CPS Jul 31 Zoom Q and A
July 31, CPS held their fifth zoom session with parents (the first one I attended). It had a feature to submit questions, and CPS answered some - the q&a transcript wasn’t released in previous sessions, so I decided to take screenshots and convert to text (I skipped the first few ?’s because they were about zoom tech issues or “we’ll cover this later” type questions). I hope this helps your understanding and Enjoy!
Amanda asked: Pre-K is five days a week. When will additional deep cleaning occur? Lauren CPS answered: deep cleaning occurs every evening, as well as cleaning of high-touch surfaces throughout the day.
Viviane asked:
If you choose to do 100% remote learning, do you lose your spot at magnet and selective enrollment schools?
Lauren CPS answered: If you choose to do 100% remote learning you do not lose your spot at your school.
Anonymous Viewer asked: If opting for complete at-home learning, can families send their children back into the hybrid system next semester, or vice-versa? Lauren CPS answered: Yes, families can opt out their students at any time. Families can opt their students back into the hybrid model at the Quarter (in order for us to maintain the pod model for students at-school) Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered: Yes, we will provide additional information when we release the opt—out information in the near future-
Sarah asked: The air filter in my classroom has not been changed in the five years I have been working in that room. You have said you will ensure HVAC systems are functional. Mine is functional but not clean. What will be done to prove that all air filters are replaced and that ductwork is cleaned as the virus is air borne? Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered: Hi Sarah, we will hear about ventilation from Chief Clarence Carson during the Operations section.
carrie asked: How much teacher led instruction will be included in the 100% remote learning option and who will be doing the teacher (i_e_ teachers from child's school, outsourced, etc)? Lauren CPS answered: Details about the 100% Remote Opt—out option will be released soon- We will look at the opt—out data to build an appropriate plan that aligns to the number of students who have opted out.
Anonymous Viewer asked: How will visual art, music, physical education be implemented? Lauren CPS answered: Students will still have access to all of their content. Teachers will be able to rotate across a limited set of pods.
Ashley asked: How will CPS be mitigating potential airborne spread in schools? How much is CPS budgeting for professional analysis of air quality, air flow and retrofitting of air systems to address proactive prevention of airborne spread? Lauren CPS answered: Great question. There will be details later in the presentation about air quality plans in our schools.
Maria asked: what is the plan for seniors to communicate with their counselors in regards to applying for colleges and scholarship? Lauren CPS answered: Seniors will have full access remotely to their counselors to work on post—secondary support. High Schools will also have the flexibility to bring in person seniors for post—secondary activites etc.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Will teachers be limited to their own pods? Or will teachers be moving in and out of pods? Lauren CPS answered: Teachers will rotate across a limited set of pods.
Darius asked: Definitely NOT in favor of full-time remote instruction for juniors/seniors, particularly because my child's IEP needs are very difficult to address remotely, as well as his grades, which have shown a significant decline since moving to a fully remote format. Lauren CPS answered: Schools that are able to bring in upperclassmen to school while maintaining the pod model will be able to do so.
michelle asked: What do surveys say — do teachers want to return? Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered: Thanks Michelle, we have survey data that will be discussed.
kathryn asked: Why are you cutting out Jrs/Srs? If it is safe to send younger students, why leave out the older students? Have you considered the educational and socio/emotional consequences of this move? Lauren CPS answered: The complexity of the juniorlsenior schedules does not allow for adherence to the pod model in most schools. Any school that can bring in upperclassmen while adhering to the pod model will have the ability to do so.
Zach asked: Will this be recorded, and if so will it be possible to get a copy of the recording? Adrian Segura answered: all sessions are recorded and will be published on cps_edu
Holly asked: Hi - Will you be emailing the deck to us that you are sharing? Adrian Segura answered: we will publish today's presentation and will make the live recordings available as well as the Spanish and English decks.
en asked: For families who opt out of the hybrid model, you've floated various ideas on what the remote learning options, including that it could be their child's teacher or if most student opt out it could be a teacher they know. What are the official options? Can individual schools choose to do all remote if major ity of their families and teachers want remote learning? Lauren CPS answered: The plan for the full remote opt—out model will be shared in the coming weeks. We will be looking at the data from parent opt-out surveys to determine the size of the opt—out population to build the best plan- Schools will not choose as a unit to go "full remote" the entier district will be either hybrid o r fully remote-
rebecca asked: How will you make the ventilation systems in the buildings safe for students and staff? Adrian Segura answered: we will cover ventilation in today's session
Nicole asked: Wlll deep cleaning occur between AM/PM sessions of PreK classes? There is not a lot of time in between sessions. Lauren CPS answered: Yes, additional custodial staff have been hired specifically to clean PreK classrooms that run half day programs.
