Since the threat of COVID-19 first became a reality for our area and our nation, administrators at CYDI began proactively preparing and supplementing our health, safety, and cleaning protocols.
As we navigate this unprecedented health crisis, CYDI is committed to making the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff a top priority. We aim to always provide a learning environment that promotes the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of our school community. This commitment is especially elevated during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In evaluating our cleaning protocols, adapting quickly and efficiently to remote learning, or working to determine the best scenario(s) for the school year, CYDI aims to do everything in the best interest of our students and families.
Daily Health & Safety Protocols
Students and personnel will take their own temperatures before reporting to school and must stay home if above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and/or if experiencing other symptoms. Additionally, daily temperature checks will occur upon entry of the school building. Personnel and students who are ill must stay home from school and will be sent home if they become ill at school, particularly if they have COVID-19 symptoms. While waiting to go home, ill persons should continue to wear a face mask and be placed in a separate isolation room overseen by school personnel who are also wearing appropriate PPE.
Physical / Social Distancing
Social distancing will be maximized throughout the school day. Visual cues (i.e. floor markings) will be used to remind students of social distancing protocols. The following specific protocols will be utilized:
- Hallways are marked throughout the building
- Plexiglass shields are used in the classroom and main office
FACE MASKS
All persons on school grounds will wear an appropriate face covering that includes their mouth and nose. Students may remove their masks to eat, drink, play wind instruments, or engage in vigorous sports/recreation activities.
Emphasis on Good Hygiene
Hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol based) and sanitizing products will be available for personnel and students, especially in high traffic areas, including at each school entrance and in every classroom. Students will be required to use hand sanitizing stations when entering each classroom and upon entering the school. Water fountains will be turned off; however, water bottle fillers will be available. Students should bring their own personal water bottles and can refill them throughout the school day.
Employee & Student Training
Education and training regarding COVID-19 school protocols and prevention strategies for all employees and students will be provided.
Visitors
Most visitors will be prohibited during the school day and limited to emergency situations. Scheduled visitors (meetings, admissions visits) will be required to complete a temperature check before entering the building and will be required to wear a face mask for the duration of their visit. A drop box for documents will be placed in the main vestibule.
Cleaning & Sanitation
All surfaces will be regularly cleaned and sanitized throughout the day and overnight. Classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, cafeteria, common areas, and offices will be sanitized nightly using disinfectant. Students will then wipe their desk down and dispose of the paper towel before each class begins.
Showing Symptoms of COVID-19 at School
Should a student or employee exhibit symptoms while physically attending school in person, he or she will report to a quarantine room. The school personnel interacting with the individual will wear appropriate PPE. Those showing symptoms will be required to go home at the earliest convenience.
Disclosure Policy
Diagnosed or Exposure to COVID-19: Families and staff must notify the school if they have been exposed to COVID-19, or if a co-habitant has been diagnosed with or medically presumed to have COVID-19. The school will notify the City of Chicago health department of all cases.
Quarantine and Return to School:
Positive COVID Diagnosis or Presumed COVID Case in Household: Individuals with a positive COVID diagnosis (themselves or a member of their household) must quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset.
In-Classroom Exposure: Students who are exposed in a classroom where the mask policy is being followed at all times to an individual who turns out to be COVID-positive do NOT need to quarantine.
Non-Classroom Exposure: Students who are exposed (exposure is defined at 15 minutes or more within 6 feet of the infected individual without a mask) must quarantine for 10 days from the day of the ill individual's symptom onset.
Synchronous Learning & Remote Resources
As part of CYDI’s response to COVID-19, students are able to attend classes in a synchronous learning setting, meaning that they can tune in via video conferencing to live in-person classes in real time. Teachers will be utilizing technology to deliver remote instruction that is synchronous with in-person classroom instruction.
Visit cydihs.org/ready to learn more about how we help students re-imagine education.