The Warrior Parent & Family Update
Hybrid Return to School Plan - January 20
INTRODUCTION
Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday and winter break. We will end the first semester on January 15 in the current Digital Learning Model. We are targeting the beginning of our second semester on January 20 to transition to our Hybrid Learning Model, if public health conditions allow. If we are unable to transition on January 20 we will target February 1 as our alternate hybrid return date.
If you haven't had a chance yet, please revisit our updated MCHS Second Semester 2021 Hybrid Learning Plan (Click for Spanish version) since it is substantially different from our current digital learning model.
Ending the 1st Semester Strong
HYBRID MODEL/SCHEDULE
BEGINS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20
Orange DAY - Students "A-La" - In-Person
CDC & IDPH Guidelines
All students, staff, and visitors are required to wear masks to cover their faces at all times while indoors.
Parents must self-certify that their student(s) are coming to school without a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees or COVID-like symptoms. (A health screening and temperature check are required if students do not self-certify)
Students should maintain social distance in the hallways and common areas of the buildings.
Classroom and common area seating will be spaced according to distancing guidance.
No one space in the building can exceed the CDC maximum gathering limit.
Classrooms and common areas will be sanitized/cleaned each evening. Hand sanitizer will be located in every classroom, hallways, and common areas.
Self-Certification Process
Orange/Black Alpha Split
Face-to-Face vs. Asynchronous Days
Hybrid Bell Schedule
District Semester Calendar
Immunizations & Vaccinations
Freshmen and New Student Walk-Through
We will be planning a Walk-Through Event prior to the start of the hybrid schedule for freshmen and new students. At this event, students will be able to come to the building to get familiar with the campus and their schedule. Student LINK Leaders will be on hand to help with any questions.
The event is set for Wednesday & Thursday nights, January 13th & 14th.
Alpha Last Name A-La - 5:00-6:30pm
Alpha Last Name Le-Z - 6:30-8:00pm
An email reminder will be sent home next week!
Bus Transportation
If your student is returning to school on January 20/21 for the hybrid learning model and will need bus transportation you must submit the following form. Routes will be based on the specific riders on an Orange or Black Day in D156. Please submit a different form for each student in D156 at your address. If you submitted the form in October, you do not need to fill those out again. Stops may not be the same stops as in past years and route information will be placed on the district website prior to the return to school.
District transportation will be observing all IDPH safety and sanitation guidelines.
Building Logistics (This is Lengthy, but Important)
General Requirements: This document will outline the expectations and school procedures for students as they return to learning in the building for the 2020-2021 school year. MCHS is following the guidelines outlined by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC in order to reopen our buildings this year.
Masks: Students will receive a complimentary mask on their first assigned day back for hybrid learning. All students and staff will be required to wear masks at all times while in the building except during lunch periods while consuming food or liquid. If a student arrives at school without a mask, they will be given one (1) complimentary mask. Students and staff are expected to wear their masks over their nose and mouth at all times. If a student does not comply with this mandate, students will be warned to wear their masks appropriately. If students continually refuse to wear masks or wear them inappropriately, administration may revert the student back into the fully remote e-learning model for the remainder of the semester.
Before School (Entering the Building): Administration will work with school security officers and building staff to regulate student entrance in the morning. Students will be expected to report directly to their assigned classroom or to a designated location (cafeteria, library, commons). Students will need to have their self-certification in hand as they enter the building. If they do not have a self-certification, they will be directed to enter at door #15 where staff will conduct the health screening.There will be no congregating of students in the hallways before school.
Buses: Security will organize and hold buses when they arrive to allow one bus to unload at a time. This will help students to remain socially distanced as they enter. Students will need to have their self-certification in hand as they get off the bus. If they do not have a self-certification, they will be directed to enter at door #15 where staff will conduct the health screening. As students enter the building they will be directed to a location to wait until dismissed to their classroom as teachers arrive.
Drivers/Walkers: All students driving or walking to school are recommended to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the beginning of 1st hour. Students will need to have their self-certification in hand as they arrive. If they do not have a self-certification, they will be directed to enter at door #15 where staff will conduct the health screening.
Late Arrival (blended and 1st hour study hall) - Students are expected to follow the same procedures as outlined for self-certification.
Passing Periods:
During passing periods, students will not be allowed to congregate in the hallways, but must move directly to their next class. Students are also expected to “hug” the wall closest to their right hand, much like driving in the right-hand lane, as they pass through the hallways.
Restrooms:
Students are encouraged to use restrooms during study halls and lunches in an effort to minimize congestion in the restrooms during passing periods. If needed, students can use the restrooms during class but this should be limited as much as possible.
Lockers:
Students will not have access to hallway lockers during the day in order to reduce the likelihood of hallway congestion. The only time students will be allowed to access lockers is before school begins to store coats and other belongings, and at the end of the day on the way home.