Julia asked: Will each individual school do the temperature screening in the morning, prior to school? Lauren CPS answered: All families will complete an online symptom screener for their child before the child leaves their home. Then upon arrival at school, students (and staff) will have their temperature taken.
megan asked: What specifically will counselors be putting into place to have either in person or zoom meetings REGULARLY with seniors who are working to get into college? Thank you Lauren CPS answered: Absolutely, Counselors will work their normal schedules to provide remote supports to upperclassmen- Schools also have the flexibility to bring in juniors and seniors for counseling and other academic intervention activities at school.
Joseph asked: So can you take down the slide so I can see the interpreter? Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered: There's a way to adjust the size of the presentation on your screen. If you drag the middle bar to the left, it will cause the grid of photos on the right to get bigger. After that, you can put your mouse on the interpreter and right click. You will then be able to select "Ping Video".
Eliot asked: I’m wondering how pods will work in high school for a student with IEP enrolled in, for example, self contained Algebra but inclusion English and general education science- Lauren CPS answered: Students will have access to all learnino environments as desionated in their lEPs and will be counted in the oen ed classroom DOd to ensure that thev have access. clara asked: How will specials work? Will specialist teachers interact with the whole school or will they be teaching virtually? Lauren CPS answered: Teachers will be able to rotate across a limited set of pods.
Yan asked: My building was built in 1969. I hear the ventilation system should be flushed before & after school. How do we know if our school's ventilarion system can do that? Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered:
Hello Yanina, we are going to discuss ventilation during the Operations section and it's one of our top 5 frequently asked questions. Appreciate your question.
Lana asked: What if students dont wear their mask? What will happen? Lauren CPS answered: Wearing a mask is a requirement from the Illinois State Board of Education. Our Social Emotional Learning team has created guidance and training as well as additional language in our Student Code of Conduct to help teachers and administrators encourage the use/following of all health protocol 5 including the wearing of masks.
Emily asked: If CPS does the A/B schedule, will parents have a voice in which days their child attends? Lauren CPS answered: School leaders will create their A/B schedules using a family first model where all siblings will be on the same schedule.
Tiffany asked: If deep cleaning will be done in schools on Wednesdays, how will PreK & cluster classrooms be safe since during cleaning time since they will be required to be there on Wednesday's? Lauren CPS answered:
Deep cleaning happens in every classroom, every day. The additional cleaning on Wednesdays in K—10 classrooms is necessary because the student population changes.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Will a full virtual/remote learning option be available to students/families if it we choose to opt out of your hybrid model? Lauren CPS answered: Yes, any family that opts out of hybrid learning will attend a full remote model.
David asked: What type of face coverings will the teachers be required to wear? Lauren CPS answered: Anvnne. over the.age of 2 is renuired to wear a cloth face cnverinn while in a school huildinn in Illinois
Anonymous Viewer asked: Will CPS supply schools with masks and hand sanitizer, or will parents and teachers have to acquire supplies on their own? Lauren CPS answered: 3 masks will be provided for all staff and all students. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes will be provided for every classroom as well as sanitizer dispensers outside of every classroom.
Nancy asked: What if our students can't afford face masks? Or what if they come in with dirty face masks? Lauren CPS answered: 3 Face Masks are being purchased by the district for every student and staff member.
Anonymous Viewer asked: If my child attends a selective enrollment school, but our family opts for the full-remote option, will my child be able to eventually return to in-person instruction at the selective enrollment school? Lauren CPS answered: Yes. Any student who opts-out remains enrolled in their school.
Anonymous Viewer asked: myjunior struggled at the end of last school time due to eleaming. I feel she is better in a in school instruction. will junior's and seniors be able to attend school? Lauren CPS answered: Any school who can bring in juniors and seniors for hybrid learning will have the ability to do so. In many schools, the complexity ofjunior and senior schedules does not make this possible.
