with guidance or requirements from a local public health department or IDPH.

Requests by students/families that do not meet the above criteria for remote instruction due to quarantine, but are requesting remote learning due to a medical condition will be evaluated under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If the student has a qualifying medical condition, the student may be provided homebound instruction.

Staff absences related to a COVID-19 isolation, exclusion, or quarantine will be recorded in accordance with the ROE’s sick leave policy and related professional negotiations agreements. To ensure continuity of services, staff members should contact their principals to discuss support for social, emotional, mental health, or other needs.

To the extent allowable by privacy laws and other applicable laws, school professionals will continue to collaborate with Madison County Health Department officials to confidentially provide information about people diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19. This includes 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.

The school administration will inform the school community of outbreaks while maintaining student and staff confidentiality rights.

Students and staff suspected of having COVID-19, whether they were tested or not, are to follow the CDC guidelines to determine when they can return to school. Please see the COVID-19 Return to School Flowchart on page 16.

Following exclusion or quarantine, students and staff returning from illness related to COVID-19 are to call to check in with the school’s administration.

Page 9 - Student, Staff and Visitor Health Checklist

Parents are required to complete the COVID-19 Daily Health Checklist for their child(ren) each day before sending their child(ren) to school. If you answer YES to any of the questions below, have your child(ren) STAY HOME, contact your child’s school to report their absence and contact your physician to report the information. Your child may not return to school until you meet the criteria in the COVID-19 Return to School Flowchart on page 15. If your child(ren) begins to feel sick while at school or experiences any of the symptoms listed below, your child(ren) should report the symptoms to their teacher immediately.

Visitors will be restricted to essential personnel only during the school day. Proper mask use is required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. Visitors to any building must report directly to the main office for a wellness screening.

Nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with people who are not fully vaccinated are discouraged from visiting schools.

In order to attend school, all students must be screened by their parents for symptoms of COVID-19 and other criteria. All staff must also screen themselves for this criteria prior to reporting to work.

 

By attending school, all students, staff and visitors are certifying that they can answer NO to all of the following:

Name: ___________________________ Date: _________________________

Question                                                                                                    

Do you have a temperature over 100℉?      Yes ☐                     No ☐

Are you taking fever-reducing medicines, such as those that contain aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, in order to reduce your fever?    Yes ☐             No ☐

For unvaccinated individuals, have you had close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the past 14 days?    Yes ☐                     No ☐

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?

Yes

No

New Cough

☐

☐

Shortness of breath

☐

☐

Fatigue from unknown cause

☐

☐

Muscle or body aches from unknown cause

☐

☐

New onset of moderate to severe headache

☐

☐

New loss of taste or smell

☐

☐

Sore throat

☐

☐

Vomiting

☐

☐

Diarrhea

☐

☐

Unvaccinated students, staff and visitors who have had close contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19 must follow the CDC and IDPH guidelines for self-monitoring and self-quarantine. Students and staff suspected of having COVID-19, whether they were tested or not, are to follow the CDC guidelines to determine when they can return to school. Please see the COVID-19 Return to School Flowchart found on page 15. 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 be quarantined or be tested as long as they remain symptom free.

Remote instruction will only be made available to students who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine or who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, only while they are under quarantine consistent with guidance or requirements from a local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Page 11 - Return to School Flowchart

 

Weekly COVID Screening

Per executive order 2021-22, all school personnel are required to be vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID testing. In order to comply with this directive, CEO/ETC will utilize SHIELD testing. SHIELD IL is a COVID screening program designed by University of Illinois to assist schools in identifying asymptomatic cases and preventing outbreaks.  The test is a non-invasive, saliva-based collection that is self administered at each supervised school site.  At the start of the school year, screening will be made available to students once per week and will take approximately 5 minutes to complete the process. Saliva samples are collected, transported, and analyzed by a CLIA-certified lab partner and results are provided in less than a 24-hour period.  This screening targets specific COVID (PCR) markers and can be used to detect the presence of COVID for individuals who are displaying symptoms or are asymptomatic. Once completed, all samples that have been collected are permanently destroyed. 

