2020-2021 Return to School Plan

Click here for the complete return to school plan.

Executive Summary

Table of Contents

Section 1: Wellness

• Staff & Student Protection Plan
• Signs and Messages
• Physical Distancing
• Face Coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.)
• Hand Hygiene
• Training
• Required Physicals and Immunizations
• Temperature and Symptom Screenings
• Illness and Diagnosis Monitoring
• Reporting Illness - Students and Staff
• Contact Tracing
• Travel Screenings
• Visitor Plan

Section 2: General Classroom Procedures through All Stages

• Cafeteria
• Restrooms
• Shared Objects

Section 3: School Closure Plan

• Coordinate with local health officials
• School Dismissal
• Communication Plan
• Cleaning and Disinfection
• Extending the school dismissal

Section 4: Human Resources

• Staff Return Plan
• Remote Learning
• Travel Requests

Section 5: Technology

• Devices & Web Access

Section 6: Instruction

• Safety Education for Students
• Student Expectations
• General
• During Class Sessions

Section 7: Expectations

• Parent Expectations
• Teacher Expectations
• Teacher Communication Expectations
• Special Education Teacher Expectations
• Counselor Expectations
• Teacher Assistant Expectations
• Certified Support Personnel Expectations
• Administrator Expectations
• Student Support and Services

Section 8: Grading

• Music-Related Courses
• Driver’s Education Behind-the-Wheel
• Physical Education, Gymnasiums, and Locker Rooms
• Special Needs
• Extracurricular Activities
• English Learners (EL)

Section 9: Schedules

• Remote Learning
• Hybrid Learning
• Shortened Day

Section 10: Operations

• Food Service
• Transportation
• Communications
• Family Engagement
• Internal Communications
• Facilities

Section 11: Finance

General Questions

What is the return to school plan for the fall of 2020?

District 201 schools will begin the year in full remote learning. Students will attend all of their classes online, daily. Teachers will have office hours in the middle of the day, each day, except Tuesdays. Schools will be open for students who need Internet access, a quiet and safe place to learn, or need the routine of reporting to school to be successful.

Unfortunately, we cannot predict how long IDPH restrictions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be in place. Our ultimate goal is to have students back to in-person learning when it is deemed safe to do so. The district’s goal is to return to in-person instruction as soon as it is safe to do so in consultation and compliance with IDPH and CCDPH guidelines.

What will be the plan for student orientation days?

Orientation days are intended for students to meet their teachers, ensure their laptops are functioning properly, and to learn how to access remote learning for each of their classes. Over the three days of orientation, a student will attend one half day with no more than 17% of students scheduled to be in the buildings for each half day session and approximately 5-6 students, at most, in each class. Details will be provided by the schools in the next week.

Will I still be able to volunteer in my student's school? 

At this time visitors are restricted from the schools, so in-person volunteers will not be permitted until further notice. Parents who would like to help may contact the schools to inquire about other ways to volunteer their time.

Will there be a choice of remote learning spring semester?

Each school will provide information and discuss with parents options for students who are not able to attend school in person when we are able to resume in-person instruction.

Will Morton students have district devices for use at home?

Morton is a 1:1 district, so every student is issued a laptop. Students who have technology issues will have access to the TSI program for assistance. Click here for details.

What if I have additional questions?

Your child’s school is prepared to answer your questions and provide supports necessary for your child to be successful. Contact your child’s dean, counselor, assistant principal or the principal and we will help you.

Fine Arts, PE and English Learners Education

What's the district's plan for Art Education? 

As always, the wellness of our students is the highest priority for our district. Art programs in our district provide students with the opportunity to develop and or expand their understanding and confidence with such skills as problem solving, physical and cognitive skills, and development of motor and language skills. Furthermore, Art programs challenge them to think and use color, layout, perspective, and balance to represent and express their ideas: all techniques that are necessary in presentations (visual, digital) of academic work. Students will receive more information on course work and materials during upcoming scheduled orientations.

What's the district's plan for Music Education? 

As always, the wellness of our students is the highest priority for our district. Music programs in our district provide students with the opportunity to develop and expand their understanding and of such skills as problem solving, physical and cognitive skills, and development of social emotional skills. Furthermore, Music programs challenge them to think creatively while helping them to develop the self-confidence needed throughout their academic and personal careers. Students will receive more information on course work and materials and instruments during upcoming scheduled orientations.

What's the district's plan for Physical Education? 

The overall wellness of students continues to be a high priority for our district. Physical activity can support students’ overall health and well-being and help reduce stress and anxiety. Students will be expected to participate in both physical and cognitive activities that promote overall wellness.

How will English Learners be supported during remote learning?

Students schedules have been made to connect English Learners with teachers who are qualified to support students who are acquiring English. The School for Biliteracy content courses will be delivered to enrolled students to develop content knowledge and academic Spanish language. Multilingual lab classes have been identified to provide additional supports for students that will help them navigate the learning platforms, expectations, organization and social emotional learning. Additionally, teachers have participated in professional development this summer to learn effective curriculum planning and pedagogy that supports learning in the remote setting. Biliteracy coaches, who serve as part of the instructional coaching team, will collaborate with teachers to address student learning needs. Finally, additional school materials will be provided to students to ensure that they are prepared for success.   

Extracurricular

Will students participate in fall sports?

