A message from CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We were thrilled to welcome students back to school this week, and we want you to know that our top priority will be keeping them healthy and safe. To do this successfully, we must abide by the latest travel guidelines from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), especially as we head into the busy Labor Day weekend.
In accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDPH announced earlier this week that every U.S. state except Vermont is now a part of the city’s travel advisory. Here’s what this means for your family:
If you have an unvaccinated student, please reconsider your travel plans given this guidance. If your student must travel, please follow the advice above and report the absence to your school so that it can be marked as excused. Then, after one 24-hour school day period, your student will be provided with access to take-home schoolwork that will help them keep pace with their learning during the 7-10 days they are home.
Per our original guidance, only those students who have been told to quarantine or isolate by CPS’s Office of Student Health and Wellness because they are a close contact, or who have been told to quarantine or isolate by a state or local public health department, will have access to synchronous remote instruction (i.e., the ability to join their classroom live via Google Meet) and be marked present (virtually) at school. If your student falls into this category, they will receive access to simultaneous instruction one 24-hour school day period after you notify your school of their quarantine or isolation.
Please stay safe and do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Please contact your school directly with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
José M. Torres, PhD Dr. Kenneth L. Fox
Interim Chief Executive Officer Chief Health Officer
Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Schools
We were thrilled to welcome students back to school this week, and we want you to know that our top priority will be keeping them healthy and safe. To do this successfully, we must abide by the latest travel guidelines from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), especially as we head into the busy Labor Day weekend.
In accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDPH announced earlier this week that every U.S. state except Vermont is now a part of the city’s travel advisory. Here’s what this means for your family:
- The CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated;
- Unvaccinated persons who leave the state of Illinois (this includes all children 11-years-old and younger who are not yet eligible for the vaccine) should self-quarantine for 7 days after returning to Chicago, even if they have received a negative COVID test; AND
- Unvaccinated students who leave the state should not come to school during their self-quarantine period, which is 7 days if they receive a negative COVID test or 10 days if they do not test
- Vaccinated travelers are not required to self-quarantine or test unless they develop symptoms if traveling within the United States
If you have an unvaccinated student, please reconsider your travel plans given this guidance. If your student must travel, please follow the advice above and report the absence to your school so that it can be marked as excused. Then, after one 24-hour school day period, your student will be provided with access to take-home schoolwork that will help them keep pace with their learning during the 7-10 days they are home.
Per our original guidance, only those students who have been told to quarantine or isolate by CPS’s Office of Student Health and Wellness because they are a close contact, or who have been told to quarantine or isolate by a state or local public health department, will have access to synchronous remote instruction (i.e., the ability to join their classroom live via Google Meet) and be marked present (virtually) at school. If your student falls into this category, they will receive access to simultaneous instruction one 24-hour school day period after you notify your school of their quarantine or isolation.
Please stay safe and do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Please contact your school directly with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
José M. Torres, PhD Dr. Kenneth L. Fox
Interim Chief Executive Officer Chief Health Officer
Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Schools
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Health Protocols 3
What does this mean for Parents? 6
Help Your Child Understand the Importance of Wearing a Cloth Face Covering 6
Sign Your Child Up for COVID-19 Testing 6
Health Protocols in the Classroom 7
What does this mean for Educators? 7
What does this mean for Partners? 8
Academics and Attendance 8
Instructional Day 8
Attendance 9
Grading 9
Instruction for Quarantine and Isolation 9
What does this mean for Parents? 10
What does this mean for Educators? 11
Specials Courses Considerations 11
Arts Education 11
Physical Education 12
Arts Education 13
Sports 13
What does this mean for Parents? 13
What does this mean for Partners? 14
Out-of-School Time (OST) 14
What does this mean for Parents? 14
What does this mean for Partners? 14
Virtual Academy 15
What does this mean for Parents? 15
What does this mean for Partners? 15
IntroductionChicago Public Schools’ (CPS) top priority has always been to provide students with a world-class education while keeping our school communities healthy and safe. Thanks to the hard work of our educators and school leaders, we are excited to welcome all students back into the classroom five days per week starting Monday, August 30, 2021. This document provides an overview of the health and safety guidelines and considerations that are unique to the 2021-22 school year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended for all CPS parents, educators, and partners and provides a general overview of key topics and what they mean for each audience.
As public national, state and local health guidance changes throughout the upcoming school year, the district remains committed to keeping all stakeholders updated about any updates to protocols and procedures.
Health ProtocolsCPS has developed a comprehensive plan that is aligned with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). This plan includes:
Note: Students who need to remain at home due to travel can access schoolwork at home and the day will be an excused absence. Only students who are directed to quarantine or isolate will receive synchronous remote instruction.
Health experts advise that wearing a mask/cloth face covering is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the State of Illinois requires anyone over the age of two to wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth while in a school building. We understand that wearing a mask can be a challenge for young children. There are a variety of strategies you can use to support your child’s understanding of the importance of wearing a mask.