Classroom Procedures:
Each teacher should review classroom expectations regarding student movement, social distancing, and student/teacher interactions. Teachers have the flexibility to establish these expectations in their classrooms. It is suggested that these expectations be posted in the classroom. However, ALL students and staff must wear masks at all times. Although group work is allowed, students should still be spaced 6 feet apart.
Media Center Usage:
The media center will be open to check out books or other materials as well as IT needs during the day. Students may use the library during their study halls, but must obtain a pass from the librarian. Students will be allowed to use the library for academic purposes only.
Nurse’s Office:
This school year, East campus will have 2 health office spaces in the building. Per ISBE guidelines, one of these spaces is a designated quarantine area for any student or staff member who may be exhibiting Covid 19 like symptoms. Students who are not feeling well should report to the nurse’s offices and will be screened prior to entering a space. Ill students will be assessed by the nurse and sent home if warranted. Furthermore, students who need to see the school nurse for medication, documentation, etc, should report to the nurse’s office.
Lunch:
Foodservice will be offered during in-person instructional days. All lunches served in the cafeteria will be plated or prepackaged. We will have multiple areas for students to eat lunch with no more than 50 persons per location. Students must wear their mask in the cafeteria at all times, unless they are seated at a table and eating or drinking. Students will be expected to socially distance (6 feet) throughout the period. The cafeteria and other common eating areas will be cleaned and sanitized between lunch periods
All juniors and seniors will be allowed to leave for lunch provided they are in good standing and have completed the required paperwork.
Meals will be available for all students free of charge during breakfast and lunch every day school is in session.
Blended Classes:
Students must meet in their assigned classroom for any blended course that takes place 2nd - 7th hour. Common areas will not be available for students during these times.
Study Hall:
Students are expected to log in to Study Hall (if they have one on their schedule) five days a week to take attendance and get extra support if needed.
School Counselor Visits
Students needing to see their school counselor are expected to make an appointment using Calendly or by emailing their school counselor directly. Appointments must be made during a student’s lunch and/or study hall. Drop-ins will not be allowed.
Water - Bottle Filling Stations
Students are encouraged to bring full water bottles to school; however, the bottle filling stations will be on and can be used. When using these stations students should place the bottle in the station holder, rather than holding it up to the water spout. These stations will be cleaned frequently throughout the day. Water must be consumed when sitting at a desk in a classroom.
After School Athletics and Activities:
Students participating in an activity or athletic program who are unable to go home at the end of the school day, may stay after school to wait for the start of their event. These students will be expected to stay in designated locations and will not be allowed to circulate through the building. Masks and social distancing will be enforced during this time. Students who take the shuttle to the opposite campus for athletic or activity reasons are expected to immediately enter and remain in the building until their practice time (East - cafeteria and commons; West - cafeteria and south commons). Students are encouraged to bring snacks and are expected to wear masks unless they are seated at a table eating or drinking.
The district will provide a shuttle bus from East to West at 2:40pm and a shuttle from West to East at 2:50pm for travel purposes. Activity buses will also run at 4:25 and 5:55 for students who need transportation home after their activity. On Fridays, an activity bus will run at 5:55pm.
PE Classes:
Whenever feasible and weather permitting PE classes will be held outdoors while maintaining the 6-foot distance between students. Face coverings do not need to be worn outside if social distancing is maintained. Students are expected to perform hand hygiene at the start and end of each class period or when hands are visibly dirty. Students are also expected to perform hand hygiene after the use of any piece of equipment. Handshaking, high fives, or other physical contact is prohibited. Students will also be expected to wipe down equipment before and after each use (i.e. weight benches, bars, etc).
Student Dismissal:
East students will be dismissed from class at 1:15pm. In order to avoid congregation, all students are expected to leave the building unless they are waiting for an approved MCHS activity or event. At dismissal, all students taking a bus home should exit the building through the back doors and immediately board the bus. Walkers and drivers may exit the building through any door that is closest to their classroom.
Even though most of these rules should be common sense, it is important that we all recognize and follow them accordingly.
Students can stay after the 1:15pm dismissal to meet with teachers during office hours. A shuttle home will run at 2:20pm.
Parking:
Parking is available to students free of charge during the hybrid. All parking regulations must be followed. In the event that we remain in hybrid for the remainder of the year students will receive a credit on their accounts if payment has already been received. If we return to full in person, students will need a parking pass to park in the lot and the parking fee will be prorated. Passes can be obtained in the main office.
Self-Certification Slip
McHenry High School East Campus
Email: prickettjeff@dist156.org
Website: www.dist156.org
Location: 1012 North Green Street, McHenry, IL, USA
Phone: 8153851145
Facebook: facebook.com/McHenryCommHighSchoolDist156
Twitter: @mchs156