COVID-19PROTOCOL HANDBOOK

2020 2021

7329 West 63rd Street • Summit, IL 60501 • 708.728.3200 • www.argohs.net

Argo Community High School COVID-19 Protocol Handbook January 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1

START DATES ......................................................................................................... 2

STRUCTURED LEARNING OPTIONS ........................................................................... 2

Synchronous Remote ............................................................................................. 2

Fully Remote ...................................................................................................... 3

CALENDAR ADJUSTMENTS ....................................................................................... 4

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................... 4

RULES & PROCEDURES FOR IN-PERSON LEARNING .................................................... 5

Symptom Screening .............................................................................................. 5

Self-Certification Screening ..................................................................................... 5

At-School Screening .............................................................................................. 6

Visitors .................................................................................................. 7

Symptom Screening List.............................................................................. 7

NEW & ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES .................................................................... 8

SOCIAL DISTANCING ............................................................................................... 9

Bathrooms/Locker Rooms/Lockers........................................................................... 9

Physical Education ................................................................................................ 9

FACE COVERINGS ................................................................................................... 9

HAND WASHING & CLEANING .................................................................................11

ISOLATION & EXCLUSION REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................11

Report of COVID-19 Symptoms Berfore or After School ................................................12

Exclusion ..........................................................................................................12

Return to School .................................................................................................12

REPORT OF COVID-19 SYMPTOMS DURING SCHOOL DAY ..........................................12

Isolation/ Exclusion .............................................................................................12

Return to School .................................................................................................14

DIAGNOSIS OF COVID-19 ........................................................................................14

Exclusion ..........................................................................................................14

Return to School .................................................................................................15

REPORT OF CLOSE CONTACT .................................................................................15

Argo Community High School COVID-19 Protocol Handbook January 2021

DISMISSAL .............................................................................................................15

MAP .....................................................................................................................16

1

Argo Community High School District 217

7329 West 63rd Street • Summit, IL 60501

Phone 708.728.3200 • www.argohs.net

2020-2021

COVID-19 PROTOCOL HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

As we begin the 2020-2021 school year, the coronavirus pandemic has required changes to the operation of

the school. The District has adopted the Argo Community High School District 217 Reopening and Operational Plan

to address health and safety concerns while maintaining our focus on student learning. Considerations most

relevant to students and families are outlined below. This school year will be different and include new

challenges, but together our Argo school community will adapt and thrive.

Please be aware that the recommendations and requirements of the State and local health departments, as

well as the State Board of Education, may evolve as we learn more about the spread of the coronavirus and as

the rate of infection slows or accelerates. The District’s protocols may also change in response to these

developments. We will share updates and changes with families via our website, and through email

communications with our school community. Please be on the look-out for new information.

Under the reopening plan, two options will be provided to students and their families. As required by the

Illinois State Board of Education, all families will have the option of choosing a completely remote learning

option for their students. In addition, the District will offer a blended learning model for students, which

involves both in-person instruction and remote learning. This model allows the District to have fewer

students in the building at one time to observe physical distancing requirements that are recommended by

the Illinois Department of Public Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Under this model, students

with last names starting with letters A-L will be designated as Group A and will attend school in-person on

Mondays and Tuesdays, and remotely on Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays. Students with last names

starting with letters M-Z will attend school in-person on Thursdays and Fridays, and remotely on Mondays

Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Wednesdays will be designated remote learning days for all students; students

will attend all periods for 35 minutes each.

2

START DATES –Remote and In-Person Instruction

The District has a planned start date of January 5th, 2021 for all students. January 5th through

January 15th will be remote learning. Based on current recommendations from the Cook County and

Illinois Departments of Public Health, and to protect the health and safety of our students and staff, we will

be starting with fully remote instruction. If the rate of infection stays at levels that will support in-person

attendance, the District plans to begin the in-person, synchronous remote and blended model of instruction

on January 19th, 2021.

STRUCTURED LEARNING OPTIONS

As stated in the introduction to this handbook, there are two learning options for students: 1) a fully remote

learning option and 2) a synchronous remote blended learning option. Students choosing the fully remote

option will connect to classes remotely and follow the adjusted schedule below for the entire school week.

