Frequently Asked Questions
Board of Education Approves Mask-Recommended Policy to Start February 28, 2022
Parent Questions About Revised Masking Policy *Feb. 25, 2022*
COVID has not gone away. Therefore, wouldn’t it be easier to have masks in schools?
Can you share the vaccination rate of students at each school? This will help in my masking decision for my child.
Who will be wearing masks? (updated 2-28-22)
Will I still be notified if my child was a close contact of a COVID positive person? (updated 2-28-22)
How are you protecting the health of ALL of the students specifically those immunocompromised? The CDC recommends those diagnosed with COVID to avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease until after at least 10 days. Your guidelines do not take this into account.
Have you considered shifting back to “masks required” for a short period upon the return from Spring Break when people will have traveled (since the positivity rates have increased sharply upon the return from pretty much every school break)?
What is the urgency in doing this now as opposed to waiting a few more weeks until the weather is better for things like gym/lunch/recess to be held outside more regularly?
Will masks be required when playing sports? Or any other extracurricular activities? Musical, etc..(updated 2-28-22).
So with the mask recommended policy, and there being plenty of students and staff not wearing a mask in the middle of a pandemic, and people vaccinated or not still getting and passing COVID. Are you all going to cancel the quarantining process and cancel contract tracing because no masks mean an infected person will contaminate everywhere they go? So what is this protocol?
What are the parameters for a return to masking? I feel this should be clear instead of the vague "monitoring positivity rates".
Where does vaccination status play a role in the unmasking decision?
You had previously been listening to health experts, now you are listening to legal experts. I understand the legalities at play here. Can you confidently say the health experts would be in agreement with these decisions? (updated 2-28-22)
Everyone has a right to their opinion and choice. We each also have a right to keep our children safe. For this reason, can seating charts in classes be encouraged to be changed to group children by mask preference?
At what point will we decide to go back to fully masked? It just says we may go back at 8% I would like a firm answer on this if transmissions start to go back up.
The hsd153 statement on the prevention of bullying based on masking choice is much too vague. I have zero confidence that bullying based on choice of mask wearing will be prevented or addressed based on such a vague non-committal statement.
I’m concerned that when masks become recommended and not optional that children will be bullied due to it now being a choice. Administrators and teachers need to talk with students about this and be on the lookout for comments being made, etc. My two children will be wearing masks for safety purposes, and I do not want any issues with individual families’ decisions.
Is proof of vaccination still required for parents to enter school buildings?
What steps will the junior high take to proactively talk about negative talk for students that are wearing/not wearing a mask?
Are the children going to be tested weekly?
If the numbers start to go back up will you adjust the mask policy? Even if it's not mandated by the state.
Other Questions from Parents *Feb. 25, 2022*
What is the school district doing about inconsistent bus service?
So what can be done?
Unfortunately, not much. This is nationwide problem. We are unaware of any neighboring school district that hasn’t had the same problems we have experienced. Moreover, options for contracting with a different transportation company are limited—although we have investigated that, too. Many of the bus companies that service our area (Kickert, American Bus Company, Illinois School Bus Company and others) are owned by the same entity and hence have the same issues.
Why are we getting notifications so late that our child’s bus will be late?
Why aren’t our students getting a hot lunch yet this year? Other school districts are serving hot lunches.
Supply chain disruptions also have factored into lunch service decisions. For the most part, we have been able to secure the grab-n-go items that have been on our menus.
As for other school districts, they may have more cafeteria or storage space or perhaps they have prioritized hot lunches over physical distancing. For the reasons stated above, District 153 has continued with grab-n-go lunches because we think it is the right decision for our district at this time.
Questions About Remote Learning
Q: Given the Delta variant, won’t District 153 reconsider offering remote learning? *8-13-21
A return to remote learning is not currently an option for Illinois school districts.
We are bound to follow ISBE guidance which says remote learning can only be offered under certain parameters as described below:
Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, all schools must resume fully in-person learning for all student attendance days, provided that, pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/10-30 and 105 ILCS 5/34-18.66, remote instruction be made available for 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.
Q: What metrics is District 153 using to determine a return to remote learning? *8-13-21
District 153 will be monitoring closely local positivity rates and other data points. However, a return to remote learning, regardless of the data, is not currently an option for Illinois school districts.
We are bound to follow ISBE guidance which says remote learning can only be offered under certain parameters as described below:
Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, all schools must resume fully in-person learning for all student attendance days, provided that, pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/10-30 and 105 ILCS 5/34-18.66, remote instruction be made available for 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.
Q: If a child has to stay home because of symptoms or quarantine, will a remote learning option be available to them, or will work just be made up when they return to school?
Remote learning is only offered when a student cannot receive the vaccine or has not received the vaccine AND is required to quarantine by the local health department. Regardless of if a student qualifies for remote instruction all work may be made up when absent.
Q: If child has to do remote learning for quarantine purposes, would it be with their teacher (class) or a separate class just for remote?
It would likely be with their teacher. There will not be special remote learning classes this year.
