News and Updates

Dear District 205 Families,

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Leadership Team and Board of Education continues to support the Open D205 Plan as the best path to instruction and learning this fall. Within the scope of the plan, 85 percent of parents have resoundingly chosen in-person instruction to start the 2020-21 school year.

As previously communicated, however, we must stand ready to make adjustments to plans when the learning environment is compromised due to changes in the health landscape or the District’s ability to deliver quality instruction. 

As of today, D205 does not have a sufficient number of teachers who are committed  to report to work on August 24, 2020, in order to fully support any form of in-person learning. We are committed to ensuring compliance with ISBE, IDPH and CDC guidance for a safe return to in-person learning, and equally committed to allaying the ETC’s concerns related to the District’s ability to adhere to health and safety regulations and guidance. To this end, we are negotiating with the ETC, and we are making every effort to get the ETC leadership to commit to criteria for returning to in-person instruction if possible.  

The D205 Board will meet on August 11 to discuss potential solutions, including a possible delay to the start of the school year. August 11 is a regularly scheduled meeting for the D205 Board of Education. The session will be live streamed via YouTube at 7 p.m.

Delaying the start of the school year would afford the District more time to secure the staff necessary to properly supervise students and support its instructional programming. The District will make a concerted effort to hire the requisite number of additional employees but cannot guarantee that it will be able to achieve this goal. Therefore, multiple options will be discussed by the Board on August 11.

Additionally, based on the number of families selecting in-person instruction in grades K-5,  the District will not be able to provide daily in-person instruction at that level and maintain the requisite 6 feet physical distancing recommended by ISBE. (See an example of one of our physically-distanced elementary classrooms). Therefore, students in grades K-5 will have to switch to a hybrid model of instruction. Madison Early Childhood Center will remain in-person as originally outlined in the Open D205 Plan. Programming requests for four days of in-person instruction for IEP and EL students will be accommodated if possible.

Due to this change for grades K-5, D205 is allowing any elementary parent who is interested in switching their choice from remote to hybrid learning until Tuesday, August 11, at 5:00 p.m., to make that request. If possible, the District will accommodate these requests. Per Illinois State Board of Education mandates, if a family at any grade level wishes to request a change from the hybrid model to remote learning, such requests will be granted. In either case, please contact your child’s school to request a change.

We are deeply disappointed at this latest roadblock to moving forward with the Open D205 plan.  We understand the cost to the school community when a decision of this magnitude is delayed, and we will continue to work as expeditiously as possible to successfully start the school year. Please be assured that we will not hesitate to move to all-remote learning if local medical professionals deem it unsafe for schools to reopen. We remain firmly committed to Open D205 this fall, and we know our community does as well.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Moyer
Superintendent
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

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Additional Updates:

Interscholastic Athletics
Boys/Girls Golf, Girls Tennis, Boys/Girls Cross Country, and Girls Swimming and Diving will be offered per Illinois High School Association guidelines, consistent with Governor Pritzker’s recent declaration, provided that conditions and/or future guidance from the State of Illinois or related agencies or governing bodies allow for these activities to continue. Likewise, consistent with high school guidelines, cross country will be offered at the middle school level.

York High School will begin fall sports on August 17, 2020. An update from the high school with additional information will be forthcoming next week.

Substitute Teachers Needed for the 2020-21 School Year
D205 is looking for substitute teachers for the  2020-21 school year to help fulfill the Open D205 Plan. Consider becoming a substitute teacher as well as becoming certified to be a substitute teacher in the State of Illinois and applying for a position in our District.

If you have questions, please contact Director of Human Resources, Helen Romios, at hromios@elmhurst205.org

Parent responses related to remote learning and busing as well as schedule preferences for students with IEPs were due on Friday, July 31. The community expressed an overwhelming desire for starting the 20-21 school year with in-person instruction. The results can be accessed here.

Staff requests for accommodations related to in-person learning were also due on July 31. One hundred fifty-nine requests were submitted, and the Human Resources Office has been analyzing the requests as a part of the planning process to launch the 2020-21 school year and implement the Open D205: A Plan for Safe, Healthy, and Rigorous Learning for the 2020-21 School Year plan.

The D205 leadership team developed Decision Criteria to help determine the extent to which in-person, hybrid, or remote instruction is possible and/or indicated. The team has been meeting regularly and working through the criteria. We hoped to share more complete information today, but it is taking longer than anticipated to plan for how to appropriately staff programs and supervise our buildings. A thorough update to the school community will be forthcoming on Friday, August 7.