Synchronous Remote

Students choosing the synchronous remote blended learning option will also follow the schedule below but

will report to school for in-person instruction two days per week and receive remote instruction on the other

days. The term “synchronous blended learning” describes a model where the teacher is teaching in-person in

the classroom to a small group of students, and the class is being streamed live to another group of students

through a remote learning platform such as Zoom for Education or Google Meet.

Parents and students may choose the learning option that is best for them. Parents/guardians who are opting

for the fully remote option should notify the District using the Full Remote Learning Opt-in Form no later

than January 13th, 2021. Students electing this option will stay remote through the end of the 2020-2021

school year.

7:00 am - 7:55 am Remote Argo Resources Remote Argo Resources 7:00 am - 7:55 am Remote Argo Resources 7:00 am - 7:55 am Remote Argo Resources Remote Argo Resources

Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday

8:00 am - 8:50 am Staff Meetings Staff Meetings 8:00 am - 8:50 am Staff Meetings 8:00 am - 8:50 am Staff Meetings Staff Meetings

9:00 am - 10:10 am Period 3 Period 5 9:00 am - 9:35 am 1st period 9:00 am - 10:10 am Period 3 Period 5

10:20 am - 11:30 pm Period 1 Period 7 9:45 am - 10:20 am 2nd period 10:20 am - 11:30 pm Period 1 Period 7

11:40 am - 12:50 pm Period 2 Period 6 10:30 am - 11:05 am 3rd period 11:40 pm - 12:50 pm Period 2 Period 6

1:00 pm - 2:10 pm Period 4 Office Hours 11:15 am - 11:50 pm 4th period 1:00 pm - 2:10 pm Period 4 Office Hours

2:20 pm - 2:55 pm Prep Time Prep Time 12:00 pm - 12:40 pm Break for Students 2:20 pm - 2:55 pm Prep Time Prep Time

3:05 pm - 4:00 pm Remote Argo Resources Remote Argo Resources 12:50 pm - 1:25 pm 5th period 3:05 pm - 4:00 pm Remote Argo Resources Remote Argo Resources

1:35 pm - 2:10 pm 6th period

2:20 pm - 2:55 pm 7th period

3:05 pm - 4:00 pm Remote Argo Resources

Hybrid Schedule Starting Tuesday January 19th

Wednesday

All Students A through Z will be

at Home in Remote Learning

Last Names A through L - In School on Monday and Tuesday

Last Names M through Z - Remote Monday and Tuesday

Last Names M through Z - In School on Monday and Tuesday

Last Names A through L - Remote Monday and Tuesday

3

Key Highlights

• Assist in a safe return to the building with 50% of students in building 2 days a week and 3 days remote. As the total day will be shortened, students will not eat lunch at school but will be provided bag lunches/breakfast (for the next morning) as they are leaving the building. By not providing lunch in the building students will not need to remove their masks to eat and will eliminate one of the major safety logistics the district has had to consider working through.

• Academic Resources will be available daily.

• Office Hours will be held on Tuesdays (70 minutes) and Fridays (70 minutes) allowing teachers to provide individual and small group help to students.

• Classes begin at 9am daily allowing Argo students an additional hour of sleep and accommodating those who may need to help younger siblings get ready for school.

• Lunch periods are at the beginning and end of the day and students are not required to be at school during their lunch period. Students who elect to stay in the building during their lunch will be put in a study hall to complete homework. Depending on the lunch period, students may start school as late as 10:20 am 2 days a week OR end school at 11:30 am 2 days a week.

• The new schedule creates at least 1 hour 40 minutes less screen time for all students M, T, TH, F, and reduces an additional 2 hours and 55 minutes weekly for students with a lunch period.

• On Wednesdays, students will attend all periods for 35 minutes each remotely. The addition of the remote instruction on Wednesday helps ensure that students do not lose a significant amount of weekly instructional minutes compared to the current schedule and allows students to see all their teachers on that day.

• Physical distancing will be maintained in classrooms, hallways and during lunch and support periods.

o All intervention programs such as AMP, “A” Team, ARC will run synchronously throughout

the day. In addition, all before and after school resources will be available for students.

Remote Learning Schedule

As stated in the introduction, 2nd semester of the 2020-2021 school year will start off with a fully remote

program. This plan also will be used if the State or local officials order schools to provide Remote Learning

due to changing pandemic conditions, or if a quarantine is required in school or for a particular school program

due to a positive diagnosis of or exposure to COVID-19 in accordance with the guidance provided by the

Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

4

Key Highlights

• All students will learn from their home, and opportunities for synchronous learning will be provided.