Q: If a vaccinated student tests positive do they qualify for remote learning?
Q: If a child who is vaccinated is in close contact can they also qualify for remote learning?
If forced to quarantine, then yes.
Q: Will all classrooms stream zoom daily, or will it only be as needed, if there’s a student who is quarantining and ineligible for vaccination?
Streaming will be offered only as needed.
Q: Will a child over 12 years old, that is not vaccinated received remote instruction if they must quarantine.
Q: What will remote instruction look like? How does it work?
- The quarantined student will have the ability to Zoom into their ELA and math classes at their scheduled times during the school day. Quarantined students will have limited interaction with their classroom teacher, but a school staff member will also check in with the student each day.
- The quarantined student will have the ability to receive missing work that can be completed throughout the quarantined time period. The missing assignments maybe in the form of paper packets, Seesaw activities or assignments within MS Teams.
Q: Will the school district provide equipment (laptops) for students that have to remote learn in quarantine?
Yes, all students will have a device available if required to quarantine.
Questions About SHIELD Testing and BINAX NOW Testing
Q: Why are we allowing people to opt out of the testing?
Families must be given this right. We cannot mandate this testing for all students.
Q: Is the SHIELD test for extra-curricular activities required for all students including vaccinated students? *UPDATE 8-16*
Unvaccinated individuals are required to participate, and all others are encouraged. In addition, all unvaccinated band and choir students will be required to participate in SHIELD given the increased risk of transmission these activities carry with them and as per revised guidance from the ISBE.
Q: CDC reports that individuals can test positive up to 90 days after exposure. What will be done to assess previous exposure and not cause unnecessary disruption to students’ time in school, especially if testing weekly?
Just like those who have been vaccinated, individuals with a lab confirmed COVID test within 90 days are not required to participate.
Q: Screen testing such as SHIELD is implemented with parents’ permission only?
Q: What will be the procedure for communicating results to parents for the weekly COVID testing?
No news is good news. The school will notify the family ONLY IF there is a positive test result. However, parents can gain access to their child's SHIELD test results. Click here for more information.
Q: What is the name of the "Third Party" who handles the logistics of the SHIELD test?
After collaborating with the SHIELD team, HR Support was assigned as our third party to assist in administering the screening test.
Q: How much time will this take away from class time?
5-10 minutes per week
Q: Are tests only if a child shows symptoms?
The SHIELD test is designed to identify asymptomatic students. The BINAX Now test is used for symptomatic individuals.
Q: Will a student be sent home if they refuse the Binax test? As I understand that test is for children who appear sick, so if a test is refused it seems the child should need to go home until they are not presenting symptoms.
Q: Can I opt into my kids being tested every week or are students chosen at random?
All students who do not opt-out will be tested once a week.
Q: It was said that 1,000 BINAX tests were obtained for the rapid test. What if the district runs out? Will more be obtained?
Q: Are the kids unmasked while doing the shield test swab?
Yes, they might be. However, students are distanced and can provide the sample by lifting their mask.
Q: Will teachers be empathetic to the time that it will take if a student is testing?
Yes, our staff will accommodate students as they partake in testing.
Q: Vaccinated people can still contract COVID, so why do they get a choice for testing versus an unvaccinated person?
Due to the unlikelihood of severe infection following vaccination, SHIELD recommends screening all unvaccinated individuals. District 153 will test all students and staff regardless of their vaccination status unless an opt-out form is returned to the school nurse.
Q: Is the third party vendor following HIPAA regulations? Typically consent is needed to obtain confidential information being shared with outside organizations. How are we assured health information is not being disclosed inappropriately?
Our third-party provider signs a contract with SHIELD Illinois to ensure all laws related to disclosure of health information is protected.
Questions About Vaccinations
Q: Is the school requesting proof of vaccination from teachers?
On Aug. 31st, the District 153 Board of Education voted to require all district employees—including substitute teachers, itinerant staff and Board of Education members--to be vaccinated by October 15th. Volunteers in our schools also will have to show proof of vaccination to enter the buildings.
Q: I thought all staff had to be vaccinated?
On Aug. 31st, the District 153 Board of Education voted to require all district employees—including substitute teachers, itinerant staff and Board of Education members--to be vaccinated by October 15th. Volunteers in our schools also will have to show proof of vaccination to enter the buildings.
Q: What percentage of the teachers are vaccinated?
Approximately 85% of all teachers are vaccinated, and 80% of all staff are vaccinated.
Q: Today, major medical associations (Medical, Pediatrics, Public Health) issued a joint statement recommending that all health care employers mandate vaccinations for all employees because they work with at risk populations. Teachers also work with at-risk populations. Will District 153 mandate vaccines for teachers and staff who work directly with vulnerable and unvaccinated students? If not, why not?
On Aug. 31st, the District 153 Board of Education voted to require all district employees—including substitute teachers, itinerant staff and Board of Education members--to be vaccinated by October 15th. Volunteers in our schools also will have to show proof of vaccination to enter the buildings.
