Concerned About Schools Reopening In Fall? Take This Survey

BOLINGBROOK, IL — The Valley View School District is seeking opinions of parents regarding resuming in-person classes this fall. Administrators sent out an online survey with options on how their children could return to the classroom.

The survey comes after the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health released guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year, adjusting learning for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent of Schools, Rachel Kinder, said in a release Thursday that there are "several requirements that will be a part of our routine when school resumes." The ISBE has summarized key guidelines that will be part of the district's Return to School Plan.

According to the ISBE guidelines, all public and non-public schools in Illinois must:

• Require the use of appropriate personal protective equipment including face coverings
• Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space; require social distancing be observed as much as possible
• Require that schools conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks, or require that individuals self-certify that they are free of symptoms before entering school buildings
• Increase in school-wide cleaning and disinfection

"It is important to note that these requirements are subject to change pursuant to updated public health guidance and changing public health conditions," the ISBE document stated. "School leaders should remain alert for any updates."

ISBE also stated that schools should prepare for a "return to remote instruction in the event of a resurgence of the virus or a second wave of it in the fall."

Parents are asked in the survey that if in-person instruction is offered, will their child attend school this fall under the required parameters of use of face coverings, increased hygiene practices, and distancing as possible.

The other question focuses on possible methods of resuming school in the fall. The options for those are:

• In-person instruction daily
• Hybrid (in-person and remote on a set schedule)
• Remote instruction only
• None of the above; the child will be homeschooled or provided with an alternative option for education

Kinder said recommendations are being considered for maximizing daily in-person attendance for the youngest learners and students in certain special programs. Middle school, high school and STEP recommendations being considered are geared toward a hybrid model of in-person and remote learning.

The district is also encouraging families to provide their own transportation to school and parents can provide opinion regarding this on the survey as well.

Kinder said the teams are now in the final stages of creating a framework and the Return to School Plan recommendations will be presented for approval to the VVSD Board of Education on July 20 during the regular meeting at John J. Lukancic Middle School.

"Once the board has approved a plan, we will send information regarding a webinar during which we will share with you the details of our Back to School Plan," she said. "Together we can continue to adapt to be as ready as possible to support our learners this fall."

The survey is due by July 15 and can be accessed here.