Instruction may also be provided through pre-recorded lessons, or other learning activities directed

by teachers.

• Teachers will notify students by the beginning of the start of the school day if their class will meet via

technology and by which technology (Zoom, Canvas Conference, etc.) Students will be expected to

log in during the day and keep their camera on and faces visible unless a teacher directs them that

they may turn their camera off.

• Assignments will be focused on the most critical outcomes of the course and essential to the pacing

of the curriculum.

• Assignments may be collected and graded, as communicated by the teacher.

• Should certain students have problems with internet access at home, the District will explore the

idea of opening parts of the building where students will report for remote learning; more

information on this option will be provided. If you are concerned about your internet

access/connection, please contact the Helpdesk via the Argo Website or contact your student’s dean

about access to a hotspot.

CALENDAR ADJUSTMENTS Please note the following adjustments to the 2020-21 school calendar:

• Monday, January 4th, is a Teacher's Institute Day; this is a non-attendance day for students.

• Tuesday, January 5th – Friday, January 15th Students will follow the schedule remotely

• Monday, January 18th – No School MLK Day

• Tuesday, January 19th – Students A-L return to in-person learning

• Thursday, January 21st – Students M-Z return to in-person learning

• Monday, February 15th – Students are not in attendance

• Tuesday, February 16th -Parent Teacher Conferences – Students are not in attendance • Monday, March 1st – No School Casmir Pulaski Day

• Monday, March 29th – Friday, April 2nd – Students will be on Spring Break

• May 19th, 20th, and 21st – Final Exams

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES We are awaiting the status of Winter/Spring sports and activities. The decision is based on pending guidance

and authority of the state and local governing organizations (IDPH and Governor’s Office). We will be

communicating all forms and protocols in the very near future for all staff, students, and families in relation

to self-certification procedures, reporting, and communication related to extracurricular sports and activities.

5

RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR IN-PERSON LEARNING

Students who elect the blended synchronous learning model and attend school in-person must adhere to the

following rules and procedures while in the building. These rules and procedures have been developed in

accordance with the guidance provided by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department

of Public Health. Students who do not comply with the rules and procedures set forth below may be sent

home or assigned to remote learning for the semester.

Symptom Screening Prior To School Admission

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all District staff members, and students (through their

parents/guardians) must self-certify prior to coming to the District and verify that they do not have a

temperature above 100.4 and that they do not have any of the symptoms of COVID. The symptom screening

check list form is provided below.

Self-Certification Screening Process for Students

Parents/Guardians and students over the age of 18 shall provide a daily verification of self-certification as

follows:

Covid-19 Self-Certification Assessment

Student Form

Student Name: _____________________________________

Student ID #: _______________________________________

Directions: Please complete the following assessment each morning prior to sending your child to

school. If your student is presenting with a fever above 100.4 or is presenting with any of the symptoms

below, they should remain home from school and it is recommended that they seek medical advice on

whether any further actions should be taken.

Yes No

o Fever or feeling feverish (chills, sweating) ____ ____ o New cough ____ ____ o Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ____ ____ o Sore throat ____ ____ o Muscle aches or body aches ____ ____ o Vomiting or diarrhea ____ ____ o New loss of taste or smell ____ ____

6

o Chills ____ ____ o Fatigue ____ ____ o New or unusual headaches ____ ____ o Congestion or runny nose ____ ____

By sending your student to school you are certifying that your student is not exhibiting any of the above

symptoms. Please sign and date below that you understand the information above and that all answers

are true to the best of your knowledge.

Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _______________

If a parent/guardian has not completed the self-certification prior to the student arriving at the District, the

student will be provided a symptom screening pursuant to the District’s symptom screening protocol at

school. Students who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted entrance in the school and will

remain in a supervised quarantine area until a parent or guardian picks them up.

At-School Screening

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the District will be conducting symptom screening for all District staff

members, students, and visitors who are present in school buildings.

Upon arrival at the school building, the building’s school nurse or other designated staff members shall

facilitate the taking of the individual temperature using a non-contact, infrared thermometer. To avoid

individuals who are symptomatic from entering the building, screening will be conducted in the following

areas:

For students arriving by car: Exit 3

For students walking: Exit 20

For student bus riders: Exit 20

For ESS students: Exit 13

Student walkers and drivers may enter the building at 8:40am. Buses will arrive between 8:40am and 8:50am.