As a reminder, we ask the community to engage in a collective effort to continue to follow CDC guidelines on social distancing, masks, and handwashing, in particular. This collective effort will assist in opening our schools for any in-person learning. 

According to the CDC, traveling increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. We are recommending that families begin staying at home as much as possible as an additional safety precaution no later than Monday, August 10, to minimize contact with others for a full 14-days prior to the first day of school. 

Thank you for doing your part to remain well and to stay safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Moyer
Superintendent
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

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Estimadas Familias del Distrito Escolar 205,

Las respuestas de los padres relacionadas con el aprendizaje remoto y el transporte, así como las preferencias de horario para los estudiantes con IEP debían presentarse antes del viernes 31 de Julio. La comunidad expresó un deseo abrumador de comenzar el año escolar 20-21 con instrucción en persona. Se puede acceder a los resultados aquí .

El 31 de Julio, las solicitudes de acomodo de personal relacionadas con el aprendizaje en persona debían presentarse también. Se presentaron ciento cincuenta y nueve solicitudes, y la Oficina de Recursos Humanos ha estado analizando las solicitudes como parte del proceso de planificación para la apertura escolar 2020-21 e implementar el plan Open D205/ Apertura D205: Un Plan Seguro, Saludable y de Aprendizaje Riguroso para el año escolar 2020-21.

El Equipo de Liderazgo D205 desarrolla Criterios de Decisión para ayudar a determinar la medida en que la instrucción en persona, híbrida o remota es posible y/ indicada. El equipo se ha estado reuniendo regularmente y trabajando a través de los criterios. Esperábamos compartir información más completa hoy, pero está tomando más tiempo de lo previsto para planificar cómo asignar personal adecuadamente a los programas y supervisar nuestros edificios. El viernes 7 de Agosto se enviará una actualización exhaustiva a la comunidad escolar.

Como recordatorio, para que las escuelas estén abiertas a cualquier forma de aprendizaje en persona, la comunidad debe participar en un esfuerzo colectivo para seguir las pautas de los CDC (Centros para el control y la prevención de enfermedades) sobre distanciamiento social, máscaras y lavado de manos, en particular.

De acuerdo a CDC, viajar aumenta el riesgo de contraer y propagar COVID-19. Quedarse en casa es la mejor manera de protegerse y proteger a otros del COVID-19. Recomendamos que las familias comiencen a quedarse en casa tanto como sea posible como medida de precaución adicional a más tardar el lunes 10 de Agosto, para minimizar el contacto con otros durante 14 días completos antes del primer día de clases.

Por favor haga su parte para mantenerse bien y mantenerse seguro.

Sinceramente,

Distrito Escolar Unidad Comunitaria 205, Elmhurst
Superintendente Escolar
Dr. David Moyer

Dear District 205 Families and Staff,

Friday, July 31, at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline for families to complete their intent to opt for the Remote Learning Option, indicate preferences for students with IEPs, and interest in utilizing D205 busing services for the 2020-21 school year. D205 staff also have until the end of the business day on Friday to submit medical exemption notices.

If you have responded, you do not need to resubmit. If you change your mind from your initial response, please resubmit. Your most recent response will be time stamped, and that will be the response that is counted. In order to register your initial response or resubmit a response, the form is available in both English and Spanish. Please see a list of Open D205 information resources at the end of this letter that will be helpful in making your final decisions.

Based on the questions that we are receiving and the progress we are making in finalizing plans to launch the 2020-21 school year, the following updated/additional information is being shared with you this week:

Student, Teacher and Staff Safety
The health and safety of our students, teachers and staff is the first foundational principle of the Open D205 plan. To date, the District is projecting that it will invest approximately a half million dollars this school year to provide for the safety of all students and staff. Examples of measures being implemented or considered include but are not limited to:

