Confirmed cases of COVID-19 should be reported to your principal and/or school nurse. The District will inform the school community of outbreaks per local and state health department guidelines while maintaining student and staff confidentiality. The District will work with the Lake County Health Department to conduct contact tracing, which includes reviewing class schedules, seating charts, close contacts at school, and other relevant information. In most instances, a single case of COVID-19 in a school would not warrant closing the entire school. Community spread and how much contact the person with COVID-19 had with others, as well as when such contact took place, will be considered. 

Students in quarantine will receive assignments and asynchronous work from the in-person portion of their day and will also take part in the virtual part of their day with their class. They would not be moved to a virtual model while in quarantine. This is similar to any extended student leave of absence. 

According to the CDC, evidence from schools throughout the world suggests that reopening schools may be low risk in communities with low transmission rates. Computer simulations have suggested that schools reopening may further increase spread in communities where transmission is already high. The District is monitoring metrics on a daily basis and the current infection rates in surrounding localities are currently not categorized as high risk at this time. The District is implementing risk mitigation strategies - lowering the risk of transmission. All people will have face coverings, 6ft social distancing will be adhered to, air refresh is being increased in all buildings and rooms, and intense cleaning protocols are in place as an example. There is so much unknown about COVID-19 the District is learning and adapting as best they can.

The department of Lake County has released a web portal (dated August 6). Among valuable information, this webpage offers checklists and screening decision tools to help with at-home screening. The document is available at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4412/Community-Guidance-and-Resources#schools.

The District, in consultation with the Lake County Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Illinois State Board of Education, reviews data points that include a 7 day rolling average of test positivity in Region 9 of IL (Lake and McHenry Counties). A percentage of 8 for 3 days will call for additional mitigation strategies that could contribute to a move away from in-person learning. In addition, the number of cases per 100,000 people is another metric used in the overall consideration of community spread and the potential need for a change or pivot. In addition, the percentage of ICU beds in hospitals is also something that factors into consideration. Please see Dr. Lubelfeld’s July 31 video message for more information [specifically starting at the 2:55 minute mark in the video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-WvcZMgN6A&feature=emb_logo   

As an update from the last published FAQ, middle school students will NOT be asked to wipe down their desks as they come into a class. They may wipe them down if they choose. They will be provided gloves and Clorox wipes to do so if they choose to do so. ABM cleaning specialists will provide cleaning services between classes. Middle school principals and the company are working out the logistics of that process and further updates will be provided. 

District 112 currently employs 38 custodians to clean our buildings through our contract with ABM. We are hiring an additional 10 ‘disinfectant specialists’ to support a higher level of cleaning for all school buildings for the start of the year. The additional standard will focus on twice-daily cleaning of frequent high touch areas (doors, bathrooms, etc) using a hospital-grade disinfectant, as well as electrostatic broad application performed weekly.   

All families were asked to respond to a survey providing their preference for AM/PM designations. Building administrators assigned AM/PM designations based upon several criteria, including the family preference. While not all requests were met, a great deal of effort went into making sure there are social and learning groups within each classroom that will maximize the opportunities within the Hybrid Learning In-person Model. Note: Due to the complexities of the middle school scheduling process parent preference was only factored in on the elementary level. 

While there is no change to the previous classroom guidelines for the upcoming school year, the nature of the Hybrid Learning model will significantly reduce class size. Current staffing/ scheduling projections show an average of between 10-15 students per class across the District. Class sizes are reduced to allow for 6 ft social distancing.

This is something that will operate similarly to the previous school years. Parents who need to accommodate such overlap should communicate with building administrators to decide the order of pickups and drop-offs and the arrangements for student supervision that are required. Principals may implement new drop off/pick up protocols as needed.

Face shields are not an Illinois Department of Public Health approved device. Face Shields may be worn in addition to face masks at any given time by students or staff.

Students can work in small groups as long as the students are six feet apart. A reduction in overall class size will aid in giving students space to keep six feet apart even when there are multiple groups working in the same class. 

