COVID-19 Dashboard

Beginning in January 2022, we will update our COVID-19 case information on Sunday evenings on the COVID-19 Dashboard. While this represents a snapshot in time of the data, we continue to reflect upon the trends and are monitoring all factors as we make informed decisions about the mitigation and health protocols in our schools.

Health Guidelines During the Pandemic

Effective Monday, February 28, 2022: District 35 schools will be a mask optional environment for all, aligned with the CDC guidance. District 35 buses and school transportation will now also be a mask optional environment.

We thank our parents and staff for the care, patience, and partnership you have shown throughout all phases of this pandemic. We ask for your ongoing partnership to ensure that our schools remain welcoming and safe environments for all students to learn and thrive regardless of personal masking decisions. As we navigate this next phase, District 35 will lead with respect and empathy.

Parent Communication on Health Protocols:
- February 27th update to staff and families
- February 22nd update to staff and families

It is our shared responsibility to ensure we practice good hygiene and maintain a healthy environment for our students and staff. The steps to mitigate risks and care for our students and staff may be found here. In addition, the detailed FAQ from IDPH contains the latest information on health requirements in the schools.

• IDPH Health FAQs (updated 2.5.22)
• CDC COVID-19 Community Levels (updated 2.25.22)

- Criteria to return to school for non-COVID related illnesses

Mitigation Layers

District 35 continues to rely on quality layers of mitigation to support in-person learning in our schools. As with each stage of the pandemic, we will be mindful of future needs and are prepared to make adjustments to our plan as needed. Our Mitigation Working Group will assess current mitigation layers and share updates as the spring progresses.

District 35 ESSER III Funds

The District 35 community was provided the opportunity to provide input and public comment at the May 2021 Board of Education meeting as the Board had a focused discussion on the use of ESSER III funds for the 2021-2022 year.

The District 35 ESSER III Plan and recommended details may be found here.

Learning Plan for 2021-2022

We are pleased to share our plans to offer a full-day in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. Please see below to learn more details of the plans as presented on August 5, 2021 at our Board of Education meeting.

• Learning Plan Presentation Video with Dr. Catherine Wang - August 12, 2021
• SOUTH Updates - shared by Dr. Zonghetti
• WEST Updates - shared by Mrs. Zuhr
• CENTRAL Updates - shared by Dr. Mollet and Mr. Kim

We look forward to welcoming our students and staff to the new year. Please join us and share in our theme of belonging - belonging to community; finding our place, path and people; and acknowledging how the safety of feeling like we belong helps us grow and learn.

Parent Guide to Schoology

This year all our Kindergarten through 8th-grade students have been issued District 35 iPads and our teachers will be using several tools to streamline information and resources for students and families. Watch this short video for an overview of Clever and Schoology information on parent access to Schoology. Additional information on Schoology can be found in A Parent's Guide to Schoology.

If you need assistance accessing your parent Schoology account, please email edenk@glencoeschools.org.

What will happen if there is a +COVID case in my child’s class?

1. District 35 will work with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) to share information on all details (classroom setup, PPE in place, dates of attendance, etc.) and receive guidance on next steps. 2. All parents in the classroom will be notified and given additional direction on next steps. Determination will be made on shifting a class to remote should quarantine be required for > 50% of a classroom require quarantine. 3. All families and staff will be notified of a positive case in the school (while abiding by all privacy requirements). 4. Enhanced COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting will occur in any impacted area. Our nurses will assist us in reviewing contacts and additional students/staff requiring detailed notification. We will work directly with the health experts at the CCDPH to determine any additional needs to quarantine, isolate, or close our school facilities. No such decision would be made without the guidance of our local health department.

What are the cleaning and sanitation procedures for all areas of the schools?

Our custodial team has been fully trained in new protocols for cleaning high-touch and high-traffic areas based on the CDC Cleaning guidance. In addition, all cleaning products have been reviewed and updated to ensure the potency for COVID. The cleaning routines within classrooms, bathrooms, and high-touch surfaces have been increased. In situations where a table or work surface is used by multiple students or staff, the surface will be wiped down using a disinfectant cloth in between users. In addition, the district has added additional EPA-approved cleaning in the event of a positive COVID-19 case.

What enhancements have been made to the ventilation in the schools?

Within District 35, energy recovery ventilator systems have been in place for several years based on the requirements for schools. There is fresh air brought into all learning spaces in all three schools. We will also promote open windows across all classrooms to ensure the highest level of fresh air is available throughout the school day. At West School, the building is almost exclusively ventilated by a dedicated outdoor air system with an energy recovery wheel with the geothermal system. At Central School, approximately 1/3 of the building is ventilated in a similar manner while the remainder of the school is provided with outdoor air in response to occupancy per the recommendation of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidelines with the geothermal system. South School is exclusively ventilated with outdoor air in response to occupancy per the recommendation of ASHRAE guidelines. In addition, the district staff maintain a rigorous filter replacement schedule in all locations. The current systems and replacement procedures have all been designed and supported by a team including HVAC specialists, engineers, and Environmental Services specialists.

How will you address the social-emotional needs of students and staff?

The social-emotional well being of our school community is a critical area to support as we welcome our children and staff to the new school year. We are committed to the following steps across District 35:

How else may I support my own child’s social-emotional wellness?

Please enjoy these resources from the Yale Child Study Center and the Child Mind Institute to help families foster resilience in the face of stress and adversity. • First Aid for Feelings During COVID-19 • Managing at Home Learning • Regulating our Emotions The following additional resources can support healthy conversations with your child about the pandemic and the changes in daily life: • Has Anyone Seen Normal? • Tools to Handle Anxiety around the Coronavirus • Lessons on Parenting through a Crisis

How can I access my child’s SHIELD results?

If you would like to create your own account to access your child's results, please follow the directions listed here. If you need assistance, call (217) 265-6059 for support. District 35 will only reach out to share positive results.