Students participating in the school testing program will be eligible for the modified definition of close contact in a classroom setting. Currently, the modified definition for classroom close contacts are those who come within 3 feet or less of a COVID-19 positive individual for a cumulative time of 15 minutes or more.  Students who are not vaccinated and do not participate in the weekly screening program are considered close contacts at 6 feet or less of a COVID-19 positive individual for a cumulative time of 15 minutes.  

Page 12 - Pending- Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Testing

 

Pending final approval - ROE #41 was provided an opportunity to provide free COVID-19 Rapid Point-Of-Care Antigen Testing to students and staff in our district. The tests will be available to symptomatic individuals at school. BiNaxNow is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a quick nasal swab test designed to give our trained health staff results within fifteen (15) minutes. Information about BiNaxNow testing can be found at https://www.fda.gov/media/141568/download. Additional information can be found on the Illinois Department of Health website. This free COVID-19 testing option is used only when a student or staff member is symptomatic at school or has symptoms when completing the self-certification health check.

THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF THE POC ANTIGEN TEST IN SCHOOLS INCLUDE:

● Rapid confirmation of suspected COVID-19

● Helping your child’s healthcare provider make a timely informed decision about your child’s plan of care

● Assisting for an expedited and safe return to the classroom for students

● Help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in school and community

Test-to-Stay

● Individuals who have been recommended to isolate or quarantine due to a close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 individual and are not experiencing any symptoms may be tested on the FIRST (1), THIRD (3), FIFTH (5) AND SEVENTH (7) days after exposure. As long as the individual remains symptom free and all tests are negative, they may remain on site.

TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A RAPID POINT-OF-CARE ANTIGEN TEST (BINAXNOW) AT SCHOOL, PARENTS MUST SUBMIT A SIGNED, PRE-AUTHORIZED CONSENT FORM TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO BE TESTED IF THEY EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

Click HERE for the Parent Consent Form

Promoting Vaccination

Working with the Madison County Health Department and the National Guard, COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be scheduled throughout the school year for anyone eligible to receive the shot.

Respectful of peoples’ varying levels of vaccine confidence, those who want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 can visit vaccines.gov to find out where they can get vaccinated in our community.

Page 13 - 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 and/or IEP Coordinator to discuss their child’s specific need(s). If your child does not have an IEP, you should contact the building principal.

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.

Coordinate with Public Health Officials

Once learning of a COVID-19 case, ROE #41 will notify the respective Health Department regarding the positive individual, close contacts within six feet and other information deemed necessary.

ROE officials will continue to collaborate and consult with Madison and St. Clair Counties Health Department officials throughout a pandemic on various logistics and decision-making including, but not limited to, isolations, quarantines, school health and safety protocols, screening testing, contact tracing, vaccine clinics, a change in learning setting or emergency school closings.

 

Communication Plan

ROE #41 will coordinate with the Madison County Public Health Department to communicate dismissal decisions and the possible COVID-19 exposure. Communication to families and staff will align with the communication methods already in use (ROE website, social media, etc.) In such a circumstance, ROE #41 will maintain confidentiality of the student or staff member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Families will be notified of any upcoming changes to the ROE’s learning setting in a timely fashion.

 

HUMAN RESOURCES

Labor unions will be instrumental in developing any semblance of a workable in-person instruction in the fall. Both parties (i.e. ROE & labor unions) will work cooperatively and collaboratively in finding solutions. The ROE will operate by mostly developing guidelines and protocols for employees. The ROE will continue to monitor input from professional organizations such as IASA, IASB, and others to make appropriate changes leading up to and throughout the 21-22 school year.

 

Page 14 - Staff Return Plan

The way and manner employees would be expected to conduct ROE business in the fall of 2021 will be dictated by executive and legislative guidance from the State of Illinois. The ROE will follow all legal, CDC, IDPH, and Local Health Department guidelines.

Employees will be expected to use their accrued time bank for their absence from work (sick time, personal, vacation time, etc.) for COVID-19 related absences.

