Guide for 2020-21

• No School for Students on Monday, Feb. 1 - January 27, 2021
• Remote Only: Tuesday, January 26 - January 25, 2021
• Hybrid Learning Week of 1/25 - January 22, 2021
• Hybrid Learning Resumes Next Week - January 16, 2021
• Special Board Meeting to Discuss, Decide Metrics - January 14, 2021
• DGN Resources and Reminders - January 13, 2021
• DGS Academic Resources and Reminders - January 12, 2021
• Week of January 11 - Fully Remote Learning - January 8, 2021
• Updated Meal Distribution Locations Effective Jan. 11 - January 7, 2021
• South High January Principal Update - January 6, 2021
  • Watch Video Update
• North High January Principal Update - January 5, 2021
  • Watch Video Update
• Return to In-Person Learning this Week - January 4, 2021
  • North High Principal - Second Semester Message
  • South High Principal - Second Semester Message

• Bus Schedules Beginning January 5 - December 31, 2020

• Second Semester Schedule - December 11, 2020

• Superintendent Dr. Thiele Lunchtime Live Webinar Passcode qSt+Rx64 - December 17, 2020
• In-Person or Remote Selections Due Friday - December 16, 2020
• Second Semester Schedule - December 11, 2020
• DGN Principal Message for December - December 4, 2020
  • Video Message
• DGS Principal Message for December - December 4, 2020
  • Video Message
• Timeline for Scheduling Decisions - December 3, 2020
• D99 Remote Through End of Semester - November 30, 2020
• Pre-Order Winter Break School Meal Box by Dec. 6 - November 30, 2020

• Week of Nov. 30 - Fully Remote Learning Continues - November 24, 2020
• D99 Lunchtime Live Webinar w/ Superintendent Dr. Thiele - November 18, 2020
  • Webinar Recording, passcode: Pc%9LRB7
• District Update Webinar on Nov. 18 - November 17, 2020
• DGS Principal Ed Schwartz: Looking for a Strong Finish - November 12, 2020
• DGN Administrative Team Encourages Students to end semester Strong - November 11, 2020
• D99 Fully Remote Through November - November 9, 2020
• Fully Remote Learning to Continue for at Least Two Weeks - November 2, 2020
• DGS Principal Message for November - October 30, 2020
  • Video Message
• DGN Principal Message for November - October 30, 2020
  • Video Message
• Schedule the Weeks of 11/2 and 11/23 - October 27, 2020

• DGN Parent Webinar Recordings - October 29, 2020
• Modified Hybrid Schedule - Week Two - October 26, 2020
• Meals Available for Pick Up Every Monday, Beginning Oct. 26 - October 23, 2020
• DGN Parent Webinars: Oct. 27 and 28 - October 22, 2020
• Video: Dr. Thiele's Lunchtime LIVE Webinar Recording Passcode Bd.X3*2Z - October 21, 2020
• In-Person Learning Begins, DCHD Update - October 19, 2020
• District 99 Required Notices - October 19, 2020
• DGS Principal Update: Reminders for Hybrid Learning - October 16, 2020
• DGN Principal Update: Important Reminders for Hybrid Learning - October 16, 2020
• DGN Principal Update Schedule for This Week: October 12-16 - October 12, 2020
• DGS Principal Update Schedule for Next Week: October 12-16 - October 9, 2020
• Revised Locations for Meal Distribution Beginning Oct. 6 - October 5, 2020
• DGN Freshmen Reminders - October 5, 2020
• DGS In-Person for 9th Graders, Webinar Tonight - October 5, 2020
  • Webinar Recording - Passcode PX!4!UhN
  • School Map
• DGN In-Person for 9th Graders, Webinar Monday Night - October 2, 2020
  • Webinar Recording - Passcode &0E7D!M7
  • School Map
• DGS In-Person for 9th Graders, Webinar Monday Night - October 2, 2020
• DGS Principal October Video Update and Message - October 1, 2020
• DGN Principal October Video Update and Message - September 30, 2020
• DGS Early Release/Late Arrival Permission Forms - September 30, 2020
• DGN Early Release/Late Arrival Permission Forms - September 30, 2020