Anonymous Viewer asked: How can you ensure that counselors, social workers, nurses, specials teachers, and middle school teachers do no become super Spreaders since they will be interacting with the largest population, with some of the positions interacting with all students at some point or another Lauren CPS answered: All staff in the building will first be assigned to pod sets. If a staff member (like a social worker) needs to provide services to students across pod sets, they will either a. provide this service remotely from the school (ie. the social worker and student are on a Google Meet in different areas in the buil ding) or b- using strict social distancing (ie- in a large space, at least 6ft apart)
Kristin asked: Please confirm if I choose full remote option, my children remain a student at their school. They do not lose their seat and may return to in—person at the beginning of the next quarter. Lauren CPS answered: Correct, any student that opts-out of hybrid learning is still enrolled in their school.
Kendra asked: When and how will mask be distributed? Will distribution continue beyond the first day of school? Lauren CPS answered: Mask distribution will be managed at the school level. All students and staff will receive 3 masks, and all masks will arrive before the first day of school. There will also be a set of disposable masks at each school in the event that anyone arrives without a mask.
Leah asked: Are you providing teachers with PPE? Are you providing students with PPE? Lauren CPS answered: all staff and students are receiving 3 cloth face coverings. staff members with roles that require additional PPE will receive that PPE from the district as well.
Julie asked: Will siblings at the same school attend in-person on the same days in the hybrid model? Lauren CPS answered: Yes- school leaders will create their shifts using a family—first model and schedule all siblings on the same shift.
michelle asked: Can you provide what a sample day will look like for students attending 2 days of in-person instruction? Breaking out how much time will be focused on learning vs. non-educational activities, such as temp checks, sanitizing, etc? Lauren CPS answered: Great question. Arrival procedures will take more time this year. School leaders are working on the most efficient building entry procedures to allow for temp checks, hand washing or sanitizing, and confirmation of the symptom screener- We are releasing scheduling guidance to support schools in ensuring that that time does not interfer with instructional time.
Nancy asked: What will happen if a child is sick and a parent either refuses to pick him or her up? What if they give their kids Tylenol to mask a fever? These are things that happen. Lauren CPS answered: Acare room will be available in each building where students who exhibit symptoms will wait until their parents pick them u p.
Amanda asked: Is it possible to start with complete at—home and then come back to the hybrid system? Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered:
Yes, we will outline the parameters when we release the opt—out information.
ak asked: My child is Special ed. elememtary school. The classes are already small. Will they be allowed to attend school all day/ like a regular day? Remote learning is questionable for them Lauren CPS answered: Schools that have flexiblity to bring in students for additional at-school days will be able to (ie. a small classroom that can socially distance with all students in person)
kathryn asked: What steps has CPS taken to improve its remote learning? Last spring it was basically homework packets online- Not instructional. How will you teach AP classes remotely? Lauren CPS answered: New Remote Learning Guidance will be released in the coming weeks aligned to the new ISBE standards as well as the feedback from staff and family members.
A asked:
What if a teacher calls in sick? who will teach their pod? If a substitute is not available that jeopardizes the other teachers and their pods. Lauren CPS answered: Schools are being provided with Cadre subs, and we are limiting the movement of day -to-day subs to maintain the integrity of our pods.
Jennifer asked: Half—day prek rooms only have an hour between am &pm sessions. How is that room going to be deep cleaned between groups? Lauren CPS answered: We have hired additional custodians specifically to support the midday cleaning for half—day prek programs.
Anonymous Viewer asked: How are the air exchange systems being controlled? What upgrades are they giving to the HVAC system? Lauren CPS answered: this is coming up later in the presentation
Alison asked: What will remote learning look like for our youngest children who are unable to sit in front of a screen for hours a day and complete assignments independently? Lauren CPS answered: Remote learning will be a balance of screentime as well as developmentally appropriate activities off of a screen-
Bryan asked: If you have siblings in a school and one child's "pod" has a positive test will the sibling of that child's "pod" be put into quarantine as well? Lauren CPS answered: Quarantines are required for first-level contacts only.
Jenny asked: How can you ensure that pods will be 15 or under when classes are larger than 30? Lauren CPS answered: Pod sizes will be determined by the square footage of each room, and what room capacity allows for social distancing.
jkb asked: I don't think my question is coming through because it has not been answered yet, but I will try again! how many additionally custiodians will EACH school building get to support the extra needed cleaning? Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered: Hi JK, Chief Carson will address this question. We are hiring an additional 400 custodians citywide to support schools.
ana asked: Why are citywide exercise classes limited to 10 people, but classrooms will have "approcimately" 15 people? Lauren CPS answered: Pod sizes are determined by classroom square footage and the number that allows social distancing.
