Thursday, August 6, 2020 (Status Update) – 7:30 p.m.
Dear Families of Frankfort CUSD #168:
I have two updates to share this evening.
First, cleaning and mitigation crews did arrive at Frankfort Community High School today to begin the process to address the mold issue there. We again hope to complete this process and have clear tests early next week.
Second, we have been reviewing the information that everyone completed at registration on their student’s technology needs. We are now matching up the registered needs to the devices that we have. Our schools will be reaching out to those families who made those requests later next week so that we can coordinate distribution.
We will continue to have more updates in the days ahead. For now, we hope you are able to get out and enjoy this unseasonable weather. Please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Matt Donkin
Superintendent of Schools
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PRESS RELEASE ** PRESS RELEASE ** PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Frankfort Community Unit School District #168 Delays Start Date
Over the last five days, moisture and cooling issues have led to some mold growth in some classrooms on the third floor of Frankfort Community High School. The District has called in consultants and are contracting with a firm to mitigate this issue and conduct testing to make sure the rooms are clear to return to school. In the most optimistic scenario, the District would have the results by late Monday afternoon. More realistic scenarios put the “all clear” date later in the week.
Frankfort CUSD #168 was originally scheduled to welcome faculty and staff back to work in their classrooms in trainings on Tuesday, August 11 with students attending at the end of the week. The District cannot keep that planned schedule.
After discussions at their Board Meeting this evening, the Board agreed with the assessment of the superintendent and maintenance staff and suggested the following schedule that Frankfort CUSD #168 will follow as they begin the school year:
- Monday, August 17Teachers’ Institute Day (No Student Attendance)
- Tuesday, August 18Remote Learning Planning Day #1 (No Student Attendance)
- Wednesday, August 19Remote Learning Planning Day #2 (No Student Attendance)
- Thursday, August 20Remote Learning Planning Day #3 (No Student Attendance)
- Friday, August 21Remote Learning Planning Day #4 (No Student Attendance)
- Monday, August 24First Day of Student Instruction / Attendance
The District will have more details in the next few days on the make-up of that first day of school and the general schedule that will follow as it monitors its facilities and the impact of COVID-19 so that we can continue working with our staff and students in as safe a way as possible.
Updated information will continue to be posted on the district’s website, www.wfschools.org.
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Contact: Matt Donkin, Superintendent of Schools
(Office) (618) 937-2421
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Friday, July 31, 2020 – 6:00 p.m. (Weekly Update #5)
Dear Families of Frankfort CUSD #168:
Good evening. I lead off with the update that our Administrative Service Center should re-open on Monday after a quarantine period and illness has ran its course. We again thank you for your thoughts during this time.
That being said, there are still a lot of unknowns as we plan for a resumption of school. After holding registration this week, we have a better idea of the numbers that we will deal with participating in full-time remote learning versus those who chose the blended, in-person approach. Now that we have those numbers, we are working to figure out if we can move, feed, and distance that number of students in our schools. Besides dealing with potential outbreaks, these are some of the most important decisions that we have to make to be able to meet in-person.
Please know that if it comes that we cannot safely provide in-person instruction under these guidelines or if case illness numbers rise significantly in the community or if the statistics cause the State to put us in a different phase that we will be prepared to conduct 100% Remote Learning Days. We hope that everyone takes precautions so that case numbers stay low and we can stay in school.
If we are able to maintain our plan for blended, in-person learning, be aware of the following guidelines that we will operate under:
Health Screenings
- Only students and staff who are healthy should report for in-person learning.Students and staff are encouraged to stay home when they are not feeling well.
- We ask that parents ask their student if they are experiencing any of the following COVID symptoms before they send them for in-person learning each day: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, pronounced cough, fatigue, diarrhea, muscle or body aches, chills, headache, known close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, nausea or vomiting, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, or a measured temperature of 100.4 degree Fahrenheit or greater.
- We will conduct temperature checks on all students and other personnel as they enter the buildings.
Illness Procedures
- We will have procedures in place for when someone shows COVID symptoms at school.
- Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 or who shows any signs or symptoms of illness should stay home.
- We will follow CDC and IDPH guidelines communicated through Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health in cases of illness
Social and Physical Distancing
- We are developing procedures to ensure 6 feet of physical distance from other persons as much as possible.This expectation pertains to students and staff members in all areas and settings to the greatest extent possible.Visual reminders and indicators will be posted throughout the school buildings.