There will be no snack time for students at school unless there is a 504/IEP plan in place that requires eating. If a snack is required, a safe place will be provided to consume the snack. In-person schooling time has been reduced to eliminate the need for typical snacking and break time.

A student may remove their mask to take a sip of water. Teachers will instruct students on how to safely & quickly take a drink.

Yes, students can safely turn in paper materials to teachers. No, students should not share materials at any time.

The students will remain in their consistent hybrid or virtual assignments for the entire first grading period (trimester at the elementary level and the first quarter at the middle school level) regardless of if we’re in Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan. In essence, if we pivot to all remote, the students remain with their assigned teachers and student cohorts under the schedule for the Hybrid Learning model.

Yes,  all students will be receiving print materials.

The hybrid and virtual model will offer world language for middle school students.

The decision to opt-out of the Hybrid Learning Model is set until November 2020 at the end of the first grading period. November 6, 2020, for Middle School students and November 20 for K-5. See this letter for more information.

An IEP meeting will be held to determine how IEP needs can best be met. This applies to all students with IEPs regardless of the learning model.

Library is a special class that will be delivered remotely at the elementary level. How the library spaces will be reopened will be determined at a later date. 

Daily attendance and engagement of students is expected whether students are participating in classes in person or remotely. Building principals will oversee attendance in their building. Schools will make daily contact with all students and families, especially those who are not in attendance or not engaging in classes, whether in-person or remotely. During remote learning (Virtual Learning Model or Remote Learning Model), attendance will be tracked by attending live synchronous sessions and/or work completion.

The District is committed to supporting the educational and social-emotional well being of all students no matter the circumstances. Parents should reach out to their teacher/principal for specific questions or requests.  As a matter of practice, the District does not endorse nor promote any private entities or activities. The District educational plan is clearly laid out.

We will allow for staggered entry - we will not have large congregations of students or staff as we have had in the past due to the hybrid split of AM/PM and other operational changes. Procedures will be established at each school by the principal.

Yes. All current scope/sequence of course offerings are available in Hybrid (in person or virtual) and Remote. The educational models will align with and follow the guaranteed and viable standards-aligned program of studies.

The Middle School Virtual Learning Model includes leveling in English Language Arts (ELA) and math following the District’s course maps.

In the Hybrid model, teachers will differentiate instruction during in-person and remote instruction using core and supplemental resources.

Teachers can establish deadlines for assignments in the Virtual Learning Model.

Middle School students will switch classes due to the intricacies of the schedule which has multiple levels of math, ELA, and World Language options.

Students with ILP needs will have a certified special education teacher, but at this time we cannot guarantee it would be their previous ILP teacher. 

The hybrid model is the administration’s recommended model to begin the school year. The hybrid model consists of five instructional hours with both in-person learning and virtual learning. It consists of an AM/PM schedule where students attend school in-person school for 135 minutes either in the AM or in the PM. The remaining 165 instructional minutes will be a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (without live interaction) learning from home. 

At the elementary level Music, Art, Library, and Physical Education will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. At the middle school level Social Studies, Science, Creative Arts, and Physical Education will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

Elementary and Dual Elementary Hybrid Hours
8:40 - 10:55 = AM session (2 Hours & 15 Minutes) 
10:55 - 12:55 = Teacher lunch/plan/cleaning/transportation (2 Hours)
12:55 - 3:10 = PM session (2 Hours & 15 Minutes)

Middle School Hybrid Hours
7:55 - 10:04 = AM session (2 Hours & 9 minutes)
10:04 - 12:24 = Teacher lunch/plan/cleaning/transportation (2 Hours & 20 Minutes)
12:25 - 2:34 = PM session (2 Hours & 9 Minutes)

Consistent with the Illinois State Board of Education as well as the overarching social-emotional and academic needs of our students, it is our belief that in-person learning to the degree possible and practical is the “gold” standard of education. To that end, in an effort to follow guidelines from health experts we can reduce class sizes and time on campus by maximizing educational focus in-person to reading, writing, and math, and at home to science, social studies, physical education, health, art, music, and other specialized courses.

