Superintendent’s fall return to school plan

July 17, 2020 – Hello, I am writing this letter to let you know the progress of our Return to School Plan. This situation is very fluid. The guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education has changed since it was first released. The Tuscola School District has been working in building-level committees to address each building’s needs. Our plan is being finalized. The goal is to have the details of the plan to the parents and community one week from today. I want to give you the basic structure of the plan that will be recommended to the Board of Education.

Tuscola will be in-person learning for all students following the guidelines of the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health. Medically vulnerable students will need to get a medical note from a doctor to excuse them from in-person learning. We will utilize a 2 p.m. dismissal schedule until further notice. The guidelines, we must follow, require face coverings to be worn. Students will not be allowed in the building without a face covering. If your child is medically vulnerable and can not wear a mask, you must provide a doctor’s note indicating this.

The guidelines state a daily symptom check is to be done. Parents/Guardians must certify that their student is symptom-free daily. This process will be completed through a Google document. Those who are unable to utilize the Google document can submit a paper document. (provided by the school). When we release our plans, this information will be a part of those plans. Bus riders will need to complete the symptom check before getting on the bus.

When we release the plan, we will have an updated link to the supply list. The procedures for the school year will also be a part of the plan. We are finalizing the details with our committees. Our school board will look at the plan and vote on accepting the recommendations. We understand the anxiety you are feeling about the start of the school year. When the detailed plan is released, please look over the plan. There will be an email link for you to enter your questions. The school district appreciates your patience with this fluid situation. The education and safety of our students and staff have been the focus when structuring our plan.

Sincerely,

Gary Alexander, 

Superintendent