Parents and guardians may request a cloth face covering accommodation for their child based on a specific medical condition. Please have this form completed by a medical professional, and provide the completed form to your child’s principal or school nurse. Each situation will be evaluated individually to ensure the needs of all students are met.
It is important to note that per the Governor’s Executive Order, cloth face coverings will be required in the district’s schools, absent an approved accommodation. Students will not be allowed to enter the school building without a cloth face covering. Staff should remind/reinforce expectations around mask-wearing and allow students the opportunity to correct their behavior if out of compliance and follow the steps outlined later in this document for continued non-compliance.
Sign Your Child Up for COVID-19 Testing
At the current level of community transmission, COVID-19 testing will take place at all schools each week. Look out for information from your child’s school in the weeks ahead about how to sign your consent to have your child tested on a weekly basis to protect everyone from the spread of COVID-19.
Health Protocols in the ClassroomWhat does this mean for Educators?Teachers should review the section above for a full understanding of health protocols inside CPS buildings as well as complete the district’s required health training. Below, we have added a few additional details related to classroom instruction.
Social Distancing and Utilization of Space
Teachers should create 3 feet social distancing wherever possible using the following guidelines:
Keeping masks on, hand sanitizing, and hand washing will remain critical mitigation strategies in the classroom.
Sharing/Cleaning/Storage of Materials
Materials that are paper-based, including books, can be shared among students without cleaning in between use.
Given very low risk of transmission from surfaces and shared objects, shared objects may be utilized. Objects that may have gone in a student's mouth should be cleaned before sharing.
Cloth Face Coverings
CPS is providing each student with 3 cloth face coverings that will be given to all CPS students at the beginning of the school year. Students in grades PK-4 will receive pediatric-sized masks. For younger students whose masks may not fit properly to stay over the mouth and nose, parents will be informed and asked to adjust the mask or provide a mask with a better fit. Educators should continue to support students in understanding the importance of wearing cloth face coverings. Staff should remind/reinforce expectations around mask-wearing and allow students the opportunity to correct their behavior if out of compliance. If a student is deliberately not complying with the mask requirement during the school day, schools will respond with the following steps:
Field Trips
All student travel must comply with the CPS Student Travel Policy . Student travel e-applications must be submitted in Oracle and approved by the Department of Policy and Procedures. Although in-person field trips are permitted, schools are still encouraged to take advantage of virtual field trips whenever possible.
Academics and AttendanceWith students returning to class full time, we look forward to more typical academic and attendance expectations. The section below details considerations that are specific to the school year ahead.
Instructional DayAll schools are returning to five days a week of in-person instruction and will resume their typical school day schedules. Schools have been given flexibility to adjust instructional minute requirements to accommodate health protocols and prioritize students’ social and emotional needs. The only exception to this guideline is for students who require quarantine or isolation as determined by the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW) or CDPH. See Instruction for Quarantine and Isolation below.
AttendanceTeachers will continue to report daily attendance for all students on their rosters. Attendance will be marked according to regular attendance requirements. The only exception to this guideline is for students who require quarantine or isolation as determined by OSHW or CDPH. Please see www.cps.edu\attendance for more information.
GradingThe district is continuing its regular grading practices, which align with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidance. Students should complete all assignments and make up any missed assignments per the school’s policy.
Synchronous Instruction for Quarantine and IsolationPer ISBE guidance updated on 8/31/21, “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 or excluded from school consistent with guidance or requirements from a local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health.” In line with ISBE guidance, remote instruction will not be made available outside these guidelines.
The following sections provide additional details on what synchronous remote instruction will look like in the event your child is quarantined or isolated.
Full Classroom
Under Quarantine
Individual or Small Group of Students
Under Quarantine
Description
Teacher is only providing virtual instruction to students who are remote due to quarantine.
Teacher is providing virtual instruction to students who are remote due to quarantine and providing instruction to students who are in person.
Minute Requirements
Pre-K: 60 minutes of synchronous instruction per day.
K-8: 150 minutes of synchronous instruction per day. Schools should work to meet the minimum threshold across content areas.
High School: 50% of instructional minutes in the class section should be synchronous.
The remainder of the day or class should be spent asynchronously. During asynchronous time, teachers should provide additional small-group instruction, structured intervention, support for students in asynchronous tasks and formal office hours for families and students.
Pre-K: 60 minutes of synchronous instruction per day.
K-8: 25% of total instructional minutes for the day should be synchronous. Schools should work to meet the minimum threshold across content areas.
High School: 25% of instructional minutes in a day should be synchronous. Schools should work to meet the minimum threshold across all student courses in a meaningful way during the quarantine period.
The remainder of the day or class should be spent asynchronously. Teachers should provide asynchronous assignments as detailed below.
Assignments
Teachers must provide coursework that is aligned to current class instruction, aligned to standards, and responsive to the needs of diverse learners and English learners.