Parents are required to elect either the hybrid or virtual learning model for their child(ren). If a parent does not complete the form, their child(ren) will be automatically placed into the Hybrid Learning Model. Due to the complexity of scheduling, families may not be given an option on AM or PM sessions. Scheduling consideration will be given to keep siblings within the same building together. Enrollment in the Hybrid Learning Model or Virtual Learning Model will be from September 3, 2020, to November 6, 2020. Selections cannot be changed as the information obtained drives staffing and class placement decisions. The forms are due on July 29, 2020.

For parents who opt out of hybrid learning, virtual learning is an option. 

Virtual learning will consist of five hours of learning via synchronous and asynchronous instruction. In this model, there will be allocated times for each content area. Learning standards will be the same as those utilized for the K-8 hybrid model and will ensure rigorous instruction. A variety of learning platforms will be utilized, including OTUS, PlayPosit, SeeSaw, and Zoom. All instruction will occur remotely. 

Elementary students will be instructed by a District 112 teacher either live-streamed and/or by an assigned virtual learning teacher. Middle school students who opt out of hybrid instruction will receive virtual learning either through the Illinois Virtual School or a District 112 teacher. Parents who elect for their child(ren) to attend the virtual learning model, will make a commitment from September 3, 2020, to January 1, 2021.

The instructional model for full-day remains consistent with other models, however, the daily operations will be modified based on the guidelines from the IDPH, ISBE, and the Phase of the Restore Illinois Plan. The virtual learning model classes for elementary students will be instructed by a District 112 teacher. Middle school students will receive virtual learning either through the Illinois Virtual School or a District 112 teacher.

If a parent elects to not participate in our Hybrid Learning model, a virtual learning model may be chosen. If Illinois returns to Phase II or III of the Restore Illinois Plan and in-person learning is not an option OR if a classroom is required to close to meet local and/or state health requirements, a remote learning model will be utilized. Remote learning will consist of five instructional hours of learning via synchronous (live instruction) and asynchronous (without live interaction) and will utilize the same instructional schedule, learning standards, and teaching strategies as the other models. A variety of learning platforms will be utilized to support remote learning.

All students will be issued a device according to grade level. Students in Kindergarten-2nd Grade will receive iPads, and students in 3rd Grade and up will receive Chromebooks.  To ensure student safety while using devices, iPads will be filtered by Securly and Chromebooks will be filtered by GoGuardian. Students will utilize their home internet connection to use these devices.  Families without internet access will be issued hotspots.

English Learners (ELs) will receive services to develop language skills during synchronous (live) and asynchronous (without live instruction) portions of the remote or hybrid learning models.

Daily attendance and engagement of students is expected whether students are participating in classes in-person or remotely. Districts, schools, and teachers will make daily contact with all students and families, especially those who are not in attendance or not engaging in classes, whether in-person or remotely. 

The COVID-19 global pandemic caused a significant disruption with students returning with varying degrees of mastered skills and learning needs.  As a result, all students in all learning models will be assessed at the start of the year, utilizing a combination of assessment tools to fully understand each student’s individualized needs. 

In order to protect our staff and students, we are reducing the number of in-person or large scale meetings and school events until we are in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan. The following list of events or meetings (which is not exhaustive) will occur virtually: parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school events, open houses, musical concerts, fine arts performances, etc.

Per ISBE guidelines, field trips will not be taken until local and state health guidelines have determined it is safe to do so. Virtual field trips will be utilized as an alternative when appropriate to the learning objective.

Band/orchestra/chorus will occur remotely for both elementary and middle school.

Extracurricular and club activities are an important part of a student’s experience in school. While in the hybrid and remote learning models, these activities will not occur in person but pre-budgeted ones may occur remotely with principal pre-approval outside of working hours (or duty-free lunch). Any new clubs/activities will follow the same pre-approval process that has been in place in the past.

District 112 is committed to ensuring that our students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans are provided their educational services in compliance with all state and federal safety guidelines related to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. We are committed to providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) pursuant to your child’s IEP, regardless of how the school looks during the various state phases.