- Each school will coordinate bus loading and unloading, hall passing periods, mealtimes, bathroom breaks, etc. to provide for student and staff safety.Staff and students should refrain from physical contact, including, but not limited to, handshakes, high fives, hugs, etc.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Face Coverings
- We realize that physical distancing will not be possible for all circumstances.There is significant evidence that face coverings provide protection and decrease the spread of COIVD-19.In order to prevent the spread and to give us every chance to be able to successfully have in-person learning, the following will be in effect when we are in person:
- All individuals in school buildings must wear face coverings unless they are younger than two years of age; are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance; or if it is addressed in an IEP or 504 Plan.
- Face coverings must be worn inside school buildings and buses even when social distancing is maintained.
- Face coverings do not need to be worn outside IF social distancing is maintained.
- Teachers may utilize face shields in lieu of masks when educationally needed, while continuing to keep social distance as circumstances allow.
- We will maintain a supply of disposable face coverings in the event that a staff member, student, or visitor does not have one for use.
- After using a face mask, the front is considered contaminated and should not be touched during removal or replacement.
- Hand hygiene should be performed immediately after removing and after replacing the face covering.
- Gloves or other PPE must be used as needed when it requires close contact to assist a student. Frankfort CUSD #168 will provide a minimum of 1 reusable mask to students and employees.
- Employees and students may use their own face covering which must cover the nose and mouth and fit properly so as not to have gaps.
Hygiene
- Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing are keys to help prevent the continued spread of COVID-19.Staff and students must clean hands as often as possible with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol will be available throughout the buildings for use.
- Staff and students must avoid touching their mouth, eyes, or nose as much as possible.
- Staff and students should conduct hand hygiene each time upon entering the classroom.
- Hand hygiene shall be conducted in other situations as will be detailed in coming information.
Training
- Each staff member will complete safety training related to Frankfort CUSD #168’s physical distancing, proper use of PPE, hand hygiene procedures, and work station disinfecting.
Restrooms
- Restroom and hand washing breaks will be scheduled and coordinated when possible.
- High touch areas will be cleaned throughout the day.
Shared Materials
- Materials that must be shared or communally used such as electronics, iPad devices, touchscreens, keyboards, remote controls, door entry systems, etc. shall be cleaned before and after use.
- Individuals must perform hand hygiene between uses as well as before and after the use of books or library materials.
Required Physicals
- Physicals and immunization requirements for students remain the same. Families are encouraged to obtain these requirements as soon as possible. All physical and immunization forms must be returned by October 15.
Visitors
- Visitors will be restricted to authorized personnel only.
- Visitors who arrive at any building must always wear an appropriate and approved face covering and report directly to the main office for a wellness screening, including a temperature check.
Devices and Web Access
- We will have more information on this item next week. We are compiling the information from registration now.
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Extra-Curricular activities must follow the IDPH requirements set forth for the school setting including social distancing, appropriate use of PPE, and limiting the number of individuals in one space according to the State of Illinois’s current phase, and cleaning and disinfecting to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Athletics will follow the guidelines set forth by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association (SIJHSAA).
Special Needs
- The Office of Special Education understands the impact that the closures caused by COVID-19 have had on our students.OSE personnel and special needs faculty and staff from across the District are developing plans and procedures to address the various unique challenges that the blended learning model creates. OSE staff will remain in contact with our families of special needs students during the summer and through the 2020-2021 school year.
Transportation
- We are working closely with Illinois Central Bus to ensure procedures are in compliance with all the expectations that apply under state and federal guidelines.
- By placing students on a school bus for transportation to school, parents and guardians are self-certifying that the student is free of symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have a fever of more than 100.4 degrees. They will receive an additional temperature check before entering school.
- All individuals on a school bus must wear a facial covering.
- Seating on each school bus will be within limits set for groups of students.
- Social distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible.
- Students will be assigned a seat and must remain in that assigned seat each day and trip.
- Seating arrangements with respect to social distancing may be adjusted for students who live in the same household with other students.
- Students and families should be aware of procedures and expectations regarding transportation.
- Drivers and monitors will be wearing approved and appropriate PPE and will perform regular hand hygiene.
- Before the start of each workday, IC staff will undergo symptom and temperature checks to verify they can work that day.
- The CDC recommends that entities should “create distance between children on school buses . . . when possible.”
- School buses will be sanitized each day.
- Seats and high touch areas will be sanitized between routes.
Food Services
- Food service plans are on-going, from figuring out how meals can work if we are in-person to how they will be available for distribution for Remote Learning students. We will have updates next week.
Facilities
- Custodial and maintenance staff will receive training on the return to school guidelines to ensure extra sanitation efforts using properly approved products will be utilized in low and high contact areas including door handles, desktops, handrails, light switches, restroom fixtures, counter tops, and bottle fillers.
- Items such as cloth toys or other cloth material items that cannot be disinfected should not be used.