7

The screening shall be conducted as follows:

The individuals will enter a designated entrance that has been equipped with digital walk-through kiosks.

These are all non-contact kiosks. As the student enters the building, they will either turn in paper the

COVID-19 Self-Certification form or present it digitally. If they do not have their form filled out they will

be given a copy and sent to the back of the line to fill it out as they wait. Each student will receive a folder

with masks, and a pad of the paper COVID-19 certification forms on their first day back to school.

To maintain the protection of the individuals undergoing and conducting screening, temperature checks will

be conducted as follow:

By a screener who will be wearing proper PPE, using a non-contact, infrared thermometer. The screener

shall wash or sanitize hands and then put on the PPE prior to beginning screenings. The screener shall clean

the thermometer with an alcohol wipe between uses. If the screener unintentionally touches the individual

being screened, the screener will wash their hands- and put-on clean gloves before screening the next

individual.

If an individual’s temperature is less than 100.4, they do not exhibit or identify any relevant symptoms, and

they have not had close contact with an infected individual, then the individual will be admitted to the school.

If an individual’s temperature is 100.4 or higher, they exhibit or identify relevant symptoms, or they have

had close contact an infected individual, then

1. if an employee or visitor, they will be sent home and advised to contact their doctor. 2. if a student, they will be sent home with a parent/guardian if present or remain in the quarantine

room while the student’s parent/guardian is contacted to pick the student up. The parent/guardian will be advised to contact their doctor.

To facilitate this screening, parents/guardians who are present at school for drop off will be asked to remain

on school grounds until the student completes the check and is admitted into the building. If the

parent/guardian is unable to remain at the school or is not present at the school and the student is exhibiting

symptoms, the student shall be placed in the quarantine room until the parent/guardian can pick up the

student.

Visitors

Visitors will be limited. Visitors with essential business in the building will be screened in the same manner

as employees. All visitors must contact the building office upon arrival so that a screener can meet the visitor

at the entrance and conduct the screening.

Symptom Screening List

The following list will be included on all self-certification screening forms and will be utilized by District staff

members for in-person screening.

8

Please identify whether you have any of the following symptoms. Please focus on new or unexpected

symptoms (e.g., a chronic cough would not be a positive screen).

o Fever or feeling feverish (chills, sweating)

o New cough

o Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing o Sore throat

o Muscle aches or body aches o Vomiting or diarrhea

o New loss of taste or smell

o Chills o Fatigue

o New or unusual headaches

o Congestion or runny nose

NEW & ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES

• Development and implementation of the Argo Community High School District 217 COVID 19

Handbook, which explains the procedures the District has put into place for students to prevent

the spread of COVID-19.

• Hand sanitizer stations in all rooms, entries and in hallways,

• Over 45,000 Units of Protective Personal Equipment (PPE masks, Face Shield Visors) for

Student and Staff use,

• UV-lights (5) portable and (8) mounted in the building (UV lights work to disinfect surfaces and

air)

• O3 Aqueous spray solutions with Anti-Bacterial Microfiber Wipes in every classroom and

common space,

• 4 Static Sprayers for our hallways,

• Anti-Bacterial Door Handle and Crash Bar Markers for all doors in the district,

• Plastic Barriers in all areas of entry, classrooms, and offices,

• One-way Flow Hallways for all students and staff per IDPH guidance,

• Digital Walk-Through Kiosks for all students and visitors that conduct temperature checks at

main entry points of the building,

9

• Additional hiring of three Custodians and three Instructional Aides

• Comprehensive cleaning and updating of all HVAC and air filter upgrades by an independent

third-party contractor.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Social distancing must be observed whenever possible. Social or physical distancing means there is six (6) feet

of space between each individual in the school. Classrooms and other common spaces will be arranged to

accommodate social distancing throughout the school building. Student seating will be arranged so that

students face in the same direction. Floor markings will be utilized to maintain appropriate distance when

students line up and travel through the halls. Students must observe and respect these markings and maintain

social distance from peers and staff in all settings.