In the event that a student is unable to access virtual instruction from home, schools should offer students non-digital coursework to complete during the course of quarantine, and offer the student the opportunity to confer with their teacher if needed.
Grading
Students should not be penalized for quarantine or isolation status. Work should not be considered late; make-up opportunities and retakes should be offered to support student mastery of content without grade penalty.
Attendance
If a student joins virtual instruction they will be marked as “virtual.” If a student does not join virtual instruction, they will be marked absent as they typically would.
Digital Platforms
Schools should continue using Google Suite tools for remote instruction; including Google Meet for synchronous instruction.
Instruction for Student Testing and Unvaccinated TravelStudents who are awaiting a Covid-19 test result, or an unvaccinated student who traveled to a high-risk state or country and is staying at home in accordance with recommendations from CDPH will access take-home schoolwork from their school while they are home and will be marked absent-excused. When families notify schools that a student is awaiting a Covid-19 test result or is unvaccinated and staying home after out-of-state travel, they will have a 24 hour (school day) period to communicate with educators, students and families and prepare for take-home schoolwork to be sent home.
What does this mean for Parents?As is stated above, students are returning to school for five days of in-person instruction, with the exception of those who are medically fragile and attending the Virtual Academy. For additional information about the Virtual Academy, please see the Virtual Academy section.
In the event that a student is unvaccinated and requires quarantine or isolation as directed by the OSHW or CDPH, remote instruction will be provided. It is important to note that remote instruction will only be offered if a student meets these requirements. If your student requires quarantine or isolation, you will receive specific instructions from your school on how to ensure that they are able to access remote instruction during this period of time.
Synchronous Remote instruction will not be offered for students who choose to stay home, or who are otherwise sick and unable to attend school. If your student is awaiting a Covid-19 test result, or is unvaccinated and returning from out-of-state travel, they can access take-home schoolwork and be marked absent excused. Finally, it is important to note that parent refusal to take a child to school is not an ISBE-approved reason for an excused absence. Accordingly, if a student is absent from school due to parent refusal, the student will be marked absent unexcused.
What does this mean for Educators?With these guidelines in place, educators can largely return to the instructional routines typically used in a classroom while attending to their local unfinished learning plans and considerations.
Given the possibility that a student may require remote instruction due to quarantine or isolation, educators are strongly encouraged to continue some of the best practices introduced last year.
When school leaders are notified that students must isolate or quarantine, they will have a 24 hour (school day) period to communicate with educators, students and families and prepare for remote learning to begin.
When school leaders are notified that students are awaiting a Covid-19 test result or are unvaccinated and staying home after out-of-state travel, they will have a 24 hour (school day) period to communicate with educators, students and families and prepare for take-home schoolwork to be sent home. .
Specials Courses ConsiderationsEducators- please view the Special Courses Considerations one-pager for additional details.
Arts EducationInstrumental Music
Choral and Vocal Music
Theatre and Dance
Visual Arts
SportsElementary and High School sports will be returning to their normal schedule during the 2021-22 school year. The Chicago Public League will be following the current guidance of the CDC, IDPH, IHSA and CPS’ OSHW (Office of Student Health and Wellness) as we implement the following safety measures for your students. Guidelines on sports processes and policies can be found here.
What does this mean for Parents?The full sports guidance can be found here, but please review the excerpts below:
Spectator Requirements at CPS Stadiums or School/Park District Sites
For arts partners, please refer to the Educator section above for all discipline-specific guidance. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions specific to your partnerships.
Out-of-School Time (OST)Out-of-school time activities will take place as normal, including school/staff-led and partner-led programs. Schools and partners will be required to adhere to all health and safety protocols.
As a part of Moving Forward Together, CPS is investing more than $21 million in OST programs. This investment ensures that every CPS school has funding to support OST programming. Schools will be offering a greater volume and broader range of OST programming this school year.
What does this mean for Parents?Look out for information from your child’s school about Out of School Time programming opportunities this year. If you are interested in a particular kind of OST program, talk with your child’s school leader.
What does this mean for Partners?Vendors may provide in-person programming if they follow the appropriate protocols. If your organization would like to provide in-person programming, please reach out to your school principal or sponsoring Central Office department contact. If your principal or contact agrees that your organization should be considered for in-person programs, you must submit an on-site services application.
Note that, in order to provide services, vendors must have:
Virtual AcademyIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virtual Academy will be a fully remote learning option during the 2021-22 school year that serves a limited number of students who qualify as medically fragile, meaning that they have documented health conditions or medical needs.
What does this mean for Parents?The application window for the Virtual Academy closed on August 6. Exceptions to the deadline will be granted for students who notified us of delayed access to medical care, are new to the district, or have new diagnoses. Find information on how to apply here.
What does this mean for Partners?All student-facing programs and services provided to the Virtual Academy will be delivered virtually. Partners providing virtual programs and services must comply with the CPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Details on the AUP are available at cps.edu/aup.