• Developing a health/self-certification app for parents and staff to verify wellness daily.
• Increasing space in classrooms to support proper social distancing by storing extra classroom furniture and equipment in trailers.
• Creating hybrid schedules to support social distancing.
• Establishing district-wide criteria to change to remote learning if in-person or hybrid conditions are deemed unsafe
• Revising building operations to support social distancing and prevent transmission, including prohibiting the usage of lockers, signage, adjusting traffic patterns, changing room assignments, modifying pick-up and drop-off procedures, hosting virtual orientation and community events, changing out tables for desks and reconfiguring classrooms. See sample classroom configurations as drafted by Wight & Co., the architects for D205.
• Supporting medical exemptions for employees who are in a high-risk category
• Intensifying cleaning protocols to follow prescribed guidelines (e.g., lunch rooms cleaned in between shifts, wiping down classrooms any time new groups use a room, intense daily disinfecting of public areas as well as routine and frequent cleaning/disinfecting of high touch areas, etc.)
• Establishing isolation rooms if people begin to feel ill, quarantine procedures for students and employees, who may feel ill or are awaiting test results
• Purchasing district-provided masks for employees and students
• Distributing sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in all classrooms
• Using tents to extend the cafeteria/eating area to expand the social distancing space to include outdoor lunch opportunities when weather permits.
• Hiring additional lunch supervisors
• Allowing elementary specials to be held in classrooms and other measures to prevent co-mingling of groups

Health/Self-Certification
The health and wellness of our students, teachers and staff depends on a daily symptom assessment and verification before leaving home. A remote app has been developed for families to complete the health/self-certification process. Information on specific school-based procedures will be included in parent handbooks. In general, students will be assigned specific doors for entry and self-certification will be verified. Students who have not completed the process will be directed to a second location for an active temperature check by the school nurse or another school employee before they will be allowed to enter the building. 

We have received many questions about communication in the event of a COVID-19 exposure or positive case. Per CDC guidelines, D205 will coordinate with local health officials to communicate possible and confirmed COVID-19 exposures and cases. Any communication will adhere to the following measures:

• Avoid potential stigma and discrimination.
• Maintain confidentiality of the student or staff member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

Face Coverings
Face coverings/face masks provide a simple barrier that has been proven to greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The use and wearing of masks and face coverings by all persons in the school building will be strictly enforced. Students and staff with disabilities who are unable to wear a face covering may be provided reasonable accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable law. 

The Open D205 plan speaks to face masks on pages 5 and 6 if you would like more information. 

Remote Learning
Based on recent guidance from the ISBE, families requesting Remote Learning must be offered the option to do so. Therefore, families who initially select in-person or hybrid instruction will be able to change to remote learning at any time. However, families who elect for remote instruction will not be able to change to in-person instruction until January 2021.

To date, approximately 85% of our parents would like to see in-person or hybrid learning environments for their children. However, this will only be possible if there are enough teachers willing to report to work. A number of teachers have or intend to participate in site level planning to implement the Open D205 plan. However, to date, after several attempts by the administration to initiate a conversation about how to safely open schools and plan for optimal student learning, union leadership has not been willing to come to the table to reach a mutual agreement about how to best achieve this goal.

The District will continue to work through the logistics of providing a safe environment for students, teachers, and staff and supporting grade level schedules. It is possible that some adjustments to the original plan will be required when this information is available. For example, based on class sizes, the elementary schools may need to move to a hybrid schedule to ensure proper social distancing in grades K-5. 

Teachers will be offered the opportunity to participate in Remote Learning professional development sessions this summer and Professional Learning Days on August 19-21 are dedicated exclusively to Remote Learning, including working with Zoom as a distance learning tool to increase synchronous instruction. District administration will provide a full report on Remote Learning, summer professional learning, and the professional learning plan for the 2020-21 school year at the August 11, 2020 D205 Board of Education meeting.

All-Day Kindergarten
Currently, in-person instruction five days/week is an option for students in grades EC-5. Remote Learning for kindergarten students will be consistent with the all-day curriculum. Families who were accepted in the all-day kindergarten program and wish to change to the half-day program may do so but they will lose their $270 deposit. The student will also have to remain at the school that they are currently assigned for this year of kindergarten, and busing will not be provided. The full-day program will be implemented in both the in-person and remote model. The full-day remote program for children will be the equivalent of five hours of learning and instruction daily. The half-day remote program will be the equivalent of 2.5 hours of learning and instruction. For more information about what the students will experience as a part of this program, visit remote all-day program.

Lunch
The District will continue to provide meal service to students. The meal service program will be a combination of in-school serving and a “grab & go” program similar to the one implemented in spring of 2020. However, due to safety considerations, students will not be able to leave campus during lunch. The D205 Facilities Department is working to extend and maximize the social distancing spaces needed during lunch/meal service. Tents have been ordered for elementary schools to allow for as many students as possible to eat lunch outdoors when weather permits.

We also are committed to hiring additional lunch supervisors to ensure proper supervision and cleaning. If you or anybody you know is interested in serving in this capacity and helping ensure that in-person and hybrid instruction is possible, please apply or encourage others to apply here.