• 9th Grade Special Schedule for Week of October 5 - September 30, 2020
• Video: Dr. Thiele's Lunchtime LIVE Webinar Recording Passcode qd0.+meb - September 23, 2020
• DGS Principal Update: Curriculum Showcase - September 22, 2020
• DGN Principal Update: Curriculum Showcase and Webinar - September 22, 2020
  • Webinar Recording Passcode sh&Y9e!A
• Learning Options Form Due Friday, Sept. 25 - September 22, 2020
• District 99 to Follow Modified Hybrid Schedule Starting October 19 - September 22, 2020
• Upcoming Webinar Events - September 17, 2020
• D99 Reminders: Calendar, Attendance and Survey Information - September 15, 2020
• Schedule Status Update - September 15, 2020
• New Meal Schedule Starting Sept. 15 - September 9, 2020
• DGN Update from Principal Schwarze - September 9, 2020
• DGS Principal Message for September 2020 - September 4, 2020
• DGN Principal Message for September 2020 - September 4, 2020

• New Metrics from Health Department to Guide Our Plan - August 31, 2020
• Video: Dr. Thiele's Lunchtime LIVE Webinar Recording Passcode 50G&$Sqc  - August 26, 2020
• 99 Dines Meal Packages: Order Today - August 25, 2020
• Communications at District 99 - August 24, 2020
• DGN Video Message - August 21, 2020
• DGS Webinar Video and Recap - August 20, 2020
• DGS Picking Up Textbooks and Materials - August 18, 2020
• DGN Important Updates and Distribution of Materials - August 18, 2020
• Remote Learning to Continue through September 18 - August 18, 2020
• Stay Fueled With To-Go Meal Packages: Order Today! - August 18, 2020
• DGS Principal Schwartz: Quick Update - August 17, 2020
• DGS Starting the Year - Upperclassmen Message - August 14, 2020
• DGS Starting the Year - Freshmen Message - August 14, 2020
• DGN First Week of School Details 8/17-21 - August 14, 2020
  • Principal Janice Schwarze's Webinar for all students - Passcode 3QBQf*gp 
• Challenges D99 Faces with In-Person Learning - August 13, 2020
• D99 to Go Fully Remote - August 12, 2020
• Translation Limitations - August 11, 2020
• Remote Only Learning - August 11, 2020 (sent to those who have opted out of in-person learning)
• Week of 8/17 Schedule at DGS - August 10, 2020
• Week of 8/17 Schedule at DGN - August 8, 2020
• Update on Meals - August 7, 2020
• Start of the School Year - August 4, 2020
• Board Meeting Tonight - August 3, 2020

• Proposed New Direction - July 31, 2020
• Continued Discussion about Plan for 2020-21 - July 28, 2020
• Special Board Meeting on July 27 - July 22, 2020
• Pursuing Hybrid Schedule - Opt for Remote Learning Only by August 3 - July 21, 2020
• District 99's Proposed 2020-21 Plan - July 20, 2020
• Board to Consider Reopening Plan - July 16, 2020
• D99 Reopening Plans Underway - July 2, 2020

• Planning for the 2020-21 School Year - June 23, 2020

To view the list of messages sent to D99 families from March-May 2020, please click here.

What is the plan for the fall of 2020?

The plan for the 2020-21 has changed and evolved throughout this public health crisis. Currently, students are following the Fully Remote Learning schedule. Starting October 19, we plan to follow a Modified Hybrid Schedule.

At the top of this 2020-21 Updates page, you will find the latest scheduling information.

Why didn’t you divide students by grade, instead of alphabetically?

There are three key reasons we need to divide students alphabetically, instead of by grade:

1. Students in the same grade tend to be in the same classes together; therefore, bringing in a single class of students would reduce the number of students in the school--but not in the classroom. This would prevent us from practicing social distancing in classrooms, and make In-Person Learning unsafe.

2. We want to ensure that family schedules remain the same; the only way to accomplsih this, is through an alphabetical split. (NOTE: Families with different last names will be identiifed and placed with similar learning schedules.)

3. In the case that one or more of our partner elementary districts should need to implement a hybrid schedule, the alphabetical split could be used across districts. 

Will students practice social distancing on the bus rides to and from school?

Bus routes will be designed with the goal of having one student per seat; it is possible some students might need to share a seat. Students must comply with the rule to wear both a mask and a face shield while riding the bus.

What will a typical Remote Learning day look like?

All Remote Learning periods will begin with a synchronous (i.e., Zoom or Google Meet) meeting. Teachers will take attendance every Remote Learning class period. Students will be expected to arrive on time and to be present (with the video camera on). Teachers may use the full class period for instruction or may provide time for individual work, but will stay online or be available in order to answer student questions. 

What will a typical In-Person Learning day look like?