Bathrooms, Lockers and Locker Rooms

Hallway lockers and PE lockers/locker rooms will be unavailable. Rest rooms, stalls, and other private

spaces will be marked to maintain distance between individuals. The bathrooms that will be open are the

ones by the cafeteria, the ones near 240, and the ones near 305. In addition, capacity and access may be

limited to maintain social distance. Students will not be changing for PE classes.

Physical Education

Physical education lessons and activities will be structured to facilitate social distancing. Contact sports and

other activities that require students to be in proximity to one another will not be included in the physical

education program. Floor markings will be utilized to help structure activities and class sizes will be

monitored to provide adequate space for students to participate. Students will not be changing for PE

classes.

FACE COVERINGS

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, face coverings will be required for all District staff members, students,

and visitors who are present in school district buildings. Face coverings will also be required on school

grounds in circumstances where social distancing (six feet of distance between individuals) cannot be

maintained. Face coverings are masks or other cloth face coverings which cover an individual’s nose and

mouth. They should be fitted to the face and tightly woven but permit breathing without restriction. Face

shields may not be used in place of face coverings. No gators or vented face masks will be allowed to be used.

All students will be provided with a cloth face covering for use during school hours. Students must wear the

District-provided face covering, or, if preferred, a face covering of their choice that adheres to the guidance

10

published by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), available at

https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/mask-use.

Face coverings may not be sheer or made of a mesh material.

Face coverings must be always worn by students in school buildings, on school busses and any other District

vehicles providing transportation to and from school, on school grounds when social distancing cannot be

maintained, and at all school activities. Students who refuse to comply with the face coverings requirement

may lose in person learning privileges.

Students who are not wearing a face covering upon entry to school or a school bus or vehicle, or at any other

school event where face coverings are required will be provided a disposable or clean cloth face covering for

immediate use. Students who have not been provided an accommodation to the face covering requirement

and who refuse to wear a face covering in the school building, on the school bus or other school activity where

face coverings are required will be reassigned to a fully remote option.

Students who cannot safely wear or independently remove a face covering due to disability or medical

condition may be entitled to accommodations to the requirement.

Parents/guardians of students who have a medical condition or other disability which may prevent the safe

wearing of face coverings and who are currently receiving accommodations under Section 504 of the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should

contact Ms. Bijal Patel, Director of Educational Support Services at 708-467-5825 or bpatel@argohs.net.

Parents/guardians will be required to complete the District’s “Face Covering Accommodation Form” which

must be verified by the student’s physician. Upon review of the completed and verified form, the District

will schedule a meeting with parents/guardians and the student’s Section 504/IEP team to review the form

and consider accommodations for the student.

The District may verify all information provided by the student’s parent/guardian and/or the student’s

physician through an independent review by a licensed medical provider of the District’s choice.

Parents/guardians of students who are not currently served under Section 504 or IDEA who believe their

student requires reasonable accommodation to the District’s face covering requirement must complete the

District’s “Face Covering Accommodation Form” which must be verified by the Student’s physician. The

completed form should be provided to the Ms. Bijal Patel, Director of Educational Support Services who will

contact parents to set a meeting to consider the accommodation request. The District may verify all

information provided by the student’s parent/guardian and/or the student’s physician through an

independent review by a licensed medical provider of the District’s choice. All requests for

accommodations to the face covering requirement must be provided before a student can

return to in person learning.

Visitors to school are limited to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Visitors who are permitted must

adhere to the face covering requirements.

11

HAND WASHING AND CLEANING

Students will be prompted to wash hands frequently, including upon arrival to and departure from school;

after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing; following restroom use; before and after eating; and upon

return from physical education. Hand sanitizer will also be available for use.

Students may not drink directly from water fountains. Instead, students are permitted to carry transparent

water bottles throughout the school day. Students may fill their water bottles in water fountains but should

not touch the water bottle to the spout. Hand washing or sanitizing is required before and after refilling a

water bottle.

Additional cleaning will be conducted throughout the school, especially of highly touched surfaces (door

handles, desktops/ tabletops, light switches, pencil sharpeners, computer keyboards, hands-on learning

items, lockers, and sinks and faucets). For additional details on the new cleaning protocols, Mr. Gary

Nothnagel at (708) 467-5534 or gnothnagel@argohs.net To the extent possible, supplies and materials

will be assigned to individual students rather than shared. In addition, refer to the previous list of new safety

measures the district has implemented.