Fall Sports
The IHSA Board of Directors met today and an announcement on fall sports was planned for this afternoon. Prior to its scheduled press conference, Governor Pritzker announced his guidelines for youth sports. Recently, the IESA, an organization for elementary sports participation similar to the IHSA, announced that its fall sports series' have been canceled. Though D205 is not officially a member of the IESA, it is following its position that middle school sports are canceled for the fall.

As it currently stands, D205 will follow the Governor's and IHSA guidelines for participation, provided that York High School is in session for hybrid instruction. If it is deemed unsafe for hybrid learning that includes appropriate social distancing guidelines, then the District will correspondingly deem it unsafe for non-virtual extracurricular participation.

An official District statement on high school participation will follow, but the District is bound by the parameters of the Governor's position. The latest restrictions are available on the Restore Illinois website.

Planning Ahead
Thank you for completing the Remote Learning Opt-In and Busing selection Form for the 2020-21 school year by the deadline this Friday, July 31 at 5 p.m. We understand the importance of this choice. It is very personal for each family and unique for each child. As the results from families and staff are processed, District leadership will be able to determine any staffing shortfalls for the upcoming school year. Coupled with DuPage County health data, a recommendation will be made to the D205 Board of Education on whether it is safe and possible to staff appropriately in order to open as planned for in-person and hybrid instruction on August 24. As charged by ISBE and Governor Pritzker, we will do our best to ensure in-person learning for the start of the school year, while we balance the learning and safety needs of students, teachers and staff.

Looking forward, we also continue to ask our community to make a collective effort to comply with CDC guidelines on social distancing, masks, and hand washing, in particular. Please do your part and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Moyer
Superintendent
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

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Open D205 Information Resources:

• Open D205: A Plan for Safe, Healthy, and Rigorous Learning for the 2020-21 School Year
• Open D205 Instructional Models: In-Person EC-5, Hybrid 6-12, Remote Learning
• Open D205 Responding to COVID-19 Reports and Exposures
• Open D205 Microsite and Open D205 FAQ. Please also note that the District has created an Open D205 microsite that includes an FAQ page, both of which will be updated in real time. If you have a question that has not been addressed on the FAQ page, submit it to openD205@elmhurst205.org. Please allow 48 to 72 hours for processing due to the volume of questions currently being received. There also have been recent questions about all-day kindergarten. Please go to the FAQ page for answers to those questions.

Dear District 205 Families,

The District 205 Board of Education on July 14 voted on a resolution to approve the Open D205: A Plan for Safe, Healthy, and Rigorous Learning for the 2020-21 School Year plan. The Open D205 document is a planning guide that will serve as a resource to develop detailed plans at each school site. As was stated at the July 14 meeting, additional and ongoing information will be forthcoming from the District Office and local building sites with specific details between now and the first day of school on August 24.

On July 17, the District sent a letter to families with a request for three pieces of information. One to determine the number of families that intend to opt for the Remote Learning Option for their children. A second question regarding preferences for students with IEPs. The third to determine the number of eligible families that intend to utilize D205 busing to transport their children to and from school. 

Since that time, people have reached out with requests for additional information to help them determine the best decision for their children. Therefore, we are including two additional pieces of information in this communication, which we hope will be helpful and have extended the deadline for responding to July 31 at 5 p.m. All responses will be considered final at that time, and you will receive an email from D205 confirming your submission after the results have been reviewed.

If you have responded, you do not need to resubmit. If you change your mind from your initial response, please resubmit. Your most recent response will be time stamped, and that will be the response that is counted. In order to register your initial response or resubmit a response, the form is available in both English and Spanish. 

The first piece of information outlines the three instructional models, (in-person in grades EC-5, hybrid in grades 6-12, and Remote Learning in all grades), with particular emphasis on guidelines for Remote Learning.

The second piece of information outlines safety protocols for daily wellness self-certification and procedures that will be followed in the event of a positive test for COVID.

The District has created an Open D205 microsite that includes an FAQ page, both of which will be updated in real time. If you have a question that has not been addressed on the FAQ page, submit it to openD205@elmhurst205.org. Please allow 48 to 72 hours for processing due to the volume of questions currently being received. There also have been recent questions about all-day kindergarten. Please go to the FAQ page for answers to those questions.

Our planning teams continue to work around the clock to finalize plans for the first day of school. All orientation activities for the 2020-21 school year will be virtual. A parent handbook also is being developed that will include the specific details you will need to know about the expectations and daily routines at each school. Look for more information from your school principal regarding the handbook and upcoming events.