So asked: will there be a replay of this presentation made available? thanks! Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered: Yes! We will post presentations from the week on our website-
Anonymous Viewer asked: As a teacher with 128, students I will still be exposed to them all in the week. But my question is, are they supposed to switch into my room, or are teachers supposed to move to where the kids stay in one room? I will be tough to bring all my science lab supplies from room to room, but I also thought you didn't want kids switching classes throughout the day. Speaking of the science lab supplies, can kids touch them? Can they do labs? I only have materials for 8 people, can they share? Partner? Lauren CPS answered: Teachers will rotate vs. students to reduce the movement that would happen in hallways. Material sharing will be limited, but sanitizing wipes will be available. Use of a shared space like a science lab is allowable if it is cleaned in between use of different pods.
Julia asked: Thank you for this presentation- What is the process for parents opting out of in-person instruction and attendance? Lauren CPS answered: All parents will receive a form that allows them to opt out of hybrid learning.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Will this presentation recording be available? I'm having difficulties listening but this is very good information I'd like to revisit. Lauren CPS answered: yes.
lve asked: Should we all go fully remote, has CPS already come up with a robust remote plan? If so, is that information going to be shared with administration and staff BEFORE the school year starts? Teacher planning for virtual learning involves quite a bit of work that differs from in person teaching. Lauren CPS answered: Yes- the new CPS Remote Learning Plan will also be released at the same time as our Final Framework knowing that there remains the possibility that district would need to move to full remote.
Anonymous Viewer asked: I am really concerned about the air quality in the classrooms and how often it will be monitored. Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered: Hi, we will be discussing ventilation during Chief Carson's section on Operations. Thanks for this question.
William asked: Are tuition-based preK classes still 20 students? Other classes/pods are 15. Lauren CPS answered: Pod size is based on the square footage of the classroom.
Gus asked: My question from earlier wasn't addressed. Thank you again for holding this session. How will we ensure that every student has a divice of their own and freelaffordable wifi? Lauren CPS answered: The Chicago Connected program (mentioned earlier) provides free internet services for eligible students. In addition to the 100K+ devices we distributed last year, schools will continue to distribute devices for any student who does not have one.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Are any modifications being made to schools to increase the ventilation within them? Judy Camacho-Campbell, CPS answered: We will address ventilation during Chief Carson's Operations section- Thanks for this question-
Amanda asked: What happens with high schoolers who don't fit into a traditional grade level pod? (Le. taking advanced languages, math, arts electives, etc.) I understand how the pods can be formed with my elementary school student, but I'm struggling wl understanding how this will work for my high schooler. Lauren CPS answered: High school students will still have access to their courses. Schools will first work to create fully in-person pods of students with the same schedules. If a student needs to access an accelerated course remotely from the building they will be able to do so.
Anonymous Viewer asked: How will the hybid model work for clinicans who often work closely with students (hand-over-hand) accross grade levels and who travel between multiple schools? Lauren CPS answered: Clinicians who do activities like hand-over-hand work will have additional PPE to do so. We are also looking at citywide clinicians to limit their movement across schools where possible-
Susan asked: Is this hybrid model being re-evaluated on a quarter basis? Is the potential to return to full in person learning 5 days a week at some point during the year? Is there a solution to families with 2 working parents with before and after school programs or programs on days the kids would normally be in sc hool ? Lauren CPS answered: The district will respond to current health indicators and only shift from hybrid to full remote, or hybrid to full attendance with confirmation from local health officials. We are working with the park district and libraries to coordinate student programs for non student attendance days.
Tanika asked: Thank you for having this meeting- In a fully remote environment for the upcoming school year, I would expect some changes from last year's remote learnign period. There was inconsistencies and very little contact with teachers. The final months of last school year felt more like an extended winter break than a regular school day. For full remote learning, will their be at least 2 hours of lesson teaching for students?
Anonymous Viewer asked: Will there be a different approach for students in Special Education? Meaning, will they follow the same hybrid approach or will they get the opportunity for additional in-person days? Lauren CPS answered: Special Education students will be prioritized for additional in-person days if there is the space/workforce available to do so at a school.