 

Staffing Levels

Every effort shall be made to ensure subs are available in all employee categories to fill vacancies and/or absences that could be a result of the COVID-19 health precautions. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, the ROE will comply with Federal, State, IDPH, ISBE and CDC guidelines.

The ROE will monitor staffing levels within each building to ensure optimal operations for teaching and learning. In the event that staffing levels drop below the ability for the building to maintain optimal operations, the ROE will consider varied options to ensure a five day a week, full day schedule for the 21-22 school year.

 

Professional Travel and Field Trip Requests

ROE sponsored travel may be limited. All travel will align with current IDPH, ISBE and CDC guidelines.

TECHNOLOGY

We believe that device availability along with access to the internet are key to students’ success. Therefore, all students will be provided a device for the 21-22 school year and an opportunity to acquire web access.

 

Page 15 - Devices & Web Access

A device and web access are necessary throughout the school year. The ROE will provide a device for every student. Parents will need to maintain this device and web access in their homes for student access to lessons, personalized learning, and assignment retrieval. In the event of a COVID-19 related closure, paper packets may be made available as needed. Internet access will be provided for those students who do not have access at home. All ROE-issued devices are filtered and monitored by technology staff whether at home or at school.

These devices will be the responsibility of the student and the parent while at home. The parent may be financially responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen devices, including the power cords. Madison County ROE #41 will communicate the device return date to parents. If a family leaves the ROE, all ROE property must be returned to the school. Technical support will be provided by the school. Parents can contact their school with any questions regarding their device. For additional information, please refer to the Chromebook Student User Agreement found in the handbook.

INSTRUCTION

Overview

The impact of lost instructional time and social emotional development on children should be anticipated and our schools will need to be prepared to adjust curriculum and instructional practices accordingly without the expectation that all lost academic progress can be caught up. Plans to make up for lost academic progress due to school closures and distress associated with the pandemic should be balanced by a recognition of the likely continued distress of educators and students that will persist as our schools re-open to full capacity. If the academic expectations are unrealistic, school will likely become a source of further distress for students (and educators) at a time when they need additional support. It is also critical to maintain a balanced curriculum with continued physical education, fine arts, extracurricular activities, and other learning experiences rather than an exclusive emphasis on core subject areas.

The ROE Return to Learn Plan will outline academic, social, and emotional supports that will be implemented to their fullest ability as a means to get students back on track and support their continued academic and social growth.

 

Assessment and Classroom Instruction

Each student will have had a unique remote learning experience. Students will enter the 2021-22 school year with various levels of mastery from prior coursework. For this reason, it is recommended that students are assessed in each content area to inform teachers of current student achievement and needs. It is recommended that the reintegration assessments are teacher-developed “quick checks” to help inform vertical articulation and help teachers identify focus areas in specific standards for individual students. The recommendation to assess is not meant to replace existing screening or placement assessments that are currently being administered at the ROE/school level.

Teachers should also identify the standards that were not covered during remote learning. When making determinations to fill in learning gaps consider the following questions: Quality over Quantity

• Which standards were missed or partially covered?
• What are the essential standards at the current grade level?
• What are the skills required to master the missed or partially covered standards?
• Will the standard stand alone in instruction or can it be layered in the current grade-level standard?

Classroom instruction in ROE #41 will emphasize quality over quantity, be data-driven and based on the student’s individual needs and abilities. Teachers will use instructional strategies to differentiate and address students' needs through small group instruction and course placements. Technology integration will be consistent in every classroom to provide resources to meet those needs.

 

Page 16 - Intervention Services

Students who receive special education services will continue to receive those services as outlined and agreed upon in their most recent annual reviews. Additionally, they will continue to be benchmarked as often as their non-disabled using teacher created assessments, and other formative assessments as determined by their IEP Goals and Objectives. Parents may request IEP Meetings at any point to discuss their child’s progress and any concerns they may have in order to collaborate with the multidisciplinary team of educators who work with their child.