Hopefully, you will find the following dates helpful as we move closer to the start of school:

• Aug. 11 - Handbooks released to parents and posted online.
• Aug. 11-13 - Principals hold individual school meetings to review the parent handbook.
• Aug. 13 - Transportation information sent to qualifying families of in person students. A/B lists released to families in grades 6-12.
• Aug. 17- Elementary class lists released.

Looking ahead, the D205 leadership team is monitoring the recent increases in positive COVID-19 cases nationally and in DuPage County and is prepared to adjust plans for the start of the school year in order to further protect the wellbeing of students and employees as needed.

In order for schools to be open to any form of in-person learning, the community will need to make a collective effort to follow CDC guidelines on social distancing, masks, and hand washing, in particular. Please do your part and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Moyer
Superintendent
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

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Estimadas Familias del Distrito Escolar 205

El Consejo de Educación del Distrito Escolar 205 votó el pasado 14 de julio para aprobar una resolución, conexión adjunta, ‘resolution’ de apertura del distrito mejor conocida como ‘Open D205A Plan for Safe, Healthy, and Rigorous Learning for the 2020-21 School Year’. El documento de apertura es una guía de planeamiento que servirá como recurso para desarrollar los planes detallados de apertura en cada escuela. Como fue discutido el pasado 14 de julio, habrá mayor información disponible en las próximas semanas a partir de hoy hasta el primer día de clases que será el próximo 24 de agosto.

El pasado 17 de julio, el Distrito escolar mandó una carta con una petición que consiste en sondear tres componentes de información. Uno es determinar el número de familias que les gustaría escoger la opción de Aprendizaje Remoto. La segunda opción es para sondear las preferencias de los estudiantes que tienen Planes de Educación Individualizada mejor conocidos como IEPs. La tercera opción es para determinar cuántas familias decidirán que necesitan usar el Sistema de Transportación en autobuses del Distrito para que sus niños vengan y vayan de la escuela. 

Ya en este momento, las familias se han acercado para pedir información adicional con el objetivo de determinar cuál es la mejor decisión para sus niños. Por lo tanto, estamos incluyendo dos piezas adicionales de información en este comunicado, esperamos les sean útiles y además, hemos extendido el plazo para responder al sondeo hasta el 31 de julio a las 5:00 pm. Todas las respuestas serán consideradas como su decisión final en el momento de recibirlas y usted recibirá un correo electrónico del D205 confirmando su respuesta y la información cuando los resultados del sondeo hayan sido revisados. 

Si usted ya respondió, no necesita añadir más nada. Si Usted cambió de opinión en relación a su respuesta original, por favor vuelva a someter otra respuesta. Su última respuesta será registrada con el día y la hora recibida y será la contada. En orden de registrar su respuesta original o volver a registrar otra respuesta, puede usar la siguiente conexión en inglés ‘English’ o en español ‘Spanish’.

La primera pieza de información señala los tres modelos de instrucción docente (Educación en persona de los grados de preescolar hasta el quinto grado EC-5º; el sistema combinado híbrido en los grados de sexto a doceavo, 6º a 12º; el sistema de aprendizaje remoto en todos los grados), haciendo énfasis en particular a los lineamientos de Aprendizaje Remoto. 

La segunda pieza de información señala los protocolos de seguridad para mantener la salvaguarda y bienestar diario, señalados en la siguiente conexión, ‘self-certification and procedures’ mismos que serían seguidos en el evento de que alguna persona tuviera un diagnóstico positivo del virus del COVID.

El Distrito escolar ha creado una pequeña página web donde pondrá toda la información de apertura y relacionada con la misma, también conocida como, ‘Open D205 microsite’; ahí encontrará una sección de preguntas y respuestas  ‘FAQ page’. Toda la información será actualizada conforme la situación  vaya cambiando. Si usted tiene una pregunta que no haya sido contestada, por favor mande un correo electrónico a: openD205@elmhurst205.org. Por favor espere de 48 a 72 horas para procesar su pregunta, ésto es debido al volumen de preguntas que en estos momentos estamos recibiendo. Hay también preguntas en relación al día completo de kínder. Por favor vaya a la sección de FAQ (preguntas y respuestas) para obtener información y respuesta a dichas preguntas. 