The IEP team will determine if services will be provided in-person or remotely based on the individual student’s needs. If in-person services best meet the needs of the student, the student’s in-person time may be extended. 

To limit the number of individuals visiting a building, the District encourages IEP and Section 504 meetings to be held virtually. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) prefer an in-person meeting, please inform your child’s case manager so accommodations can be made.

Individual Education Plans will be reviewed at the beginning of the school year to ensure they meet the needs of the child (based on delivery of programming), which will include the need for support from a 1:1 paraprofessional.  

IEPs will be reviewed at the beginning of the school year to determine the best method of delivery. Special Education programming will be delivered both in-person and remote based on student need and safety precautions.

PPE has been purchased to support students. Assistive technology will be determined based on student need.

Teachers will identify the student via their daily reports and notify multiple members of their office team (secretary, nurse, principal/associate principal) to ensure a message is received for follow-up. The nurse or other staff member will call the home to address the missed certification. Follow-up steps will include a phone call, email, and/or text to parent to ensure notification and clarify any issues (self-certification took place, but the technology did not work, etc.). During this time the student will remain in the nursing office. If this becomes a pattern additional measures may be taken including additional school site certification prior to entry and more formal home school partnership planning to ensure compliance.

We will follow ISBE, IDPH, and CDC guidelines. If a mask does not properly fit a student, we will provide them with a disposable mask. It is required that all persons entering and in any of our buildings wear face coverings. We have masks, face shields, and other coverings as needed and as appropriate.

Teachers will be provided basic first aid supplies (e.g. bandages) to reduce traffic in the health office. Students should still be sent to the Health Office when needed. Building upgrades are being made to health offices across the District to provide areas of isolation for students that may show signs of possible COVID-19 related symptoms.

If the District needs to rent portable and temporary mechanical cooling (A/C) units for the start or end of the school year based upon climate conditions, units will be set outside of main branches, and power will run through gyms or MPC/cafeterias and pumped through the hallways. The classroom doors will stay open to increase airflow. Ductwork and mechanical units will be out of the way of students and staff. With well over 300 classrooms in the District, this would be a large project, which would include running electricity to each and ductwork out a window for each, as long as the room has windows. We also do not have enough electrical circuits to run to each classroom as these do not plug into a normal outlet. The work to provide additional panels would be a large project in itself. Also, the Operations, Facilities, and Transportation department would not have any control over these through the central system controls. The air quality enhancements include additional air circulation and portable units do not provide this type of circulation, they merely cool the air. We are working with longtime HVAC partner TRANE on options for air quality improvements.

Employees and students must quarantine at home and monitor for symptoms for 14 days per ISBE’s return to school guidance if they:

Tested positive of COVID-19
Had close contact with someone who has tested positive of COVID-19
The guidance defines “close contact” as being within 6 feet of an individual with symptoms for more than 15 minutes. 
Suspected having COVID-19

Employees should contact Deputy Superintendent, Monica Schroeder, immediately if they experience any of the above and do not report to work. Contact tracing will be initiated by Dr. Schroeder in collaboration with the Lake County Health Department.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) must call the school nurse and/or the principal to inform them. This information will then be reported to Dr. Holly Colin, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, so contact tracing can take place. 

In the event that a staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, the building principal will inform the Director of Facilities and Operations, Kevin Liebe. According to ISBE’s Guidance for Reopening School, the areas of the school used by a sick person will be closed.  These areas will not be used until after proper cleaning and disinfection procedures have been completed.  We will wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting; and if 24 hours are not possible, we will wait as long as it is possible. Principals will relocate classes during this time period. The area will be opened for use once it has been appropriately disinfected. 

All staff and students will be required to check their temperatures at home every day before coming to school. An online signoff will be utilized by all to certify that they are healthy enough to be in the building that day.

Per the Illinois State Board of Education guidelines, all students and staff must wear face coverings while in our school buildings. Students and staff will be provided with disposable masks if they arrive at the building without one.