 Social Emotional Support

 Students in grades 6 through 12th grade who are identified as needing social skill development or social-emotional support will continue to have access to mentors and/or counselors throughout the school year. During the 2021-2022 school year, the following programs and services will continue to be implemented to provide students with social emotional support such as: Teachers as Mentor, PBIS, Trauma Informed/Restorative Practices, Targeted Study Hall, SEL Coaching, Health Curriculum, Groups Trauma Informed/ Restorative Practices, Social Work/Guidance Counselors.

Page 17 - Community Partnerships

1. Chestnut Health Systems provides mental health counseling services to students who have struggled with depression and suicidal ideations. They provide school based services/counseling as well as in home services during extended breaks such as winter break or summer vacation.
2. Meadow Heights - Volunteers, including certified staff members, provide after school tutoring to any interested students 2 nights a week for 60 minutes per night.
3. SIUE Upward Bound
4. Collinsville Library, Fairmont City Library, Maryville Library and Caseyville Library provide clubs, events and enrichment programs for students during the summer, after school/evenings and partner with schools to share resources.
6. Give 30 is a free mentoring program which provides at risk students positive support. Members of the community volunteer 30 minutes each week, meeting with the students during their study hall period.
7. Heartlinks is a Grief Counseling Group for students who have experienced a loss or death of a family member or friend.

 

 

QUARANTINE/EXCLUDED STUDENT SCHEDULE

Overview

In accordance with the declaration of the Illinois State Board of Education, remote learning is only required to be provided to students who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine, who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, or who are vaccinated and exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, only while they are under quarantine or exclusion consistent with guidance or requirements from a local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health. If a student does not meet the above criteria, but requests remote learning due to a medical condition, the request for remote learning will be evaluated under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If the student has a qualifying medical condition, the student may be provided home/hospital instruction. ROE #41 will implement Remote Learning opportunities for students who meet the above criteria in accordance with CDC guidance. These days will be similar to traditional school days in that students will engage in learning activities facilitated by teachers. When applicable, the remote learning activities will reflect the State learning standards. When applicable, the remote learning activities will reflect the State learning standards. The lessons will focus on essential course skills and content appropriate for an extended period of remote learning.

 

 

Page 18 - Attendance While Excluded or in Quarantine/Remote

 

Students are expected to attend daily. We encourage and suggest several ideas for how classroom teachers can collect and count a student as present when the one-to-one daily connection is not practical:

 

Grading While Excluded or in Quarantine/Remote

 

ROE #41 will use the ROE’s traditional grading policy when students are engaged in remote learning. Students will be expected to complete all assignments, assessments, and projects in a timely manner. All assignments will be graded when appropriate and students will be provided with feedback on each graded assignment. The ROE will provide teachers and students with the appropriate resources to engage in remote instruction, when necessary.

 

Incomplete

Students can only receive an incomplete grade when a situation occurs that is beyond their control. Students who encounter long-term illness while engaged in remote learning may be evaluated under 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and be provided home/hospital instruction. Students with a medical condition that are anticipated to be unable to attend school for a period of 2 or more consecutive weeks or on an ongoing intermittent basis may receive homebound instruction and should start this process with their guidance counselor or principal.

 

Communication and Engagement

Teachers will provide students with a daily schedule while they are isolated or quarantined. Students will be expected to engage in synchronous and asynchronous instruction.

 

Page 19 - Students with Special Education Services

Students who receive Special Education services in the General Education and/or Special Education setting will continue to receive assignments from their respective teachers. The Special Education Teacher will continue to make modifications and accommodations for the students based on each of their individual IEPs. They will continue to check in with the students in their classes to check for understanding and provide assistance in completion of assignments and learning activities. The General Education Teacher and the Special Education Teacher should collaborate to ensure the assignments support the student’s progress towards their IEP goals and objectives.

IEP meetings will continue as scheduled via Google Meets. Please watch your emails for invitations and any important changes to the schedule from your IEP Coordinator.