Nuestro equipo de planeamiento continúa trabajando alrededor del reloj para finalizar los planes que se llevarán a cabo en el primer día escolar. Todas las actividades de orientación para el ciclo escolar 2020-2021 serán este año de manera virtual. Se está desarrollando también un manual como guía para el estudiante y los padres de familia que incluirá toda la información específica de cada escuela y de cada director, la misma incluirá también las expectativas que esperamos, las rutinas diarias, etc. Por favor espere información adicional de su director sobre dicho manual y los eventos que se aproximan.

Esperamos que las siguientes fechas sean de su ayuda conforme nos acercamos al comienzo del ciclo escolar:

• Agosto 11: Publicación en línea del Manual para el Estudiante y para los Padres de Familia
• Agosto 11-13: Todos los directores escolares tendrán juntas escolares para revisar dicho manual.
• Agosto 13: La información sobre el Sistema de Transporte estará disponible para aquellas familias que califiquen. Será publicada también las listas de los los grupos A/B en las que su estudiante fue colocado si está entre los grados 6º al 12º.
• Agosto 17: Las listas escolares de los profesores asignados de primaria serán publicadas. 

Mirando al futuro próximo, el equipo de liderazgo está monitoreando los recientes incrementos en los caso positivos de COVID-19 en el Condado de DuPage y está preparado para ajustarse conforme sea necesario en los planes de apertura para el comienzo del ciclo escolar con el objetivo de proteger el bienestar de los estudiantes y empleados. 

En orden de que las escuelas puedan abrir para un aprendizaje en persona, la comunidad necesitará hacer un esfuerzo colectivo para seguir los lineamientos del Centro de Control de Enfermedades, CDC sobre el distanciamiento social, el uso del tapabocas y en particular, el lavado constante de las manos. Por favor, haga su parte y mantenga la seguridad y salvaguarda de todos.

Sinceramente,  

Dr. David Moyer
Rector Escolar
Distrito Escolar Comunitario 205, Elmhurst

Dear D205 Families,

Mid-Summer Greetings to All!

The District 205 Board of Education on Tuesday voted on a resolution that approved the Open D205:  A Plan for Safe, Healthy, and Rigorous Learning for the 2020-21 School Year plan.  An executive summary of the plan  also is available.

There is a significant amount of planning required to implement the plan between now and the first day of school.  The first day of school has been moved to Monday, August 24, to allow for three days of Blended Remote Professional Learning for teachers, allowed by Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order, to ensure that the District can effectively implement the plan.

A first step in that planning is to determine the number of families that intend to opt for the Remote Learning Option for their children.  Another important first step is to determine the number of eligible families that intend to utilize D205 busing to transport their children to and from school. Click the links to begin the interest survey in either English or Spanish. Please complete a separate survey for each child. This critical information is due no later than July 24, at 5:00 p.m. 

Remote Learning Option (During In-Person and Hybrid Availability)

In order to provide choice and support parents in making an informed decision regarding their child’s instructional experience this fall, the following are the central elements of the fully Remote Learning Option. Please note, that each of the elements are dependent upon staffing availability and subject to possible changes as planning evolves:

• Parents may enroll in the Remote Learning Option on a semester basis (i.e. opting for remote learning at the beginning of the year would remain the selection through January). 

• Parents who enroll their student(s) in the Remote Learning Option will use a district-provided device throughout the remote learning experience. 

• Students enrolled in the Remote Learning Option will have an assigned teacher and learning schedules to follow in alignment with the district calendar, days, and hours. 

  • The assigned teacher and course may involve faculty and students from across District 205.

• Students opting for the Remote Learning Option will be required to check into courses daily and complete assigned work. The current guidance from ISBE states that student engagement during remote learning will include 5 clock hours per day, consisting of instruction and school work.

• The majority of the five hours of instruction will be conducted online through a blend of virtual learning opportunities for students, such as synchronous (real-time) instruction and other creative engagement opportunities (e.g. various pre-recorded models and opportunities with the teacher - based upon the grade level and developmentally appropriate practice).

• Daily attendance and feedback on student work will occur with assessment results (and, grades) taking place where applicable.

• In grades EC-5, the intention at this time is for students to receive instruction in math, English, science, and social studies (as well as PE and some predetermined special classes, as staffing allows).

• In grades 6-12, there is a possibility that course offerings at certain grade levels will be limited, due to staffing availability, yet efforts will be made to honor student schedules to the fullest extent possible. 

Thank you again for completing the Remote Learning and Transportation interest survey by July 24 at 5 p.m.

The Open D205  plan is based on the best available current information and allows for the agility to make adjustments in real time to both support learning and protect the health of our students and employees.