In a hybrid environment, classroom preparation and cleaning will be significant. All buildings will be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly on a daily basis. Any unnecessary furniture and other items currently in classrooms will be removed and stored. Rugs/carpets will not be used. Classrooms will also have their own cleaning supplies within the rooms. During the break between the AM and PM cohorts, the classrooms and common areas will be thoroughly cleaned by maintenance staff. 

Hand sanitizer and portable hand washing stations will be provided throughout the schools. Regular hand washing will be incorporated into the school day. Touchless sensors will be added to sinks that do not have them. Signage displaying correct sneezing/coughing methods and handwashing protocols will be displayed in all bathrooms, hallways, and classrooms in English and Spanish.

Each building has a mental health team consisting of school psychologist(s) and social worker(s). Families are encouraged to reach out to the building team for support. Additional questions or concerns can be addressed to Dr. Holly Colin, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. 

Student lunch occurs at home. ‘Grab and Go’ meals will continue to be available, as they have been since mid-March 2020. In a hybrid environment, breakfast and lunch will be a grab and go option, with students picking up meals as they leave the building. AM students take with them as they are leaving for that day, PM students take with them as they are leaving for the next day. 

Drills will be scheduled and practiced to allow for social distancing. For example, classes would be staggered to practice an active shooter drill (i.e. ALICE).

The District has hired outside contractors to complete a detailed cleaning and services of all ventilators, air handling units, and rooftop units.  All exhaust fans will be cleaned and serviced as well.  Additionally, the District will be utilizing portable air conditioning units that will increase airflow and cool common areas in buildings for the first month of school when temperatures are often high. The District is renting at least two outdoor large tents per school to be used by staff for outdoor learning spaces to provide shade and protection from inclement weather.

Each school will stagger arrivals/dismissals as appropriate for the school, given the size of the student population and the building configuration.  Where possible, multiple entrances and exit points will be utilized.  Designated spots for bus pick-up and drop-off will also be assigned. 

To reduce visitors in the buildings, guests will only be permitted with prior approval from the building principal. Guest readers, volunteers, private evaluators/observers, and other non-essential visitors will not be permitted until we are in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan.

Innovation Learning will be available before and after school programming for students enrolled in the Hybrid Learning Model.  Students who are enrolled in the AM session of the Hybrid Learning Model may choose to register for before-school programming; students enrolled in the PM Hybrid Learning Model may choose to register for after school programming. Innovation Learning will follow state and local safety guidelines.

Students will not be permitted to share materials in the classroom. Materials that are typically shared by students have been removed from classrooms. 

All students will have a collection of print materials from their core English Language Arts (Spanish Language Arts, as applicable) and math materials provided to them to keep at home in preparation for rolling shutdowns. We are currently reviewing materials in other content areas.

Students will be provided with a safe space to store essential items brought to school.  Personal items (stuffed animals, etc.) will not be allowed in school. No classroom supplies will be shared.

Lincoln school usage is not feasible, the school was studied and assessed last winter. Green Bay school is completely in use and the Northwood construction project is on time and at present, the closed Elm Place School is fully used.

Official class size guidelines will not change, however, in a hybrid model approximately half of the students attend either a morning or afternoon schedule which reduces the class size to half of the class’ normal enrollment. This allows for more space to physically distance and maintains small cohorts of students to attend school at a time which limits the number of students interacting at once in a building and on a bus.

Desks and tables will be arranged to allow for a 6-foot distance in all directions, facing the same direction when possible. Students will sit only on one side of tables, and plexiglass partitions will be used where needed. Students will remain seated as much as possible to limit movement inside the classroom and assigned seating will be used. Classroom doors will remain open, and mechanical systems will be scheduled to take in more outside air, weather permitting.

The hybrid middle school schedule reduces the number of middle school students in attendance by half. When students change classes during passing periods safety precautions will be taken including hallway directional signage, no use of lockers, and social distancing.

At the elementary level, students will be kept in one classroom. At the middle school level, students will change rooms a maximum of two times per day. When students change classes during passing periods safety precautions will be taken including hallway directional signage, no use of lockers, and social distancing.

There will not be recess in the hybrid model.

