911ÖÆÆ·³§

The 911ÖÆÆ·³§ reopening plan is based on guidance from the (ISBE), (IDPH), and (CDC).

• The state’s Restore Illinois document provides overarching guidance and a broad framework for the “reopening” of the state.
• Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, the reopening plan will continue to evolve and is subject to change as conditions may require.

Resources for COVID-19 Metrics

ETHS regularly references both local and regional resources to help make data-informed decisions about its reopening plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources include, but are not limited to the following:

• State’s plan, which includes a Regional Phase Dashboard
• City of Evanston Department Health & Human Services
  
• IDPH - County and School Metrics for Suburban Cook County
• IDPH - Zip Code Data - select ZIP Codes (60201, 60202, 60203)

Framework

Guiding principles:

• Maintain a healthy and safe environment for all students and staff;
• Maintain our commitment to equity;
• Provide meaningful and engaging academic experiences for all students;
• Address the social and emotional needs of all students and staff;
• Provide consistency and stability for all students and staff; and
• Provide professional development for staff that enhances e-learning.

Educators have been asked to transform the educational environment. 

• School will not look or feel the same as before.
• Every school is different. What works for one may not work another.
• Flexibility remains essential.
• 911ÖÆÆ·³§ is constantly monitoring local conditions, which at times change daily.

E-learning Spring Update (March 2021)

On March 1, 2021, 911ÖÆÆ·³§ announced the transition to a hybrid learning model in April, after spring break. As a reminder:

• Third quarter ends March 12, 2021. Fourth quarter begins March 16; there is no school on March 15.
• 911ÖÆÆ·³§ spring break is March 29-April 2.

The safety and wellbeing of 911ÖÆÆ·³§ students and staff continue to be our highest priority. 911ÖÆÆ·³§ remains committed to robust remote e-learning instruction for those who prefer to stay with that model. In order to transition to a hybrid learning structure that aligns with our guiding principles, please note the following actions:

• The framework for hybrid instruction has been posted on the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ Reopening Plan website.
• The instructional model for hybrid learning at 911ÖÆÆ·³§ is remote in-person instruction.
• The Hybrid Selection Form was distributed on March 2 and must be completed by March 5 at 4:00pm.
  • Mondays will continue to be asynchronous in the hybrid model.
  • Note that the student groups are divided alphabetically rather than grade level.
  • A  is available to help students and staff see how the building looks under the current guidelines. 
  • As a reminder, the schedule would be disrupted by state assessments and AP testing that may be required.
  • Hybrid FAQs were shared on March 4, 2021.

• Review the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ hybrid schedule. Please visit the Reopening Plan of the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ website for information about the hybrid framework and hybrid schedule. The schedule outlines the in-person learning schedule by cohort (A, B, C, or D). 

  Note specific dates. 911ÖÆÆ·³§ students will transition to a hybrid schedule after spring break. Students will follow the Enhanced E-learning schedule through April 12. Key dates are listed on the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ website calendar:

  • Spring break is March 29-April 2. There is no school for students or staff.
  • 911ÖÆÆ·³§ will have Remote Learning Planning Days on April 8 and April 9. These dates are non-attendance days for students.
  • April 13 and April 14 are mandatory state assessment days. Only students who are scheduled for in-person testing will be in attendance. 
  • April 15 is the first day of hybrid in-person instruction for 911ÖÆÆ·³§ students.

E-learning Winter Update (December 2020)

On December 2, 2020, 911ÖÆÆ·³§ shared an update about plans for the third quarter and some steps to prepare for the second semester. 

• As 911ÖÆÆ·³§ continues to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff, Enhanced E-Learning will continue into the third quarter. Third quarter will begin with remote learning after winter break, on January 4, 2021.
• While 911ÖÆÆ·³§ is planning for remote learning and work at this point, we continue to monitor the guidance of the Illinois Department of Public Health and other infectious disease experts. This guidance is considered in particular as it relates to teen populations and our high school of more than 4,000 students and staff.
• If conditions permit, 911ÖÆÆ·³§ plans to transition to a hybrid model by the fourth quarter. While metrics are a factor, there is not a specific “formula” for making a transition during second semester. The mitigation efforts in the state/region and the guidance of the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health are also among the factors.
• The goal, as always, is to return to 911ÖÆÆ·³§ in-person with a regular, predictable schedule while minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. 911ÖÆÆ·³§ evaluates on a regular basis how and when to bring back students and staff in a hybrid environment that aligns with our guiding principles.
• The fluid nature of the pandemic, especially during the winter months, requires continued flexibility with planning at 911ÖÆÆ·³§. Planning is not contingent on an ideal set of circumstances, but rather is adapted to the current conditions.
• Any plans for a transition to a hybrid model during second semester will be communicated at least 30 days in advance. 911ÖÆÆ·³§ is committed to preparing students and staff for what to expect in a hybrid environment. A shorter timeline may apply to updates or changes to extracurricular activities.

E-learning Fall Update (October 2020)

• Due to the continued health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Enhanced E-Learning will continue for the remainder of first semester (through December 2020).
• 911ÖÆÆ·³§ will provide at least 30 days of notice if the plans for remote learning and remote work change as conditions may require. 
• 911ÖÆÆ·³§ continues to monitor city, county, and regional metrics which change daily. This includes looking at positivity rates as well as rolling seven-day averages for new cases, including new youth cases. A number of resources, such as the , help us gauge next steps based on COVID risk levels. As we have noted, the risks and restrictions for hybrid/in-person do not benefit student learning at this time. Our reopening plan will continue to evolve with this in mind.
• 911ÖÆÆ·³§ maintains a strong commitment to equity in the adaptation and implementation of Enhanced E-learning. The goals of the District 202 Board of Education remain steadfast. 
• 911ÖÆÆ·³§ continues to support the academic and social-emotional wellbeing of our students through a wide range of programs, events, and resources this school year. 911ÖÆÆ·³§ provides a full continuum of services for all levels of needs. Details about student services and supports are available on the Reopening Plan website.
• The continuity and predictability of the schedule and instruction are essential to the success of the Enhanced E-learning at 911ÖÆÆ·³§. 
• 911ÖÆÆ·³§ acknowledges that students, families, and staff are navigating this crisis in different ways. Teachers and staff are commended for their work every day; students are commended for their flexibility and high attendance rates.
• 911ÖÆÆ·³§ remains responsive to the needs of students and families in the areas of technology, materials distribution, and communication.