On July 30, 2020, the IHSA issued its decision on fall sports. Only Golf, Swimming/Diving, Girls Tennis and Cross Country will compete this fall. The IHSA has modified the sports seasons, moving some sports to winter and spring, and adding a summer season for some sports. See details here. The athletic department will provide further details to student athletes, as well.

What is the tryout schedule for fall sports?

Monday, August 10th  the following sports will be conducting tryouts: Girls Cross Country, Boys Cross Country, Girls Tennis, Girls Swimming and Boys and Girls Golf. For the full tryout schedule and procedure, visit the Morton Athletic page.

If my student participates in remote learning, will they have access to extra-curricular activities? 

Extracurricular programs are a vital part of our educational program, and one of the most important ways for our students to show their #MortonPride. The district plans to conduct any extracurricular activities that can be conducted remotely. The schools are working with activity sponsors to develop plans for clubs and activities. Details on how to participate in activities and clubs will be provided to students when school begins.

Remote Learning Schedule

What is the remote learning schedule for Morton 201 students?

View/Download PDF of the Remote Learning Schedule

How can I help my child succeed during remote learning?

1. Know the schedule and when your child will attend class 
2. Reserve a space in your home that is comfortable and interruption free 
3. Ask your child about the virtual class set up and class expectations 
4. Use the family’s home language to discuss and ask questions about your child’s learning 
5. Help your child be physically ready for school (ex. Eat a balanced diet, keep a regular sleep schedule and engage in physical exercise)  
6. Encourage and support your child, but don’t perform tasks for your child 
7. Pay attention to your child’s social emotional well-being and mental health.  Reach out to your child’s counselor for additional supports. 
8. Remain calm.  We are all learning as we go! 

Health and Safety

What health and safety measures are you implementing?

Whether during remote or in-person learning, District 201 is implementing all IDPH guidelines for health and safety. Every classroom has a hand sanitizer dispenser and disinfecting spray. Face coverings will be provided to students and staff. Social distancing will be enforced with a 6-foot distance between students in classrooms whenever possible. Gatherings will be limited to 50 or under in accordance with current guidelines. Increased and more frequent cleaning and disinfecting protocols are in place in the schools. Isolation spaces are available in case someone develops symptoms while in the school and needs to be evaluated or wait to be taken home. During remote learning all persons entering the schools will have temperatures taken and will be screened for symptoms. Meals will be grab and go to prevent students from having to congregate for meals.

Will students be required to wear a mask?

Yes.

What if my child can't wear a mask for medical reasons?

The school will work in consultation with parents and medical providers on situations for students unable to wear a face covering.

What happens if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?  

When a positive case of COVID-19 is reported to the school, the school will review the case, consult with the county health department, determine home isolation timelines, and notify those who may have experienced exposure. If a possible case of COVID-19 is discovered, the same protocol will apply. Individuals with pending lab results for COVID-19 will not be allowed in school until the results are received and reviewed by the school. All information shared for the purpose of COVID- 19 contact tracing is strictly confidential. Parents and staff within the school will be notified and we will seek guidance from the county health department if a shutdown of a classroom or school is necessary. However, it is not expected that individual cases will result in shutdowns.

How will families be notified if there is a positive case in my child's classroom/school?

Any notifications to families regarding urgent individual circumstances will be made by telephone, followed by written notification. This includes notification if your child does not pass temperature and symptom screening, becomes ill during the day, or has potentially been in close contact with someone who either shows symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19. Notifications to families for schoolwide matters will be made by automated call/text, email, and/or the district web site, as appropriate.

When should someone stay home?

Only students and staff who are healthy should report to the buildings, whether during remote learning or any in-person instruction (hybrid or full). Students and staff with any of the following symptoms of COVID-19 must remain home:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• A measured temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Congestion or runny nose
• Known close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19

Foodservice

How will school food service be handled? 

The following plan outlines meal distribution for students and families. This distribution plan has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or USDA. Visit the  foodservice page for more foodservice information.

During remote learning:

• Meal pick-ups will be available between 10:30am - 1:00pm.
  • Additional times at the schools are being considered, such as early morning.
• Students will pick up a breakfast and a lunch.
• Schools are identifying additional sites in the community for meal pickups. View/Download PDF of Breakfast and Lunch to Go Curbside Meal Pick-Up Locations.
• Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

What will the return to school plan look like for students in ASI (Adaptive Skills Instruction), FSI (Functional Skills Instruction) or Morton Transition Center?

Classes will begin Wednesday, August 19th. During the first three days, August 19th through the 21st, students will be able to attend one scheduled visit to their classroom virtually to meet their teachers to discuss how students will successfully participate remotely. Details will be provided to parents by the classroom teachers &/or the Special Education Department prior to August 19th. There will be NO bus transportation available until students begin the re-entry process.

Will my child’S IEP be followed? 

Yes. IEPs will be followed by staff. Students will receive the same amount of special education as specified by the IEP, provided by certified special education staff.  If you have concerns, please contact your child’s case manager. 

Will IEP meetings continue to be held?

Yes, meetings will be held before the due date, however, the meetings will be held virtually. You will receive information from the Special Education Coordinator at your child’s school.

If I have concerns regarding my child's social/emotional/learning needs, who should I contact?

If you have concerns regarding your child’s learning ability, you may contact your school’s Special Education Coordinator, or any psychologist in the building.