With that in mind, a critical factor in the opening for in-person learning this fall is taking the necessary precautions to make this aspiration a reality. In Governor Pritzker’s July 15 address, he indicated that COVID-19 test positivity rates have been rising to the current level of 3.1%. If they reach 8%, the State will revert back to Phase 3, which will negate the possibility of in-person instruction.

Proactively, the District has suspended IHSA summer participation due to a positive COVID-19 test and concerns of potential spread to other athletes. The D205 leadership team will continue to monitor the impact COVID-19 on the school district and is prepared to take further action to protect the health and safety of students and employees as needed.

Following CDC guidelines, self-quarantining if returning from summer travel and using face coverings and practicing social distancing when participating in group gatherings is imperative. If we do not remain vigilant, the odds of returning to school in-person decreases significantly.  

Please be safe,

Dr. David Moyer
Superintendent
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

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Queridas familias D205.

¡Saludos de Mediados de Verano a todos!

La Junta de Educación del Distrito 205 votó el martes por una resolucion que aprueba el plan  D205 Abierto:  Un Plan para un Aprendizaje Seguro, Saludable y Riguroso para el año escolar 2020-21.  Un Resumen Ejecutivo del Plan  tambien se encuentra disponible.

Se requiere una gran cantidad de planificación para implementar el plan desde ahora hasta el primer día de clases. El primer día de clases se movió al Lunes 24 de Agosto, para permitir tres días de Aprendizaje Profesional Remoto Combinado para maestros, permitido por la Orden Ejecutiva del Gobernador Pritzker, para garantizar que el Distrito pueda implementar el plan de manera efectiva.

Un primer paso en esa planificación es determinar la cantidad de familias que tienen la intención de optar por la Opción de Aprendizaje Remoto para sus hijos. Otro primer paso importante es determinar la cantidad de familias elegibles que tienen la intención de utilizar el autobús D205 para transportar a sus hijos hacia y desde la escuela. Haga clic en los enlaces para comenzar la encuesta de interés en Ingles o Espanol. Por favor complete una encuesta por separado para cada niño. Esta información crítica debe presentarse antes del 24 de Julio a las 5:00 p.m. 

Opción de Aprendizaje Remoto (durante la disponibilidad en persona e híbrida)

Con el fin de proporcionar opciones y apoyar a los padres para que tomen una decisión informada con respecto a la experiencia educativa de sus hijos este otoño, los siguientes son los elementos centrales de la Opción de Aprendizaje totalmente remoto. Tenga en cuenta que cada uno de los elementos depende de la disponibilidad de personal y está sujeto a posibles cambios a medida que evoluciona la planificación:

• Los padres pueden inscribirse en la Opción de Aprendizaje Remoto por semestre (es decir, optar por el aprendizaje remoto al comienzo del año seguiría siendo la selección hasta Enero). 

• Los padres que inscriben a sus alumnos en la Opción de aprendizaje remoto utilizarán un dispositivo aprobado por el Distrito durante toda la experiencia de aprendizaje remoto. 

• Los estudiantes inscritos en la Opción de Aprendizaje Remoto tendrán un maestro asignado y horarios de aprendizaje para seguir en alineación con el calendario, días y horas del Distrito. 

  • El maestro y el curso asignados pueden involucrar a profesores y estudiantes de todo el Distrito 205.

• Los estudiantes que opten por la Opción de aprendizaje remoto deberán registrarse diariamente en los cursos y completar el trabajo asignado. La orientación actual de ISBE establece que la participación de los estudiantes durante el aprendizaje remoto incluirá 5 horas de reloj por día, que consisten en instrucción y trabajo escolar.

• La mayoría de las cinco horas de instrucción se llevarán a cabo en línea a través de una combinación de oportunidades de aprendizaje virtual para los estudiantes, como la instrucción sincrónica (en tiempo real) y otras oportunidades de participación creativa (por ejemplo, varios modelos y oportunidades pregrabados con el maestro). sobre el nivel de grado y la práctica apropiada para el desarrollo).

• La asistencia diaria y la retroalimentación sobre el trabajo de los estudiantes ocurrirán con los resultados de la evaluación (y las calificaciones) que tengan lugar donde corresponda.

• En los grados EC-5, la intención en este momento es que los estudiantes reciban instrucción en matemáticas, inglés, ciencias y estudios sociales (así como educación física y algunas clases especiales predeterminadas, según lo permita el personal).

• En los grados 6-12, existe la posibilidad de que las ofertas de cursos en ciertos niveles de grado sean limitadas, debido a la disponibilidad de personal, pero se harán esfuerzos para cumplir con los horarios de los estudiantes en la mayor medida posible.