Q: Will parent volunteers be required to provide a vax status?
On Aug. 31st, the District 153 Board of Education voted to require all district employees—including substitute teachers, itinerant staff and Board of Education members--to be vaccinated by October 15th. Volunteers in our schools also will have to show proof of vaccination to enter the buildings.
Q: Can we request a vaccinated teacher?
On Aug. 31st, the District 153 Board of Education voted to require all district employees—including substitute teachers, itinerant staff and Board of Education members--to be vaccinated by October 15th. Volunteers in our schools also will have to show proof of vaccination to enter the buildings.
Questions About Lunch/Snacks
Q: Will parents have the option to pick their kids up and have lunch in the car instead of taking their masks off in a large group?
Parents can always take their children from the school for an appointment. However, it becomes very difficult for office staff and teachers to manage this on a daily basis. We are taking all steps possible to safely feed our students in our buildings.
Q: Will lunches be available for purchase?
Q: How will lunches work and snacks at Willow?
Details will be provided by Willow staff soon.
Q: How far apart will students be when eating lunch?
As far as possible. Not closer than three feet but as far as possible. We will utilize as many spaces as possible to provide the greatest amount of distancing possible.
Q: Will we know when our children are eating inside vs. outside?
On any given day, no. We will try to utilize outdoor spaces when possible but this can change daily.
Q: What if our kids need help in the lunchroom, would staff be able to help them?
Q: Will children be allowed to bring in outside food for lunch?
For themselves, yes.
Questions About Before and After School Care
Will the HF Park District be providing before and after school care at Churchill this year?
Q: Are you working with district 161 and the park district to agree on any set of guidelines for Extra Innings?
The Park District organizes and staffs these programs and can provide details.
Miscellaneous Questions
Q: is locker use mandatory or can the children opt out?
We will not force any student to use a locker if they do not wish to. Each building will provide details on how this will work.
Q: Do I still need to take my child’s temperature each day and fill out the certification form in order for them to attend school?
Parents should check their child’s temperature each day and make sure they have no COVID symptoms before sending them to school. However, we will NOT be requiring students at Willow to have the paper health certification form nor students at Churchill and James Hart to wear a wristband confirming that these things have been done.
Q: Who should I call if my child is sick?
Absences need to be reported to each school building. The student absence hotline is 708-647-2200.
It is VERY important to report any student who is symptomatic for COVID directly to his/her school nurse for possible contact tracing.
- James Hart School Nurse: 708-647-2321
- Churchill School Nurse: 708-647-2201
- Willow School Nurse: 708-647-5648
Q: My son has asthma. How can 3 feet distance be implemented at the beginning and end of the school day. Will students switch classrooms for special classes?
Q: Are field trips permitted this year?
Q: Will schools be utilizing outside subs again? Will those subs need to prove if they are vaccinated?
Yes, we will use outside subs. We will not require proof of vaccination since everyone at this time will be masked.
Q: Will kids go to their specials (art, music) and walk through the halls? Will the kids wait until another group has passed to enter the hall?
Q: Will choir, orchestra, and band have instrument and choral masks provided? Will these activities happen at Churchill this year?
Yes, Churchill will be having BCO. Details of these programs will be provided by each teacher.
Q: Since all children have devices, will there be snow days, or will we utilize zoom on those days?
Our district has an approved E-learning plan to use on potential bad weather days. Details of this plan will be shared if we see bad weather predicted.
Q: Will we be informed if a person in our child’s classroom tests positive?
Yes, an e-mail will be sent.
Q: Can you please expound on the cleaning protocol (i.e., frequency, who is responsible for such, etc) for our students' classrooms?
Rooms are wiped down and sprayed with an atomizer each night by our custodial crew. Each classroom has disinfectant wipes and/or spray with paper towel to use as needed. All students will be encouraged to frequently wash their hands or use sanitizer.
Q: If a student is in multiple classrooms and tests positive, are all of the classrooms cleaned?
Q: Are the playgrounds going to be maintained? Churchill especially?
We do provide weekly cleanings of playgrounds but the best way to ensure playground safety is to have all students wash/wipe their hands upon returning to the building.
Q: Is there any ventilation improvements or air purifiers added to classrooms?
Q: Will staff who are involved with extracurricular activities also be required to take weekly COVID tests?
Q: When you say two attendees per student for after school/evening activities, does that mean two adults per student, or does that mean two people total, including siblings?
Q: At what positivity rate (threshold) will the District make changes?
Q: Will James Hart students be changing for PE with close proximity in the locker rooms?
Details will be coming from James Hart staff.
Q; Will parent volunteers be allowed into the building with masking and other requirements?
Q: What will be the procedure for returning to school if the family has been out of town? Will they have to be tested before returning? Similarly what will be the procedure for all students after school breaks?
We will use our screening and diagnostic tests to provide the extra layers of security needed to ensure a safe environment. There are no “special rules” for people who travel unless mandated by IDPH.