Cleaning will be done more frequently. Some urinals, where there are a larger number in a row (3 or more) will have every other urinal closed off. Where there are two or less, or where the urinal is next to a sink, physical barriers will be installed. We are also ordering no-touch faucets as well.

Buses will be limited to 30 people and masks are required. Assigned seating will be used to ensure appropriate social distancing. If there are siblings on the bus, we will assign a seat with a sibling. Drivers and bus monitors will wear PPE and perform regular hand hygiene. Buses will be cleaned and disinfected twice daily, in between AM and PM routes. 

The District will limit bus ridership to only students who are eligible for free transportation or special education transportation per the student’s Individual Education Plan.  Schedule changes and riding additional routes outside what is assigned will not be permitted.  Route time will be minimized by combining pickup and dropoff locations. 

No. Parents are required to check students’ temperatures at home before they board the bus. Drivers and monitors will wear PPE and perform regular hand hygiene.  Buses will be cleaned and disinfected twice daily, in between routes.

Employees are required to self-monitor at home for symptoms (fever of 100.4 or higher, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, the new loss of taste or smell) related to COVID-19 before arriving at work. All staff must self-certify that they are COVID-19 symptom-free each day utilizing the NSSD112 COVID-19 Employee Self-Certification Form. Temperature checks before arriving at work are required. If employees exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, they may contact their physician. Employees are required to utilize the Absence Management System (AESOP) to report their time off and remain at home using sick time, other paid time off (vacation or personal), or leave without pay.

If an employee feels sick at school, we have designated the school nurse as the person to be responsible for responding to any presumed positive cases of COVID-19. They should call the nurse's phone immediately to discuss the situation and symptoms they are experiencing. If the nurse is unavailable, they should contact the school principal. Employees must quarantine at home and monitor for symptoms for 14 days per ISBE’s return to school guidance if they:

• Tested positive of COVID-19
• Had close contact with someone who has tested positive of COVID-19
• Suspected having COVID-19

The District began planning and implementing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) last year for adults through numerous book club opportunities, physical fitness events, and other activities to support self-care. The year typically begins with an all-staff in-person kickoff meeting, and this year the District will forgo meeting in person as a District, but will share a message from a speaker and best-selling author, Amy Blankson, on self-care in the midst of stress and anxiety. In addition, on October 12, 2020, the District has planned an institute day for the Orange Frog workshop that teaches about positive environments and practices. Staff will receive professional development each month on a positive psychology principle from The Happiness Advantage book by Shawn Achor and a corresponding core SEL competency. These include a focus on self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.

In the Hybrid Learning Model, staff will work on-site in the school buildings. The option to work from home does not exist in the Hybrid Learning Model. This will only change if the Governor calls for a stay-at-home order or the District closes a classroom or school due to COVID-19 moving then to a Remote Learning Model. 

The Hybrid Model requires students to attend school in the a.m. or p.m. All staff will assist with the arrival and dismissal of students, supervision, and will rotate substitute coverage if and when needed. 

If staff have daycare issues, they are eligible for an additional 2 weeks of paid leave under the  Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). 

Yes, teachers will have a two-hour lunch and planning period each day in the hybrid model. 

Adjustments were made earlier this summer as enrollment and or special education needs to be increased slightly in some buildings. Based on the current enrollment and needs, the District is not adding additional FTE at this time. We will continue to monitor staffing needs throughout late summer and fall to determine if additional staff are needed. The District also recognizes that there may be a need for some staff to be reassigned, in compliance with collective bargaining agreements, to address positions that may be warranted based on the various learning models. The District is assessing whether vacant special paraprofessional positions that occurred due to resignations in late spring and summer need to be filled as we enter the school year based on current student needs and reopening models. If positions are needed, the District will post those vacancies and select candidates as appropriate.  In addition, the District is currently reviewing options to address the potential need and demand for substitutes.

No, but we will have substitutes self-monitor and self-certify, just like the staff and students, in the morning before reporting to the buildings.

July 21, 2020, Board meeting is held in person, live from the Administration Center at Green Bay School. Health and safety have been the highest priorities of the Board.