Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my child...?
Click here for a COVID Flowchart for Parents
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: What is an order "by the local public health department" -- if our kids are deemed exposed by a "close contact" in the classroom, does that qualify as a quarantine order that will provide remote education for the duration?
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 Masking
Q: Will the masking policy be in place for the entire school year? How often will you reevaluate this?
Q: Why are teachers not able to use a face shield rather than be fully unmasked?
Q: So then why can't the kids take their masks off if they are spaced apart as well?
We cannot ensure six feet of spacing and with unvaccinated students in our buildings we feel it is prudent to keep all students masked.
Q: If children are being required to wear a mask, then why wouldn’t staff be required to wear a mask? Staff effectively taught wearing masks last school year.
Numerous staff members have stated that while they were able to teach with a mask, it is not the most effective manner in which to communicate, especially for our younger students. If our health professionals (IDPH) deem it safe for vaccinated staff to go unmasked then we would like for them to be able to instruct without a mask.
Q: If we prefer our child wears a mask outside, is that possible?
Students and staff are welcome to wear a mask if they choose, inside or outside.
Q: How will staff unmasking be enforced in classrooms when no adults who know their status can monitor their behavior?
We trust our staff to follow the expectations that we establish. They are professionals and are equally concerned with safety in their classrooms.
Q: Can our children use face shields instead of the mask?
Q: So if the teachers are not required to be vaccinated, they could in theory have their masks off indoors in the young elementary classroom rooms?
No. Only vaccinated staff may remove a mask indoors.
Q: What happens if a child cannot wear a mask due to other health issues?
Children with extenuating health conditions should speak to their building nurse for a discussion of possible accommodations.
Q: What is the policy for asthmatic kids who need to use aerosolized inhalers?
We want our nurses' offices to remain places where routine health care, such as asthmatic needs, can be addressed. Isolation rooms will be utilized to keep potential COVID cases separate from routine visits to the health office. School staff have also been advised not to send students unannounced, so health staff can manage the flow of students and triage accordingly.
Q: Shouldn't staff set a good example for students by wearing their masks at all times?
Allowing staff to teach without a mask enables more effective teaching and learning. Asking staff to wear masks in other situations models the behavior you suggest.
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. A family will be notified ONLY IF there is a positive test result.
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: Will the Shield test be conducted before school begins to prevent unknown infections (since families are traveling before school start)?
No. It will take a couple of weeks to get all of the rosters set. We plan to begin testing the week of August 30.
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 Quarantining and Contact Tracing
Q: If a student is quarantined because of the SHIELD test, how long will they be quarantined for?
10 days following the positive test and until symptoms (if any) have improved.
Q: Do students HAVE to have a negative test result in order to return to school if they test positive/show symptoms/get quarantined?
No. Once the isolation period ends and symptoms (if any) have improved.
Q: If the family member of a student contracts COVID but the student does NOT have COVID, does the student still quarantine?
Yes, per the guidelines of IDPH.
Q: How is it handled if a parent tests positive?
Q: What about siblings of a student who tests positive? Do they have to quarantine as well?
Q: What is a “close contact?”
Someone who is not fully vaccinated and was within 6-feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. However, if students are no closer than 3-feet from one another and both are consistently wearing properly-fitted masks and the school is using other mitigation strategies then a student is not considered a close contact and does not have to quarantine.
Q: If someone is deemed a “close contact” to a positive case, and they are vaccinated, do they have to quarantine?
No, not if they are/remain asymptomatic.
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.