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Health Protocols 3
What does this mean for Parents? 6
Help Your Child Understand the Importance of Wearing a Cloth Face Covering 6
Sign Your Child Up for COVID-19 Testing 6
Health Protocols in the Classroom 7
What does this mean for Educators? 7
What does this mean for Partners? 8
Academics and Attendance 8
Instructional Day 8
Attendance 9
Grading 9
Instruction for Quarantine and Isolation 9
What does this mean for Parents? 10
What does this mean for Educators? 11
Specials Courses Considerations 11
Arts Education 11
Physical Education 12
Arts Education 13
Sports 13
What does this mean for Parents? 13
What does this mean for Partners? 14
Out-of-School Time (OST) 14
What does this mean for Parents? 14
What does this mean for Partners? 14
Virtual Academy 15
What does this mean for Parents? 15
What does this mean for Partners? 15
IntroductionChicago Public Schools’ (CPS) top priority has always been to provide students with a world-class education while keeping our school communities healthy and safe. Thanks to the hard work of our educators and school leaders, we are excited to welcome all students back into the classroom five days per week starting Monday, August 30, 2021. This document provides an overview of the health and safety guidelines and considerations that are unique to the 2021-22 school year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended for all CPS parents, educators, and partners and provides a general overview of key topics and what they mean for each audience.
As public national, state and local health guidance changes throughout the upcoming school year, the district remains committed to keeping all stakeholders updated about any updates to protocols and procedures.
Health ProtocolsCPS has developed a comprehensive plan that is aligned with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). This plan includes:
- Face Coverings: Cloth face coverings will be provided to all staff and students and must be worn at all times when indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
- Face coverings may be temporarily removed at school:
- When eating or drinking
- When outdoors and social distancing of at least three feet can be maintained
- When playing a musical instrument outdoors with at least six feet of social distancing in place
- While children are napping (with close monitoring to ensure no child leaves their designated napping area without putting their face covering back on)
- For staff only: While alone in a classroom or office with the door closed
- Cohorts: Where academic scheduling allows, elementary school students and educators will be grouped into stable classroom groups to minimize exposure to other students, allow for social distancing in classrooms, and support contact tracing.
- Contact Tracing: To help reduce the transmission of COVID-19, CPS has hired additional dedicated staff to support the intake of cases and provide proper notification. CPS will work in coordination with CDPH to ensure that those identified as close contacts have rapid contact tracing and are connected to city resources such as monitoring and testing. Please note that students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 must continue to notify the district via the self report form.
- Community Notifications: CPS has adopted consistent procedures and community notification protocols developed by CDPH to respond to any confirmed cases of COVID-19. To ensure public awareness, the district is tracking confirmed COVID cases at cps.edu/b2s.
- At-Home Daily Health Questionnaire: Staff and students will complete a daily health checklist at home before they come to school using the CPS health screening questions. The questionnaire will not be submitted electronically. (A link to the staff screener can be found here).
- Parents and guardians will be required to submit a quarterly attestation form in which they agree to perform daily health screening of their student before sending them to school. The attestation will ask parents and guardians to:
- Agree to screen their child for possible symptoms or COVID-19 exposure at home each day prior to school
- Confirm that they will not send their child to school if they answer “yes” to any of the CPS health screening questions
- Inform their child’s school if their child will be absent from in-person class because they are sick or have been exposed to a confirmed COVID case.
- Schools will be asked to collect these forms back by September 3, 2021 for the first Quarter.
- Schools will also receive deliveries of:
- Health screening posters,
- Take home flyers, postcards and magnets to provide reminders to students in school and at home.
- Parents and guardians will be required to submit a quarterly attestation form in which they agree to perform daily health screening of their student before sending them to school. The attestation will ask parents and guardians to:
- Protocols to Expedite Entry: Over the last 18 months, public health experts have determined that temperature checks are not an effective means of screening for COVID-19 and mandatory temperature checks will no longer be conducted at entry.
- Thermometers will continue to be available in your school’s Care Room(s) to assess sick students.
- Excess thermometers do not need to be returned to the district and may be distributed to families.
- Disinfectant Wipes: Wipes will be widely available to wipe desks and seats prior to usage, both during school hours and for Out-of-School-Time programming
- HEPA Filters and Air Quality Assessments: Through an $11.2 million investment by the district, every classroom and front office received its own HEPA air purifier, which filters over 99.99% of airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold. And to ensure buildings are properly ventilated, the district has conducted multi-stage ventilation and air quality assessments that included inspections of every room and utilized state-certified environmental specialists. Those reports can be found at cps.edu/airquality.
- Additional Custodians: To ensure the comprehensive cleaning protocols that were established during the pandemic remain in place and are completed every day, the district is retaining all 400 recently hired additional custodians to assist in this effort.
- Sanitizer and Soap: The district has invested over $2.5 million to secure more than 50,000 hand sanitizer stations in all high-traffic areas and soap dispensers to support regular hand washing and sanitizing.