When following the hybrid schedule, students will experience In-Person Learning: 

• Before boarding, students who ride the bus must wear their student ID as well as both a mask and a face shield. The student will present their “self-certification pass” to the bus driver, indicating they are fever-free and free of COVID-19 symptoms. 
• Students who do not ride the bus will present their ID and “self-certification pass” (Spanish version) at the entrance of the school. All entrances will be monitored.
• Students without the "self-certification pass" will be symptom checked before boarding the bus or entering the school; random symptom checks may be performed.
• Students may not enter the building earlier than 7:30 a.m. 
• After entering the building, students will go directly to their first class and use the hand sanitizer before sitting down in their assigned space, which will be at least six feet apart from others. 
• In addition to hand sanitizer, tissues will be available in every classroom.
• Students will not share any items (i.e., equipment, textbooks, paper, etc.) during class without them being sanitized first.
• As class is dismissed, students will spray an EPA-approved sanitizer on their desk and leave for their next class. 
• During passing periods, students will proceed directly to their next class, wearing both a face mask and face shield. Stairwells will be marked as one-directional. 
• Students will not have a locker, and will carry their possessions with them at all times. 
• Students will enter their next class, wipe down the desk, and use hand sanitizer.
• If a student needs to use the restroom, they can do so during class time, not passing period, in order to minimize crowding. They must wear both a face shield and face mask.
• The process of sanitizing desks and hands will be repeated for each class period.
• No food will be consumed by students while in the building, unless there is a medical reason to do so. 
• Water bottles are allowed, and may be refilled at the water stations. (Water spouts will be unavailable.)
• All students must leave the building by 12:20 p.m. 
• Students will engage in Independent Learning in the afternoon, while their teachers conduct Remote Learning sessions for the other half of the class.

If a student doesn't have a class scheduled (periods 1, 4, 5 or 8), can they arrive late or leave early?

Yes. If a parent provides permission and students have their own transportation, they may arrive late or leave early. Students may not exit and then reenter the building at a later time.

Are there more parking spots available during Hybrid Learning? 

For this school year only, additional parking will be made available for students driving to school. There will be no cost to families for parking during Hybrid Learning.

Are all classes still being offered (i.e., Drivers Education, PE, Choir, Band, Orchestra)? 

Plans are being developed for specific curricular areas including Drivers Education, Physical Education, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Dual Credit offerings, Internship, and Technology Center of DuPage. We will share plans once available with those who are impacted.

What support will be available from the counseling department?

Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists will be available for students as in the past. However, social distancing must be maintained when meeting and may result in meetings being moved to larger rooms or to virtual settings.

If the state moves back to an earlier phase of Restore Illinois, what will happen?

If health guidelines change and become more restrictive, we will return to full Remote Learning and discontinue In-Person Learning for most or all students. 

Are there any other conditions for returning to Full Remote Learning?

We may also need to revert to full Remote Learning if:

• We receive new guidance from the IDPH or DCHD that we would be unable to comply with;
• Reach the threshold where the health departments recommend that discontinue In-Person Learning; or, 
• We reach a point where we do not have enough adults available to support In-Person Learning.

Will Remote Learning this fall differ from last spring?

Yes. Teachers will take attendance during every class period for both Remote Learning and In-Person Learning periods. This will help build relationships, create a synchronous connection between teachers and students every day that a class is scheduled to meet, and allow students to ask questions and/or for teachers to provide additional instructions. Both students and parents requested more regular synchronous meetings in the feedback gathered from Remote Learning last spring.  In addition, District 99 will return to its standard grading practices, and a student’s grade can go up or down.

How will grades be handled?

District 99 will return to its standard grading practices, and a student’s grade can go up or down during Hybrid Learning. Families can check on a student’s progress in Home Access Center and see the status of assignments.

What is required of students during Independent Learning?

Each week, students will be expected to engage in Independent Learning, which will be activities assigned by their teachers to help supplement instruction occuring during In-Person Learning and Remote Learning. This could include graded work, research, reading, small group work, or other activities deemed necessary by the teacher for learning to occur.

Can a parent choose for a student not to participate in the In-Person Learning periods?

Yes. Each family must make the decision about whether or not to participate in the In-Person Learning component of the Hybrid Schedule. 

Families who choose to opt-out of In-Person Learning must complete this form by August 7; if selected, families agree to opt-out of In-Person Learning for nine weeks, so that we may create balanced schedules.

If my student starts the year fully remote, can I return to following the Hybrid Schedule?

If you opt-out of In-Person Learning, you must wait until the next opt-in period to resume following the Hybrid Schedule. Note that you may not be assigned the attendance day that correlates with the alphabet breakdown at that time. We will add students to the schedule that most supports their successful return and provides balance in the classes in order to meet social distancing regulations.     

If my student begins the year following the Hybrid Schedule, can I return to Full Remote Learning?

Yes, you may opt to move into the fully remote learning format at any time.

