FULL-DAY, FOUR-DAY: BSD2 Board approves plans to expand in-person instruction through end of school year

In-person instruction for four full days each week will begin on Tuesday, April 27. This transition will prepare the District to fully reopen five days a week to start the 2021-2022 school year.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Here's what you need to know about in-person attendance

Here are all of the hybrid model messages we've sent in preparation for our eventual return to in-person instruction.

REOPENING UPDATE: Return to hybrid, in-person instruction tentatively slated for February 9

The BSD2 Board of Education approved a February 9 return to hybrid, in-person instruction during its January 20 meeting. The decision follows our region’s January 18 return to Tier 2 mitigations due to positive local COVID infection trends.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about NEW daily COVID self-certification procedures

Before we can welcome students back into their schools next week, parents must certify their students’ health. That procedure has changed since students last attended school in person in the fall. Parents must now certify their child’s health in the District’s new Frontline Health Portal.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about schedules and cohorts

District 2 must comply with health department social distancing requirements in order to return to in-person instruction on February 9. So, under the District’s hybrid model, approximately half of grade-level students who have chosen to return to in-person instruction will attend school two days a week according to their assigned cohorts.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about cleaning, disinfecting, and ventilation

All District 2 cleaning, disinfecting and ventilation practices will follow the procedures and expectations outlined below that align with ISBE, IDPH and DCHD guidelines.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about healthy hygiene practices

Schools will teach and reinforce washing hands, avoiding contact with one's eyes, nose, and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes among students and staff.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about social distancing measures

Upon arrival at designated times, students will go directly to their assigned classrooms. Classrooms will be configured to provide for appropriate social distancing to the greatest extent possible. Socially distanced interaction with peers in the learning environment will be supported.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about restrooms and hand washing

Schools will adhere to restroom usage schedule to social distancing. There will also be a handwashing schedule and hand sanitizer stations in each classroom and throughout each building.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about face coverings

By order of the ISBE, IDPH, and DCHD, face coverings must be worn by all students and staff at all times while inside of a District 2 school.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about symptomatic students and confirmed COVID cases

There are lots of good questions about how schools will handle symptomatic students and confirmed COVID cases. We’ve listed some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic below. Just click the links to learn the answers, which are based on guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about transportation and food service

All individuals on a bus must wear a face covering, and no more than 24 students will be on a bus at one time, sitting one to a seat. Breakfast will not be served, and students will receive a grab-and-go lunch to eat at home before beginning remote instruction in the afternoon.

THE HYBRID MODEL: Need-to-know info about material sharing and technology

Classroom community materials (pencils, crayons, etc.) will no longer be allowed. Students will have their own individual classroom materials.

REOPENING UPDATE: District 2 preparing for potential return to hybrid, in-person instruction as soon as February 1

Reopening will only occur when safety standards can be met. These standards include our region’s return to the state’s Tier 2 mitigations, as well as other criteria to be selected by the Board from input provided by its Special Reopening Committee.

IN-PERSON OR REMOTE: Parents, please renew your choice for your children

The earliest the District could return to in-person instruction is February 1, but parents can help with this planning now by revisiting their choice between in-person and remote instruction for their children. Please complete the BSD2 Remote/In-Person Parent Choice Form by Monday, January 18, to indicate your preference for your child.