- Hospital-Grade Disinfectant Sprayers: Every CPS school has a hospital-grade mister spray unit that will evenly apply EPA-approved disinfectant for maximum disinfection.
- Sneeze Guards and Signage: All schools have installed sneeze guards and other physical barriers to protect staff when visitors arrive, and have posted signage throughout school facilities to emphasize new policies and procedures.
- Free COVID-19 Testing: To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the district will ensure that any student or staff member who is symptomatic or a close contact of someone who tested positive has access to a free COVID-19 test.
- Screening Testing: To build on the surveillance testing program that CPS launched last year to measure and monitor COVID-19 prevalence among asymptomatic people in a community over time, we are committed to offering free COVID tests to all staff weekly, and weekly test for all students while Chicago is experiencing moderate, substantial, or high rates of community transmission.
- Care Rooms: Each school will have a Care Room where students can be safely isolated and supervised if they develop COVID-19 symptoms during the course of the school day.
- Social Distancing: Wherever possible, students will maintain three feet of social distancing throughout their time at school.
- Quarantine Protocols: Quarantine timelines and protocols will follow CDC guidance. Students in quarantine will receive educational services that may include remote learning.
- Travel Guidance for Family:
- Domestic travel follows CDPH guidance, updated by CDPH on 8/31:
- Unvaccinated persons who leave the state of Illinois (this includes all children 11-years-old and younger who are not yet eligible for the vaccine) should self-quarantine for 7 days after returning to Chicago, even if they have received a negative COVID test
- Unvaccinated students who leave the state should not come to school during their quarantine period, which is 7 days if they receive a negative COVID test or 10 days if they do not test
- International travel follows CDC guidance:
- If unvaccinated, get tested with a viral test three-five days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel.
- Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full seven days.
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself for 10 days from your first symptoms (or the date of the test if asymptomatic) to protect others from getting infected.
- If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
- Vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine but are encouraged to test.
Note: Students who need to remain at home due to travel can access schoolwork at home and the day will be an excused absence. Only students who are directed to quarantine or isolate will receive synchronous remote instruction.
- Vaccination: All CPS employees, vendor employees and level 1 volunteers are required to get vaccinated by October 15th. Staff who cannot be vaccinated due to medical exemptions or sincerely held religious beliefs will be tested at least weekly. All students and family members 12 and older are encouraged to get vaccinated. More information is available at www.cps.edu/vaccinations
Health experts advise that wearing a mask/cloth face covering is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the State of Illinois requires anyone over the age of two to wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth while in a school building. We understand that wearing a mask can be a challenge for young children. There are a variety of strategies you can use to support your child’s understanding of the importance of wearing a mask.
- Discussion: Have a discussion about the importance of wearing masks, model how to wear one, and practice with your child. Prepare to answer your child’s questions, acknowledge that wearing masks can be uncomfortable at times, and discuss…
- How does it feel when you are wearing a mask?
- Is there anything that feels more difficult, or harder to do, when you are wearing a mask?
- What kinds of things do we need to take our face mask off for? Which kinds of things should we keep our face mask on for?
- Books, eBooks, and Social Stories: Use literature as a way to teach and engage your child in discussions around how face masks keep us safe, how to wear them appropriately, and why we need to keep them on.
- Autism Research Institute: I Can Wear a Mask
- Conscious Discipline: Masks and Gloves
- Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays: I Can Wear a Mask | Puedo usar una mascara!
- National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations: Wearing Masks | Usando mascaras
- Videos and Online Resources: Use videos and online resources to support discussions around facial coverings such as We Wear Masks, A Social Story or Wearing a Mask Stops the Spread of Germs.
Parents and guardians may request a cloth face covering accommodation for their child based on a specific medical condition. Please have this form completed by a medical professional, and provide the completed form to your child’s principal or school nurse. Each situation will be evaluated individually to ensure the needs of all students are met.
It is important to note that per the Governor’s Executive Order, cloth face coverings will be required in the district’s schools, absent an approved accommodation. Students will not be allowed to enter the school building without a cloth face covering. Staff should remind/reinforce expectations around mask-wearing and allow students the opportunity to correct their behavior if out of compliance and follow the steps outlined later in this document for continued non-compliance.
Sign Your Child Up for COVID-19 Testing
At the current level of community transmission, COVID-19 testing will take place at all schools each week. Look out for information from your child’s school in the weeks ahead about how to sign your consent to have your child tested on a weekly basis to protect everyone from the spread of COVID-19.
Health Protocols in the ClassroomWhat does this mean for Educators?Teachers should review the section above for a full understanding of health protocols inside CPS buildings as well as complete the district’s required health training. Below, we have added a few additional details related to classroom instruction.
Social Distancing and Utilization of Space
Teachers should create 3 feet social distancing wherever possible using the following guidelines:
- Desk Arrangement:Teachers should arrange desks to allow for three feet of distance where possible. Desks do not need to be arranged all in one direction (i.e., students can face each other).