Gracias nuevamente por completar la encuesta de interés sobre Aprendizaje remoto y transporte antes del 24 de Julio a las 5 p.m.

El plan D205 Abierto (Open) se basa en la mejor información actual disponible y permite la agilidad de hacer ajustes en tiempo real para apoyar el aprendizaje y proteger la salud de nuestros estudiantes y empleados.

Con eso en mente, un factor crítico en la apertura para el aprendizaje en persona este otoño es tomar las precauciones necesarias para hacer realidad esta aspiración. En el discurso del Gobernador Pritzker del 15 de Julio, indicó que las tasas de positividad de la prueba COVID-19 han aumentado al nivel actual del 3,1%. Si alcanzan el 8%, el Estado volverá a la Fase 3, lo que negará la posibilidad de instrucción en persona.

Proactivamente, el Distrito ha suspendido la participación de verano de IHSA debido a una prueba COVID-19 positiva y las preocupaciones de posible propagación a otros atletas. El equipo de liderazgo de D205 continuará monitoreando el impacto de COVID-19 en el distrito escolar y está preparado para tomar medidas adicionales para proteger la salud y la seguridad de los estudiantes y empleados según sea necesario.

Siguiendo las pautas de los CDC, es imprescindible la auto cuarentena si regresa de un viaje de verano y usa coberturas faciales y practica el distanciamiento social cuando participa en reuniones grupales. Si no permanecemos atentos, las probabilidades de regresar a la escuela en persona disminuyen significativamente.  

Por favor, cuídense

Dr. David Moyer
Superintendente
Unidad Escolar Comunitaria Elmhurst Distrito 205

As recently approved by IDPH and the IHSA, group activities of 50 persons or less are allowed and IHSA school based sport camps have been opened. Based on the social distancing and other practices that are mandated for sports camp programs, the situation for exposure provides less risk of exposure. However, all risk cannot be avoided and the possibility for transmission of COVID-19 does exist.

Over the past few days, several instances of possible COVID-19 exposure and positive cases have occurred. We have investigated further to review all of the circumstances surrounding the situations. Based on what we have been able to determine, there is great potential for the expansion of transmission among our athletes.

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our student athletes and coaching staff we are proactively canceling all York High School sport camps and athletics beginning tomorrow July 17, 2020 until August 9, 2020. No decision on fall sports has been made. Families will be refunded at a prorated rate for the days camps were in session. The York High School Athletic Department will begin processing refunds next week. Please allow five business days for the refund to appear on the credit/bank card used.

Our community is tight knit and above all, the protection of the health and safety of our community is our first priority. As we cautiously proceed toward re-opening, our focus must be starting school on August 24, 2020 as safely as possible. We are asking that families and staff exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines and regulations when gathering and traveling. Social distancing remains the best advised approach to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and we must continue to be as proactive as possible by exercising social distancing and healthy hygiene practices.

If you have concerns about your possible exposure or are not feeling well, we encourage you to contact your medical provider to discuss testing recommendations, the need for medical evaluation, and quarantine requirements. In the event your student develops Symptoms of COVID-19 or has a positive test result, please follow the recommendations for Isolation Quarantine and Isolation.

Here is a downloadable graphic from the Illinois Association of School Administrators that will be helpful as you are making decisions in your own home. Beyond social distancing, please continue to incorporate the following measures in your family’s daily health maintenance routine:

Consult your healthcare provider if you have a concern for yourself or a family member shows symptoms of illness, or if you are notified that you have possibly been exposed to a person diagnosed with COVID-19.

Staying home if you have been exposed to a friend, family or household member who is ill with COVID-19.

Staying home if sick until at least 72 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications).

Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands following the use of a tissue.

Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.

Wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth is required for any individual who is over age two and is able to medically tolerate a face covering (a mask or other face-covering) when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. Face coverings are required in public indoor spaces such as stores.

Cleaning and disinfecting your home on a routine basis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following guidance.

Eliminating all non-essential travel. Please consult the CDC travel advisories when planning. At this time, many states have widespread community transmission. The CDC has guidelines and consideration for those planning to travel within the United States.

As we process the news that this unprecedented disease has directly impacted our community, it is easy for fear and anxiety to rise. It is vital that we support one another with kindness and tolerance. Please check in on family and friends to make sure they are staying healthy.

District 205 is dedicated to keeping the school community updated as well. Please consult the Health Resources page of the District’s Open D205 microsite for updates.