ISOLATION AND EXCLUSION REQUIREMENTS

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the District will adhere to the following requirements regarding isolation of individuals who may be ill at school and exclusion of individuals who are ill or have symptoms at home. The phrase “COVID-19 symptoms” refers to the following: fever of at least 100.4 degrees, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. According to the IDPH, “close contact” means being within six feet of an infected person for fifteen minutes or more (regardless of whether the individuals were wearing masks) starting from 2 days before symptom onset or a positive test if asymptomatic. The CDC’s definition of “close contact” is in line with the IDPH and includes having direct physical contact with an infected person, sharing eating, or drinking utensils with an infected person and being directly exposed to respiratory droplets of an infected person.

12

Report of COVID-19 Symptoms Before or After School Reporting COVID-19 Cases & Current COVID-19 Data School Nurse Katherine Stout maintains a record of daily COVID-19 metrics. Her efforts in contact tracing - following exposed individuals who test positive for COVID-19, as well as those with whom they may have been in contact - are essential. Once someone has been in contact with an infected person, there are five days of incubation before they themselves may become infectious, so it is vital that they receive a warning as quickly as possible. Please inform Katherine Stout of any student who tests positive for the virus or has been in close contact with someone who either has symptoms or has tested positive. This practice becomes even more essential under a hybrid learning model. Please report any COVID-19-related information to Katherine Stout either kstout@argohs.net or (708) 467-5647. Exclusion If a parent/guardian (on behalf of a student) or staff member reports experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 before or after school or during the screening process, they should not be permitted to enter or remain in the school building and should be directed to contact a health care provider. Based on the IDPH/CDC definition of “close contact,” individuals who were within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 symptoms even for more than 15 minutes would not be required to self-isolate absent another reason. However, the District retains the discretion to require students to self-isolate based on the nature of the exposure. Remote learning will be provided to students who are required to self-isolate or quarantine under these regulations. Return to School A symptomatic student or staff member cannot return to school until:

• At least 10 days have passed since the onset of symptoms AND they have been fever free (without medication) for 24 hours AND the respiratory symptoms have improved.

We are waiting for confirmation from ISBE/IDPH that a symptomatic individual does not need to self-isolate if a doctor certifies that the symptom is unrelated to COVID-19. More information on this will be provided to staff, students, and parents as it is received from ISBE/IDPH.

REPORT OF COVID-19 SYMPTOMS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY Isolation/Exclusion If a student or staff member develops COVID-19 symptoms during the school day, they must be immediately separated from the rest of the school population. Schools must designate areas of the building for use as quarantine areas for this purpose. Students who report or are observed experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should be sent to one of the quarantine areas. As a reminder, student health information is considered

13

confidential and is protected under both FERPA and HIPPA. While we understand the concern for student and staff health and safety, it is also important to abide by existing legalities. If a staff member suspects a student is ill, please call the Deans’ Office for an escort to the Health Office so the nurses can provide a proper assessment and evaluation. If a staff member overhears a student discussing Covid (example: “My Mom just tested positive; I have a grandfather at home who is sick and we think it’s Covid, etc”, please send them to the Health Office and notify the nurses via email what the reasoning is. Please do NOT question the student or attempt to gather additional information. It is important to ensure health information stays protected and confidential while maintaining the approved protocols to assess, report, and track illnesses through the Health Department/Office. As a reminder, students are expected to fill out a self-certification form before attending school for the day which states the student is not ill, nor is anyone at home. However, we know situations may arise throughout the school day, so it is important to ensure we maintain a consistent protocol to address the situation. Any health concerns, whether student related illness or family related, should be sent to the Health Office. A staff member must be assigned to supervise the student while in the quarantine area and must not leave the student alone. The staff member should, to the extent possible, always maintain at least 6 feet of distance from the student. The student’s parent/guardian should be contacted to arrange to pick up the student from school and directed to contact a health care provider. The student should remain in the quarantine area until he or she can be sent home safely. The District will not allow use of school buses or public transportation to send a student home when exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms at school. If a staff member develops COVID-19 symptoms during the school day and is well enough to drive home, the staff member should be sent home immediately and directed to contact a health care provider. If the staff member is not well enough to drive or cannot otherwise get home safely, the staff member must quarantine in one of the designated areas until arrangements can be made for the staff member to leave school. Supervision of a quarantined staff member is not required. The Principal will identify, for the staff, the quarantine space(s) in the school building. The school nurse, or administrator or designee in the absence of nursing professionals, will have the discretion to determine who is placed in such quarantine spaces and the level of supervision required. Teachers should report any observation of symptomatic students to the school nurse, administrator, or designee. The school nurse will document any student or staff member placed in the quarantine space. The quarantine spaces have been set up to reduce the risk of transmission:

• Plastic barriers or curtains have been placed in designated health office spaces to separate individuals with illness symptoms from those without illness symptoms.