- Movement: We know that movement inside of classrooms happens often and cannot be avoided. Educators should create structures and design activities that reinforce social distancing whenever possible. (e.g., adapting “carpet time” to time in socially distanced locations, pulling a small group to two tables instead of one). When natural occurrences happen, students can be carefully reminded and redirected to maintain their personal space.
- Shared Spaces: Students are able to rotate using kidney tables, desks, etc., and routine cleaning of surfaces is recommended.
Keeping masks on, hand sanitizing, and hand washing will remain critical mitigation strategies in the classroom.
Sharing/Cleaning/Storage of Materials
Materials that are paper-based, including books, can be shared among students without cleaning in between use.
Given very low risk of transmission from surfaces and shared objects, shared objects may be utilized. Objects that may have gone in a student's mouth should be cleaned before sharing.
Cloth Face Coverings
CPS is providing each student with 3 cloth face coverings that will be given to all CPS students at the beginning of the school year. Students in grades PK-4 will receive pediatric-sized masks. For younger students whose masks may not fit properly to stay over the mouth and nose, parents will be informed and asked to adjust the mask or provide a mask with a better fit. Educators should continue to support students in understanding the importance of wearing cloth face coverings. Staff should remind/reinforce expectations around mask-wearing and allow students the opportunity to correct their behavior if out of compliance. If a student is deliberately not complying with the mask requirement during the school day, schools will respond with the following steps:
- School staff should engage in an individual conversation to remind/reinforce expectations around mask-wearing and allow the student the opportunity to explain and correct their behavior. Parents/guardians should be informed that their child’s failure/refusal to wear a cloth face covering is a health safety issue and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct (SCC 2-5). Parents/guardians should be provided with an official misconduct report for instances of deliberate non-compliance with the mask requirement.
- For additional instances of deliberate non-compliance, administrators or designated staff should have a conversation with the student and hold an in-person or virtual meeting with the student and their parent/guardian to create a plan that addresses the root cause of the behavior and immediately supports compliance with the mask/CFC requirement. Administrators should consider a student’s age, the impact of social-emotional factors and/or potential exposure to trauma, any identified disability, and other environmental root causes when working with students and families to respond to repeated instances of deliberate non-compliance with mask-wearing.
- For persistent non-compliance with mask requirements, administrators and staff should attempt to identify the root causes of the student’s behavior and apply trauma-responsive, restorative behavioral health supports. Exclusionary or punitive discipline (e.g. detention, suspension) should not be used as a response to non-compliance with the mask requirement unless the behavior constitutes an ongoing threat to the safety of others, available interventions have been exhausted, and the school consults with district/network offices to determine available options according to district policy.
Field Trips
All student travel must comply with the CPS Student Travel Policy . Student travel e-applications must be submitted in Oracle and approved by the Department of Policy and Procedures. Although in-person field trips are permitted, schools are still encouraged to take advantage of virtual field trips whenever possible.
Academics and AttendanceWith students returning to class full time, we look forward to more typical academic and attendance expectations. The section below details considerations that are specific to the school year ahead.
Instructional DayAll schools are returning to five days a week of in-person instruction and will resume their typical school day schedules. Schools have been given flexibility to adjust instructional minute requirements to accommodate health protocols and prioritize students’ social and emotional needs. The only exception to this guideline is for students who require quarantine or isolation as determined by the CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW) or CDPH. See Instruction for Quarantine and Isolation below.
AttendanceTeachers will continue to report daily attendance for all students on their rosters. Attendance will be marked according to regular attendance requirements. The only exception to this guideline is for students who require quarantine or isolation as determined by OSHW or CDPH. Please see www.cps.edu\attendance for more information.
GradingThe district is continuing its regular grading practices, which align with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidance. Students should complete all assignments and make up any missed assignments per the school’s policy.
Synchronous Instruction for Quarantine and IsolationPer ISBE guidance updated on 8/31/21, “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 or excluded from school consistent with guidance or requirements from a local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health.” In line with ISBE guidance, remote instruction will not be made available outside these guidelines.
The following sections provide additional details on what synchronous remote instruction will look like in the event your child is quarantined or isolated.
Full Classroom
Under Quarantine
Individual or Small Group of Students
Under Quarantine
Description
Teacher is only providing virtual instruction to students who are remote due to quarantine.
Teacher is providing virtual instruction to students who are remote due to quarantine and providing instruction to students who are in person.
Minute Requirements
Pre-K: 60 minutes of synchronous instruction per day.
K-8: 150 minutes of synchronous instruction per day. Schools should work to meet the minimum threshold across content areas.
High School: 50% of instructional minutes in the class section should be synchronous.
The remainder of the day or class should be spent asynchronously. During asynchronous time, teachers should provide additional small-group instruction, structured intervention, support for students in asynchronous tasks and formal office hours for families and students.