How will instruction be offered to students who cannot return to school for in-person classes due to documented medical reasons?

Students will participate in Remote Learning and will receive instructional supports based on individual student needs.

What about for those who choose not to return unrelated to a documented medical reason?

Students will participate in a Remote Learning experience and will receive the same materials as those selecting the in-person option.

What is the current status of the in-school SAT?

All senior students are required to take the state-issued SAT in order to graduate from high school. The test is  scheduled for Wednesday, October 14. As in the past, PSAT for National Merit Scholarship purposes will be offered in the fall. Spring testing for juniors is yet to be determined.

What social or emotional support is available for my student? 

Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists will be available for students as in the past. However, social distancing must be maintained when meeting and may result in meetings being moved to larger rooms or to virtual settings. 

What academic support is available for my student? 

Teachers, staff and students provide many opportunities for academic assistance. In addition to teacher office hours available to students outside the school day, each school has peer tutoring available.

As a complement to teacher and peer support, District 99 has contracted with an outside company called "Paper" to provide help to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students may log in at paper.co. 

• Tutors communicate anonymously with students live via a chat (not video).
• To protect student privacy,students are not assigned a dedicated tutor and the tutor assigned will vary session to session. 
• Students may receive help in almost any subject.
• Students can chat with a tutor individually or in a group.
• Tutors coach students on how to approach problems, rather than providing the answers.
• Students can submit essays and have feedback in 24 hours or less.
• District 99 teachers have access to all questions and conversations held between their students and Paper tutors.

Tutors are full-time employees of Paper and have been subject to a background check. Many are former teachers, graduate students in education and/or subject matter experts, and skilled in encouraging students in an online format.

For additional information about South High academic support, click here. 

For additional information about North High academic support, click here.

What if my student needs more one-on-one support? Or additional time in school?

There will be student resource centers available, teacher office hours, and other traditional supports for all students. Students who need more help should start by reaching out to individual teachers or their counselor so that concerns or needs can be addressed based on their specific needs.

Will college representatives be visiting students in person this fall?

We have suspended all in-person visits this fall, and are working to support these visits in an online format.

Will there be any food service?

Although students will not be consuming food while at school, District 99 will continue to offer “grab ‘n go” meals to students. We are developing a plan to ensure that all students who depend on us for meals continue to receive nourishment regardless of our school schedule. Please click here for the most updated meal distribution information.

What are water drinking protocols?

Drinking fountains are available for refilling bottles only. The faucet portion has been disconnected. Students and staff will be able to briefly take off their mask for a quick drink of water. 

Can students eat at school?

No. Students may not consume food while at school, unless they have a medical reason to do so. 

Is there a different plan for students with special needs?

See the Special Education Parent Resource Document detailing information regarding special education services and supports.

At this time, the special education populations at Downers Grove North and South will follow the D99 Hybrid and Remote schedules in the same fashion as their peers.  T99 students will follow a different schedule outlined in the Resource Document above. In previous communication we had planned to bring specialized populations of our special education students into the buildings more often than in the regular Hybrid schedule. This is still our goal; however, it will not be within the first three weeks of school. We now require time to process the new Board approved Hybrid and Remote schedules with our special education staff and organize appropriate staffing to meet our students needs. 

What about students with 504 Plans?

Increased support and communication will be provided to teachers around providing accommodations in the hybrid model. Interventions will be made available as deemed appropriate by the team and supported by data. 504 Case Managers will contact families and teachers to review any special considerations regarding approved accommodations.

What about students who are English Language Learners?

Families of students enrolled in EL English classes will be contacted on an individual basis to determine how best to meet the needs of their students.

What about high-risk students?

We’re identifying those students who are medically fragile. Students who are immunocompromised will participate in Remote Learning and will be provided individualized supports based on student need.

What new safety and health measures are in place at the schools?

We will be following the guidelines set forth by ISBE and the IDPH in order to conduct In-Person Learning while following the Hybrid Schedule:

• While in the school building, everyone must wear a face mask (cloth or medical). While on a bus, during a passing period or anytime people are within six feet of others, everyone must wear both a face mask (cloth or medical) and a face shield. 
• No more than 50 people will occupy any one space. Large areas, such as the gymnasiums and field houses, may be divided into learning spaces where groups are separated by more than 30 feet. 
• We will create as much social distancing as possible. There may be brief times throughout the day, such as passing periods, where students will come into closer contact.
• We will conduct daily symptom screens and temperature checks before people are allowed to enter the building if they do not have a self-certification pass. We will also perform random symptom checks upon arrival to school. 
• Will will increase our schoolwide cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• Outside air brought into the building will be increased to 20 percent, double the amount previously. Air filters will be changed twice as frequently as they were in the past.