 

Homeless Students

The ROE will comply with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act for education of homeless students. The ROE will coordinate with the homeless liaison and evaluate the unique needs of homeless students on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

Transition Back to On-Site Learning

Upon the State Superintendent’s declaration that remote learning days or blended remote learning days are no longer deemed necessary for students who are excluded or under quarantine who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine or who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, students and families will be provided with specific details and the timeline to transition from remote learning to onsite learning.

 

SEL and Relationships

The health and mental well-being of students is our top priority. Accommodations and modifications can and should be done when appropriate for students and their mental health.

 

Page 20 - Activities to Promote Wellbeing

Suggestions for Additional Activities Mind Body Spirit Environment Family

● Reading, e.g., independent reading, listening to someone else read, audiobooks ● Puzzles, Word Searches ● Write a story or in a journal ● Count money ● Draw a map of your neighborhood ● Building with blocks or Legos ● Listen to a podcast ● Watch a documentary ● Practice another language ● Invent something ● Take a walk ● Dance ● Exercise ● Fine/gross motor activities ● Reading, e.g., independent reading, listening to someone else read, audiobooks ● Puzzles, Word Searches ● Write a story or in a journal ● Draw a map of your neighborhood ● Building with blocks or Legos ● Listen to a podcast ● Watch a documentary ● Practice another language

● Play a sport ● Listen to music or sing ● Playing (inside or outside) ● Creative arts ● Coloring or drawing ● Imaginative play ● Meditate ● Do something you’ve been avoiding ● Clean up your room ● Do age appropriate chores ● Gardening ● Fix something broken ● Take care of pets or plants ● Cook or bake ● Write a letter to someone ● Play board games with a family member ● Tell jokes or riddles ● Build a fort and tell stories in it ● Offer to help someone ● Take a walk ● Dance ● Exercise ● Fine/gross motor activities ● Stretch or do yoga ● Invent something

AMERICAN RESCUE SPENDING PLAN

Overview

The district has utilized student attendance data, discipline data, student’s grades and progress monitoring data to determine areas of greatest need while educating students during a pandemic. As a result of this information, the district is utilizing funding to provide academic supports, access to online resources, and programs/interventions to meet student’s academic and social emotional needs during the school years 22, 23 and 24.

Additionally, ample PPE has already been purchased with ESSER I and II funding to provide as clean an environment as available for students and staff.

Page 21 - Data

Small group instruction and tutoring will be utilized to help close the gap, along with targeted intervention programs such as Study Island. Assistance will be made available for those who need additional help beyond the regular school day or beyond the regular school year. For those who are deficient, the opportunity to earn academic credits will be made available throughout the regular school day and beyond. Finally, students' social emotional competencies, attendance and their grades will be used to analyze the impact of programs and resources made available because of the American Rescue Plan Funds.

Timeline

The proposed timeline for implementation of services to assist students is 8/18/2021 until 6/30/2024.

Programs/Curriculum

The following programs will be funded with American Rescue Plan Resources:

• The Check-In Program will provide teachers the opportunity to establish a support system for students struggling to transition back to a normal setting either academically or socially. Based on student feedback, additional tutoring and academic services will be available to students throughout the regular school day to support the identified needs.

• Educators will assess students utilizing local assessments and develop interventions targeted at filling in gaps resulting from the COVID pandemic. In addition to direct instruction, software platforms such as Study Island will be utilized

• The Center for Educational Opportunities and Educational Therapy Center will offer academic supports beyond the regular school day to students who are struggling socially, emotionally or academically in transitioning back into a normal routine during the school year.
  
  
• The Center for Educational Opportunities and Educational Therapy Center will offer students the opportunity to earn credits during the summer months through the utilization of Edgenuity on-line courses. Staff will be available by email, phone or Zoom to provide additional assistance and academic support. Additionally, a counselor will be available to provide emotional support to students who need them.

Additional opportunities to reengage students, increase academic competency and/or earn additional academic credits will be provided beyond the regular school year to ensure all students that have been impacted after living in a pandemic for over 18 months have equal access to core subject content and social emotional opportunities.