Pre-K: 60 minutes of synchronous instruction per day.
K-8: 25% of total instructional minutes for the day should be synchronous. Schools should work to meet the minimum threshold across content areas.
High School: 25% of instructional minutes in a day should be synchronous. Schools should work to meet the minimum threshold across all student courses in a meaningful way during the quarantine period.
The remainder of the day or class should be spent asynchronously. Teachers should provide asynchronous assignments as detailed below.
Assignments
Teachers must provide coursework that is aligned to current class instruction, aligned to standards, and responsive to the needs of diverse learners and English learners.
In the event that a student is unable to access virtual instruction from home, schools should offer students non-digital coursework to complete during the course of quarantine, and offer the student the opportunity to confer with their teacher if needed.
Grading
Students should not be penalized for quarantine or isolation status. Work should not be considered late; make-up opportunities and retakes should be offered to support student mastery of content without grade penalty.
Attendance
If a student joins virtual instruction they will be marked as “virtual.” If a student does not join virtual instruction, they will be marked absent as they typically would.
Digital Platforms
Schools should continue using Google Suite tools for remote instruction; including Google Meet for synchronous instruction.
Instruction for Student Testing and Unvaccinated TravelStudents who are awaiting a Covid-19 test result, or an unvaccinated student who traveled to a high-risk state or country and is staying at home in accordance with recommendations from CDPH will access take-home schoolwork from their school while they are home and will be marked absent-excused. When families notify schools that a student is awaiting a Covid-19 test result or is unvaccinated and staying home after out-of-state travel, they will have a 24 hour (school day) period to communicate with educators, students and families and prepare for take-home schoolwork to be sent home.
What does this mean for Parents?As is stated above, students are returning to school for five days of in-person instruction, with the exception of those who are medically fragile and attending the Virtual Academy. For additional information about the Virtual Academy, please see the Virtual Academy section.
In the event that a student is unvaccinated and requires quarantine or isolation as directed by the OSHW or CDPH, remote instruction will be provided. It is important to note that remote instruction will only be offered if a student meets these requirements. If your student requires quarantine or isolation, you will receive specific instructions from your school on how to ensure that they are able to access remote instruction during this period of time.
Synchronous Remote instruction will not be offered for students who choose to stay home, or who are otherwise sick and unable to attend school. If your student is awaiting a Covid-19 test result, or is unvaccinated and returning from out-of-state travel, they can access take-home schoolwork and be marked absent excused. Finally, it is important to note that parent refusal to take a child to school is not an ISBE-approved reason for an excused absence. Accordingly, if a student is absent from school due to parent refusal, the student will be marked absent unexcused.
What does this mean for Educators?With these guidelines in place, educators can largely return to the instructional routines typically used in a classroom while attending to their local unfinished learning plans and considerations.
- Continue to prioritize building supportive relationships, creating welcoming and predictable learning environments, and fostering social and emotional skill development.
- Continue to prioritize rigorous, grade level-aligned, relevant instruction.
- CPS Instructional Priorities and Instructional Core (includes Prioritized Standards and Learning Acceleration for All Resources)
Given the possibility that a student may require remote instruction due to quarantine or isolation, educators are strongly encouraged to continue some of the best practices introduced last year.
- Continue to utilize Google Classroom to increase access for students and families to your lesson plans, activities and assignments.
- Plan meaningful synchronous activities for students who are quarantined.
When school leaders are notified that students must isolate or quarantine, they will have a 24 hour (school day) period to communicate with educators, students and families and prepare for remote learning to begin.
When school leaders are notified that students are awaiting a Covid-19 test result or are unvaccinated and staying home after out-of-state travel, they will have a 24 hour (school day) period to communicate with educators, students and families and prepare for take-home schoolwork to be sent home. .
Specials Courses ConsiderationsEducators- please view the Special Courses Considerations one-pager for additional details.
Arts EducationInstrumental Music
- Classes and enrichment activities, during both in and out-of-school time, should be held outside or in the largest possible space with windows open, as weather, safety, and security allows.
- Students should wear a slitted mask while playing an instrument. The district will provide slitted masks and bell covers for in-school, credit-bearing, ensemble-based music courses taught by a CPS teacher in district-managed schools.
- Music Teachers should complete this form as soon as possible
- Culminating performances and events should be held outside whenever possible and social distancing should be observed. If events are being held indoors, universal masking must be observed in alignment with overarching CPS health and safety protocols.
- As instrumental music is considered a high-risk activity, weekly testing is recommended for all unvaccinated students enrolled. Additional guidance on testing procedures is forthcoming and will be shared as soon as possible.
- Students should not share instruments unless they are cleaned and disinfected between uses.
- Social distancing should remain at six feet as much as possible due to aerosols traveling.
Choral and Vocal Music
- Social distancing should remain at six feet as much as possible due to aerosols traveling.