- Cleaning schedules will be created and be implemented for all facilities and equipment. Extra cleaning efforts will occur during in-person learning to address high traffic and common areas.
We will continue communicating and posting on Monday and thereafter daily as we continue to sort through the obstacles that we face. If information changes, we will let you know as soon as possible. Enjoy your weekend and please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Matt Donkin
Superintendent of Schools
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Phase 4 (formerly known as Stage 2) - “Return To Play” Plan – MODIFIED July 9, 2020
per
Illinois High School Association Guidelines
After modifications released by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) per further recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on Thursday, July 9, 2020, the following requirements must be followed at all times when conducting summer contact days during Phase 4 of the IHSA & Frankfort CUSD #168 “Return to Play” Plan.:
Contact Days:
Athletic Facilities:
- ALL Frankfort CUSD #168 athletic facilities will be made available following these Phase 4 guidelines.
Social Distancing Guidelines:
- Coaches MUST wear masks at ALL times.
- While INDOORS:
- > ALL students are required to wear a mask AT ALL TIMES.
- > Multiple groups of 50 are not allowed.
- > Students shall maintain social distance by being 6 feet apart at all times while not participating.
- While OUTDOORS:
- > Students do not have to wear masks AS LONG AS they maintain social distance by being 6 feet apart at ALL times.
- > When outdoors, there must be 30 feet of space maintained between multiple groups of 50.
- Please note the following guidelines while practicing indoors:
- > Weight Room (30 max)
- > Max Morris Gymnasium (50 max)
- > CJHS Gym (50 max)
- > FIS Gym (50 max)
- > Denning Gym (50 max)
- > Auditorium (50 max)
Health Screenings & Cleaning:
- Coaches must maintain a daily record of what athletes are participating including:
- > Conducting a temperature check at the beginning of each session.
- > Participants shall be removed from the activity if:
- Temperature is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Symptoms of COVID-19 are displayed including fevers, chills, cough, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of taste or smell.
- If a participant shows symptoms, they should not participate in contact day activities.Then, parents will be notified and the student will be referred to a physician for evaluation and testing.
- Students who test positive or who show the symptoms listed above will not be allowed to participate for 14 days unless cleared by a physician.
- Participants should sanitize or wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm water and soap, or use alcohol based hand sanitizer and rub until dry before touching any surfaces or participating in workouts.
- Weight equipment should be wiped down thoroughly before and after each individual’s use of the equipment.
- Frankfort CUSD #168 will implement diligent and effective cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces following the guidance of the CDC and IDPH.
- Participants are encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home.
Physical Activity & Equipment:
- Athletes who did not participate in Phase 3 (formerly Stage 1) are encouraged to follow the IHSA acclimatization schedule.
- Spotters are allowed in the weight room while masked.Spotters should stand at each end of the bar.
- Students shall bring their own water bottle, shoes, and towels.
- The use of locker rooms, shared water coolers, and fountains are still prohibited.
- Athletic equipment such as bats should be cleaned between each use.
- Other equipment, such as catcher’s gear, wrestling ear guards, batting helmets, and football helmets, should be worn by one individual and not shared.
- Shared equipment such as balls, thud pads, and sleds should be cleaned frequently during practices.
- No spitting or blowing of the nose without the use of a tissue is allowed.
- No handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, hugs, etc. should be occurring.
- Spectators are prohibited from attending practices.
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PRESS RELEASE ** PRESS RELEASE ** PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Friday, June 5, 2020
2020 Frankfort Community Unit School District #168 Meeting Schedule - Revised
The Regular Meeting for June of the Board of Education of Frankfort Community Unit School District #168 scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2020, is postponed and will be rescheduled for Monday, June 22, 2020. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Library at Central Junior High School.
This change results in the following updated list of regularly scheduled meetings of the Frankfort CUSD #168 Board of Education between June 15 and December 31 of 2020 originally approved at the Regular Board Meeting held on Monday, December 16, 2019:
* Monday, June 22, 2020
Monday, July 20, 2020
Monday, August 17, 2020
Monday, September 21, 2020
Monday, October 26, 2019
Monday, November 16, 2020
Monday, December 21, 2020
Unless otherwise notified with the proper and timely notice, the meetings will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Library of Central Junior High School, located at 1500 East Ninth Street in West Frankfort, Illinois. Meetings are generally held on the Third Mondays unless there is a holiday. Any adjustments of the Regular Meeting schedule with a change of venue, date, time, or location will result in specific notice to our partners in the media in the proper time frame.
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This list of Regular Session Meetings is provided as required in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Any special meetings held during the year will have timely notice distributed from this office.
Contact: Matt Donkin, Superintendent of Schools
(Office phone) (618) 937-2421
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