Kim I. asked: Can a student start as a remote learner but switch to hybrid? If so, is this choice made on a quarterly or semester basis? Lauren CPS answered: Yes. Families can opt into remote learning at any time. They can opt back into hybrid on a quarterly basis.
Amanda Walsh asked: What is the procedure for using the playground? If it needs to be sanitized between uses, who will be sanitizing it? When? With what materials? Lauren CPS answered: Playground equipment can only be used if it is cleaned in between use of multiple pods.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Will temperatures be checked at the door prior to entering the buildings or will they be taken by the teacher once students arrive to the classroom? Lauren CPS answered: Temperatures will be checked within 10 minutes of arrival. The key is to avoid congregating and bottlenecking of students and keeping pods apart from one another, so the exact procedure at each school will be depenent on the physical footprint of the entrances.
Anonymous Viewer asked: How will bathroom breaks be handled if kids need an emergency bathroom break? Lauren CPS answered: Restrooms will be assigned to pods to limit usage, and classroom bathroom breaks will be scheduled- We will have careful monitoring of hallways if students need emergency restroom breaks to ensure one student from one pod is in a restroom at any one time.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Our school, along with many others, often experiences a shortage of substitutes. When teachers are out, how will we make up for this shortage? Can we guarantee that children will not be split up into other classrooms? Lauren CPS answered: In addition to adding Cadre Substitutes to schools we are in the process of hiring hundreds of additional substitutes.
Anonymous Viewer asked: I see from other questions about full remote for parent who arent comfortable with sending their child to school at this point. It seems like there should be some conversation today about that, not in a couple weeks. Could that at least be touched on? Lauren CPS answered: The opt—out form and information will be sent in the coming days to all families.
Angelina asked: If elementary classes are departmentalized, how will the rotation work between subject areas? Will they not rotate or will teachers rotate instead? Or is it up to individual schools? Lauren CPS answered: Teachers will rotate instead to minimize movement in the hallway.
Meaghan asked: How are you prioritizing diverse learners in the in person portion of the hybrid model that receive resource supports through the pod model? Many of the students require hands on learning, increased prompting (closer contact), all while meeting their LRE and access to general education peers. Not providing any of these services is against the law. Lauren CPS answered: Staff members whose roles require close contact will have additional PPE. (For example, gloves for staff who do hand-over-hand). Close contact is allowable for less than 15 consecutive minutes. Any student who has gen ed minutes will be counted into the gen ed pod to ensure that they will have access to those classrooms.
Ani asked: will everyone (teachers and kids) wear masks? Lauren CPS answered: yes. everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask in any school building in the state of illinois.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Will parents and students be able to bounce between in-person and remote learning as they choose? Lauren CPS answered: parents will be able to opt out into remote learning at any time- parents will be able to opt back into the hybrid model quaraterly.
tammi asked: Do you have plans to implement practices to proactively support students social-emotionally? Such as in-class learning opportunities and discussions, and notjust as-needed counseling sessions. Lauren CPS answered: Absoultely. Professional Development is available right now for all teachers and school leaders to appropriately support the social emotional learning needs of our students this year.
Jenifer asked: What happens if a student does not wear a mask because of social/emotional or sensory issues?? Lauren CPS answered: Students with medical exemptions to a traditional cloth face covering will have that exemption honored-
Pam asked: Has letting students eat their lunches outdoors been considered? Using the outdoors as much as possible (barring inclement weather) is ideal. Opening windows and using box fans to bring in outside air to the indoors is also a good and lowlno-cost strategy. Lauren CPS answered: Schools have the flexibility to use their outdoor spaces wherever possible.
ana asked: Who will be doing temperature screenings every day and how do you plan to complete all the screenings without taking away from inastructional time and social-emotonal supports? Lauren CPS answered: we are ordering over 22K thermometers to work to do the entry protocols as quickly as possible-
jul asked: what is out of school time pods? Is that home schooling with a cps curriculum? Lauren CPS answered: "Out of School Time" refers to beforelafter school programming that occurs at a school buildling. Those programs will still be available to families who need them, and health protocols will be followed.
silvia asked: It is vital that CPS also take into consideration the shortage of sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, etc. In reviewing my child's current supply list, there is still a request for these items. I can't even find these items for my home to keep my family safe and that is a concern. I will not be able to provide these ite ms for the school. How is that going to be addressed by the school? Lauren CPS answered: We have already ordered sanitizers and disinfecting wipes for every classroom in the district.
