Heritage amends back to school plan

The Heritage School District has release amended school opening policies.

“It seems like many schools aren’t doing five days a week but we are going to try, but now also from the ISBE direction offering a remote-only option,” said Superintendent Tom Davis.

Heritage will be in session Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon.

The amended plan includes transportation information. The district will plan bus routes and shuttle schedules along with transportation health and safety guidelines after registration so they can determine ridership. Routes and times may differ from past years significantly due to the health and safety requirements from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Students who ride the bus will be supervised in a designated area at the school. Students who walk, drive or are dropped off will be allowed to enter the building at 7:50 a.m. and are required to report to their first-period class.

The district is also offering a fully remote option, as required by the state.
Students who have chosen the blended day option will be required to do an hour a day of remote learning. Families that choose a fully remote option will have students participate in remote learning with a teacher during a set time. Students will be accountable for all assignments and grades as if attending a school day.

Davis said the district is working on a certification form that will be submitted on paper or electronically for checking student temperatures and symptoms before arriving at the bus stop or front doors of the school. The district will also be using staggered dismissal and hallway times to increase social distancing.

Davis said the district is also planning on using gym and outdoor space for breaks and even instruction.

“To give everyone some room and space to take the mask down outside,” he said. “The gyms are a backup in case of weather.”

The district has also measured classrooms and other spaces and made furniture adjustments for distancing.

“Rooms have been cleared of other furniture to maximize student areas,” he said.

Davis said he wants parents to know that the district is hoping that they can have a successful start of the school year and then transition to lunch periods and a lengthened day.

“One barrier I see for schools having a longer day, however, is that remote learning only students will need attention and serving two distinct populations is difficult,” he said.