• Quarantine spaces have been designed to allow for 6 feet of social distancing between individuals and to provide restroom access and access to an exterior door, where possible, to avoid the need for a sick individual to move through the building to exit.

14

• When interacting with individuals in quarantine spaces, school nurses and/or the administrator or designee treating the individual will wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and face coverings. The District will provide this additional PPE to all employees.

• Additionally, treating staff will utilize appropriate hand hygiene and will follow standard precautions for patient care, as outlined by the CDC.

The District will also close off any areas used by the sick individual and will not permit use of those areas until after proper cleaning and disinfection. Windows will be opened, when possible, to increase air circulation in the area. The District will wait at least 24 hours prior to cleaning and disinfecting the area; if waiting 24 hours is not possible, the District will clean and disinfect the area after waiting if possible. All areas that were used by the individual who was sick will be cleaned and disinfected. The potentially infected area(s) will only be opened for use once proper cleaning and disinfecting has occurred. Based on the IDPH/CDC definition of “close contact,” individuals who were within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 symptoms even for more than 15 minutes would not necessarily have to self-isolate absent another epidemiological reason. Return to School A symptomatic student or staff member cannot return to school until:

• At least 10 days have passed since the onset of symptoms AND they have been fever free (without medication) for 24 hours AND the respiratory symptoms have improved.

We are waiting for confirmation from ISBE/IDPH that a symptomatic individual does not need to self-isolate if a doctor certifies that the symptom is unrelated to COVID-19.

DIAGNOSIS OF COVID-19 Exclusion

Students and staff members who test positive for COVID-19 must be excluded from school and all school activities until they have met the requirements identified below for returning to school. Students and staff who were in close contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with the individual who tested positive during the two days preceding the positive test or onset of symptoms must also be excluded from school to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of exposure and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and should be directed to contact a health care provider. Subject to State and local guidance, if a school is able to maintain 6 feet between all students and staff throughout the day, including in classrooms and on buses, then only the individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate.

15

Return to School A symptomatic student/staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 cannot return to school until:

• At least 10 days have passed since the onset of symptoms AND they have been fever free (without medication) for 24 hours AND the respiratory symptoms have improved.

A non-symptomatic student/staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 cannot return to school until:

• Ten days after the positive test, provided that the student/staff member does not develop symptoms during that period. If the student/staff member develops symptoms, he/she must meet the criteria identified above.

REPORT OF CLOSE CONTACT WITH AN INDIVIDUAL WITH COVID-19 OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL If a student or staff member has been in close contact with an individual, outside of school, who tests positive for or is suspected of having COVID-19, the student or staff member must self-isolate at home for 14 days after exposure. No one else in the school is required to self-isolate under such circumstances. Parents/guardians and students should report instances of close contact with a person who tests positive or is suspected of having COVID-19. If the student is required to self-isolate, remote services will be provided.

DISMISSAL For students arriving by car: Exit 3 (bagged lunches provided) For students walking: Exit 21 (bagged lunch provided) For student bus riders: Exit 20 (bagged lunches provided) For ESS students: Exit 21 (bagged lunches provided) *other exits may be used by walkers, however lunches will not be available at those exits

STUDENT ENTRANCES

PASS GATE

63RD STREET

73RD AVEN

UE

74TH

AVE

NU

E

CAFETERIA

FIELDHOUSE

MAIN OFFICES

SWANSONGYM MAIN

ENTRANCE

PORTILLO’S PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

CONCESSIO

N

STAND

EAST LOT

Students arriving by car: EXIT 3

Students walking: Exit 20

Students bus riders: EXIT 20

ESS students: EXIT 13

EXIT 20X

EXIT 3X

EXIT 13X