Chad asked: What distinguished pre-K from Kindergarten, lst, 2nd graders, etc. in making the in—person vs. hybrid model determination? Lauren CPS answered: It has to do with the square footage of prek rooms and their typical class capacity limits. In any school where a primary classroom could bring in all students for additional at—school days they will be able to do so (ie. a let grade class that only has 12 students)
mindy asked: As a parent, if I choose full remote learning option because I DO NOT feel that this can be done safely, will my child be unenrolled and lose his spot at his school since he was accepted through lottery? Lauren CPS answered: no student who opts into full remote learning will not be unenrolled from their school.
Anonymous Viewer asked: If a student pod is in quarantine, what about the siblings pod, do they go into quarantine to Lauren CPS answered: Quarantines are required for first degree contacts only. so any one part of the pod where a student would sick would quarantine, but second degree contacts of those classmates are not required to quarantine.
Mary Anne asked: are 5 hours of daily at home instruction required for lower grades (k - 2)? This seems excessive. Lauren CPS answered: 5 hours refers to the total amount of learning activities, not 5 hours on a screen.
Michelle asked: I teach preschool half day....how will that work? We would have 15 students in morning and 15 students in afternoon?...when will cleaning happen? Lauren CPS answered: We have hired additional custodians to do enhanced cleaning for half day programs.
Anonymous Viewer asked: If my child opts out completely and is homeschooled will they be allowed to return once a vaccince is developed? Lauren CPS answered: yes any student who opts out will be able to return on a quarterly basis.
Viv asked: Is the 5-hour expectation true for all grades, including Kindergarten? Lauren CPS answered: five hours refers to the entire day of learning activities not five hours of screen time.
Michelle asked: For high school students, if they are not able to store textbooks, etc in lockers, what changes wll be made on instructional material? Lauren CPS answered: in high school, teachers will rotate, not students, so students can keep their materials with them.
gilber asked: Juniors and Seniors need some in-person instruction. There must be a way to add to the schedule days in whcih these students can have a more hybrid approach. How about using Wednesdays or alternate Wednesdays to bring juniors and seniors into the schools? Lauren CPS answered: Schools will have the opportunity to bring in juniors and seniors for activities and academic supports.
Anonymous Viewer asked: So they're letting these kids out one pod at a time? That will make pick up twice as long and still not 6ft apart. They already have assigned doors for pickup/drop off in a normal day. How are we going to make sure drop off/pock-up will will still practice social distancing? Lauren CPS answered: Schools will create their arrival/entry plans based on their school footprint including using multiple entrances.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Asking for clarity.-.if one student in Pod A is diagnosed with Covid, what will happen with teachers and students in that Pod A? What will be the process for other students and staff in the building? Specifically, will ALL staff and students be asked to quarantine? Lauren CPS answered: First—degree contacts are expected to quarantine, so a student in Pod Awill quarantine, the other students in Pod Awill quarantine and the Pod Ateacher will quarantine. Students in other pods (even if TeacherAsaw those students) will not need to quarantine
Sarah asked: In remote learning, 5 hours of instructions seems like a lot of screen time for our youngest learners. In the spring ISBE recommended 90-120 minutes for kinder. Will this time length be flexible per the age of the students? Lauren CPS answered: 5 hours refers to the total number of learning time, not screen time
Ms. Chen asked: once I make the decision, can I change? Lauren CPS answered: parents can opt out anytime they wish. parents can opt their students into hybrid quarterly
Mary asked: Will CPS be providing masks with clear windows andlor face shields for DHH students, staff, and peers to allow for full access to communication for students in cluster programs? Lauren CPS answered: Yes. we are purchasing those alternative masks for staff and students.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Who will deep clean between pod b and a, over the weekend? Lauren CPS answered: Wednesdays will be deep cleaning days between the two pods. Rooms are cleaned every night as well.
jaclyn asked: Hi! None of my questions have been answered — are they going through? Here there are again: How will contact tracing work at the high school level, since teachers will be traveling between pods? Are teachers in school twice a week? Four days a week? Are Juniors and Senior teachers at school at all? Will they be suppoting pods, or will they only be focused on remote learning? Will custodians be provided with additional cleaning supplies, regularly throughout the year? Lauren CPS answered: Teachers will be assigned to the specific pods they travel across, so we will be able to easily contact trace the adults and students in that pod set. Teachers who teach HS hybrid courses will attend four days per week. if upperclassment teachers teach only full remote classrooms, they will not report to the building. Yes, custodians will be provided with additional supplies.
ju asked: What is protocol for siblings ? Will they be put in the same pod to prevent interaction with both pods at a school? Lauren CPS answered: Siblings will be put on the same A/B shift (Monffue or Thur/Fri). If students are in the same grade- they could be put in the same classroom pod, but students will be podded by grade level to ensure access to their full set of content.
