Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Plan to Return in Fall on Hybrid Model

Today, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson announced plans for reopening schools in the fall. This is a “preliminary framework” and is subject to change at anytime based on the COVID19 data. Here are some of the highlights:

Students from kindergarten through tenth grade will learn under a hybrid model where they are in classrooms a couple of days and remote learning other days
High school juniors and seniors will solely use remote learning, which helps free up space in the schools
Preschoolers and those with special needs will be in class full-time
Students will be put in groups of 15, stay in same classroom all day with desks six feet away
Each “pod” will have designated bathrooms and designated bathroom times to wash hands
Entry into school and leaving school will be staggered
There will be daily temperature checks, universal masking, and routine cleaning with the help of 400 new janitors
Families with students of all ages will be allowed to opt out of in-person schooling for any reason
City officials are asking parents to set the example for returning to school such as emphasizing the importance of social distancing, masks, and hand washing at home

These decisions were made with the assistance of a task force created by CPS comprised of parents, students, public health officials, and input from other cities.

To gather feedback specifically on the preliminary framework, CPS has launched a new survey and will hold five stakeholder meetings; Information on the survey and meetings can be found below:

Survey: Families, students and staff should submit feedback by July 31, 2020. A link to the survey can be found here: cps.edu/reopening2020survey

Virtual Feedback Meetings: The district will hold five meetings (three in English, two in Spanish) on the following dates. Participants must register in advance to participate.

Date: Monday, July 27, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Language: English
Registration Link: https://cpsreopeningconversation1.eventbrite.com

Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Language: Spanish
Registration Link: https://cpsreopeningconversation2.eventbrite.com

Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Language: Spanish
Registration Link: https://cpsreopeningconversation3.eventbrite.com

Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020,
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Language: English
Registration Link: https://cpsreopeningconversation4.eventbrite.com

Date: Friday, July 31, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Language: English
Registration Link: https://cpsreopeningconversation5.eventbrite.com

Please register for a session to have your voice heard.

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