- As singing is considered a high-risk activity, weekly testing is recommended for all unvaccinated students enrolled. Additional guidance on testing procedures is forthcoming and will be shared as soon as possible.
- Students should not remove their masks to sing unless medically allowed.
Theatre and Dance
- Students should engage in low intensity activity when inside and wear cloth face coverings.
- Dance studios and large spaces should be prioritized for dance and theatre classes, while maintaining three feet of distance with cloth face coverings on.
- Culminating performances and events should be held outside whenever possible and social distancing should be observed. If events are being held indoors, universal masking must be observed in alignment with overarching CPS health and safety protocols
Visual Arts
- Protocols for sharing, cleaning, and disinfecting of visual arts supplies should follow the guidelines laid out for all subject areas in the Health Protocols section of this guidance document.
- Gymnasium/Physical Education Designated Space: Gymnasiums and pre-covid designated physical education spaces should be used for physical education classes while maintaining three feet of distance with cloth face coverings on.
- Outside Spaces: Physical Education classes should be held outdoors when possible.
- Locker Rooms: The use of locker rooms is permitted and students should wear cloth face coverings and observe three feet of social distancing where possible.
- Intensity Level (activity): It is recommended that students engage in low intensity levels when inside and wear cloth face coverings at all times. Outside, physical activity levels should follow CDC guidelines and may include moderate-to-vigorous intensity levels when students are not wearing cloth face coverings.
- Aquatics: Aquatics may be taught if six feet of social distance is maintained wherever possible. Cloth face coverings should not be worn while students are in the water.
- Fitness Testing: We will provide more information about fitness assessments after receiving updated guidance from ISBE.
- Equipment Usage: Given the very low risk of COVID transmission from surfaces and shared objects, equipment may be shared, but hand washing and frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces is recommended.
SportsElementary and High School sports will be returning to their normal schedule during the 2021-22 school year. The Chicago Public League will be following the current guidance of the CDC, IDPH, IHSA and CPS’ OSHW (Office of Student Health and Wellness) as we implement the following safety measures for your students. Guidelines on sports processes and policies can be found here.
What does this mean for Parents?The full sports guidance can be found here, but please review the excerpts below:
- All students in grades 5-12 participating in extracurricular sports will be required to show proof of vaccination or be required to be COVID-19 tested once per week at their school.
- Parent consent for testing is required, so should your student not be allowed to test or cannot show proof of vaccination, they cannot participate in extracurricular sports.
- All students, players, coaches and spectators must wear masks at all times during indoor practices or competitions.
- All students, players, coaches and spectators are recommended to wear but not required to wear a mask during outdoor practices or competitions.
- Transportation restrictions have been lifted and busses can return to full capacity to transport students to competitions as long as all individuals on a bus are wearing masks at all times.
Spectator Requirements at CPS Stadiums or School/Park District Sites
- The state of Illinois has entered Phase 5 of their reopening plan, and therefore CPS will be allowing full capacity at all CPS venues.
- Spectators must wear masks at all times during indoor events, and are recommended but not required to wear masks at all outdoor events.
- Spectators must follow all posted, communicated, and/or advertised health guidelines at all times.
- Spectators should use hand sanitizer prior to contact with high touch points and rub the sanitizer until hands are dry.
For arts partners, please refer to the Educator section above for all discipline-specific guidance. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions specific to your partnerships.
Out-of-School Time (OST)Out-of-school time activities will take place as normal, including school/staff-led and partner-led programs. Schools and partners will be required to adhere to all health and safety protocols.
As a part of Moving Forward Together, CPS is investing more than $21 million in OST programs. This investment ensures that every CPS school has funding to support OST programming. Schools will be offering a greater volume and broader range of OST programming this school year.
What does this mean for Parents?Look out for information from your child’s school about Out of School Time programming opportunities this year. If you are interested in a particular kind of OST program, talk with your child’s school leader.
What does this mean for Partners?Vendors may provide in-person programming if they follow the appropriate protocols. If your organization would like to provide in-person programming, please reach out to your school principal or sponsoring Central Office department contact. If your principal or contact agrees that your organization should be considered for in-person programs, you must submit an on-site services application.
Note that, in order to provide services, vendors must have:
- An active vendor number
- An active partnership, documented through an open PO, services agreement, or grant award letter
- A current CPS background check on file for all staff serving students
Virtual AcademyIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virtual Academy will be a fully remote learning option during the 2021-22 school year that serves a limited number of students who qualify as medically fragile, meaning that they have documented health conditions or medical needs.
What does this mean for Parents?The application window for the Virtual Academy closed on August 6. Exceptions to the deadline will be granted for students who notified us of delayed access to medical care, are new to the district, or have new diagnoses. Find information on how to apply here.
What does this mean for Partners?All student-facing programs and services provided to the Virtual Academy will be delivered virtually. Partners providing virtual programs and services must comply with the CPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Details on the AUP are available at cps.edu/aup.