Ci asked: I sent my children to a Chicago Park District Camp and I saw children, parents, and staff members in close proximity without masks on and my children have reported that campers are allowed to be in close proximity throughout the day without masks on. Due to this, my children came home sick and l have had to keep them quarantined and monitoring their symptoms. How can you ensure this doesn't happen in schools if this information isn't being reported? Lauren CPS answered: Masks are a requirement for anyone over the age of 2 in all school buildings in Illinois.
Ayesha asked: My son is in 12th grade but he is also in the cluster program ,whats his attendance model,. Lauren CPS answered: Any clustre student can come in daily
Anonymous Viewer asked: Are there or will there be CPS protocols for borrowed tech devices (disinfection, charging, and taking them back and forth from school)? Lauren CPS answered: Students will hold onto any device they receieved in the spring-
CG asked: Also to clarify - are teachers and students in the pods required to keep a 6 ft. social distance? If so, how do you propose that teachers keep this distance from their students when they work with Pre-K through elementary students? Lauren CPS answered: Yes, within the pods, students and adults should remain socially distanced throughout the day. If close contact is needed it should be limited within 15 consecutive minutes.
Patricia Powell asked: Will this slide deck be sent out to people who registered for this webinar? Adrian Segura answered: It will be published on our website for all
J asked: as for the "A" groups and "B" groups would siblings be in the same group? Will all school supplies be shared or will it be every student brings their own supplies? Lauren CPS answered: yes. school leaders will schedule theirA/B Groups with siblings in one group
Anonymous Viewer asked: Will PPE be distributed equality to each school? Will thr a stock Pile in each school? Lauren CPS answered: PPE will be distributed to each school, especially based on job role. le. speciality schools have more staffers who need more PPE based on their daily tasks, and those schools will get more PPE
Anonymous Viewer asked: Where did the 5 hours model come from? 5 hours in front of a computer seems WORSE for children's health. Top level homeschoolers do NOT sit their kids in front of a computer for 5 hours, so how and why was this formed? I truly don't like the idea of sitting my kid in front of screens for 5 hours a day. That seems to go AGAINST good public health- Lauren CPS answered: The five hour guidance from ISBE is not 5 hours of screen time, but five hours of learning time. For example, independent reading, working on projects, doing movement etc.
Anonymous Viewer asked: Is it realistic for a primary K-3 cluster teacher and staff to keep a social distance when you MUST provide hand-over—hand assistance, runners that hands must be held and toileting is REQUIRED during the day. Smaller children will NOT keep on their mask on all day. If they have a medical modificatio n that states they do not have to wear mask or face shield. How will others stay safe, when we know prior to COVlD-19 it has not happened. Lauren CPS answered: Cluster teachers will be provided with additional PPE based on those job roles.
Catherine asked: There is a lot of discussion about the need to wear masks at all times and the assignment of bathrooms. I am concerned that students will be removing masks and commingling in the bathrooms. What measures will be in place to prevent that? Lauren CPS answered: Free movement in the hallway will be extremely limited- Outside of scheduled bathroom breaks limited to one pod at a time, we will ensure that hallywas are monitiored so students aren't in the restroom at the same time-
Anonymous Viewer asked: Is it possible to get an FAQ for teachers? We have a lot of questions that have not been answered. Lauren CPS answered: Educator-specific guidance will be released by CPS
ezs asked: Will siblings be “podded” on the same day to reduce exposure? Lauren CPS answered: yes. school leaders will build their schedules by families so siblings attend the same days
Anonymous Viewer asked: What preventative measures would you suggest for families when children come home, other than washing of hands or hand-sanitizing, in order to keep all household members safe? Lauren CPS answered: Great question. One additional measure is to adhere to the pod model outside of school as well. Limit interaction to fixed groups to reduce the spread of the virus.