Will District 99 provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to students and staff?

Yes. District 99 has issued two cloth masks to all staff and students as well as two face shields. The masks are two layers; the outside layer is polyester and the inside layer is cotton. Any masks provided by the state will be used as a back-up supply. 

Why is it necessary to wear both a face mask and face shield when riding the bus, during passing periods and any time within six feet of others?

Health guidelines encourage the use of plastic dividers whenever six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained. A face shield provides this extra protective barrier, as we cannot install plastic dividers where this could occur. 

Will wearing of PPE be required?

Yes. Everyone who is inside the school building must wear a mask at all times, and when within six feet of others, a face shield as well. This is an expectation, like other school rules, that is outlined in the student handbook addendum. Failure for a student to comply with these requirements will result in a transition to full Remote Learning. 

District 99 has provided additional types of PPE for high-risk staff members and students.

Can I wear my own mask?

Yes. The mask must be worn properly, and cover your nose and mouth. In addition to a mask, everyone must also wear a face shield while in the school building. The face shield is a replacement for plastic dividers in various situations and locations in our buildings. The schools will be providing training to students about how to use PPE properly.

Will guests be allowed into the school buildings?

To minimize the number of people in our buildings, guests will not be permitted past the entrances of our buildings during In-Person Learning hours.

Do we need to wear PPE during PE? Physical activities?

If people are outside and can maintain six feet between one another, they do not need to wear PPE. Fitness activities may be limited during PE, and locker rooms will be closed.

What is District 99 doing to increase sanitary conditions of the schools?

We have increased our sanitation protocols since the stay-at-home order was issued, and we will continue with these stringent measures. Each night, all areas, in particular high-touch items (i.e., desks, chairs, doors, handrails, pencil sharpeners, bathrooms and hand sanitizer dispensers) are cleaned and disinfected with EPA-approved disinfectant. We also follow all CDC and IDPH guidelines for cleaning. Classroom doors will be left open to allow for more air flow and eliminate additional touching of door handles.

Every classroom will be equipped with hand sanitizer, which all students must use when entering the class. In addition, students will spray every desk after the class period ends before leaving. Then, after the disinfectant has time to activate, students from the next class period will wipe the desks using paper towels before using the desks. 

Restrooms breaks will be allowed only during class periods, and all restrooms will be cleaned more frequently on a rotating basis during morning class periods.

Will there be extra hand-sanitizer at the schools?

Yes. There will be hand sanitizer in every classroom and in common areas throughout the school buildings. Before every In-Person Learning class period, students must use hand sanitizer before entering the classroom. We will also be encouraging frequent and proper handwashing and will have tissues available in each classroom as well.

What is the ventilation like in the buildings?

The quality of the air is important to maintaining a healthful environment, and District 99 uses an outside contractor to assess the quality of air in all of our buildings throughout the year. In addition, we are increasing the air flow to bring in 20% more outside air as well changing air filters more frequently. Fewer people in the building also helps promote air quality.

What are you doing about items that students share during school (i.e., textbooks, lab equipment, cooking equipment, etc.?)

If students must share physical items, we will sanitize the items before and after use. Items may include equipment or textbooks.

What are your COVID Procedures?

Please click here to read the updated COVID procedures.

During Remote Learning, how will the teacher communicate with students and families?

All teachers will be using Google Classroom for Remote Learning, and will communicate to students through that platform. Families may use Home Access Center to check on grades, and can email teachers through HAC.

Staff will respond to family/student questions within 24 hours on weekdays. Requests that come in over the weekend will be responded to on Mondays.

I’m not receiving district and school emails. Who should I contact?

District and school emails are sent automatically to all guardian emails listed in Home Access Center. If you are not receiving messages, please contact us at communications@csd99.org.

I’m receiving emails in a different language.  How do I change this?

District 99 has the ability to send some messages in languages other than English. If a family indicates they prefer to receive communications in a language other than English during the enrollment process, they will receive messages in that language. To change your preference, please contact us at communications@csd99.org.

How will 9th graders and new students receive a Chromebook?

The specific schedule is being developed. Families also will be contacted about the process for receiving their Chromebooks.

Who do I contact if I need internet access?

If a student does not have access to Wi-Fi or a smart device with data, the student or family should contact the counselor or the main office.

Who do I contact if I have technical troubles?

Students needing technology support should stop by the tech center while at school or email (northcb@csd99.org or call 630-795-2720 at DGN or southcb@csd99.org or call 630-795-8556 at DGS) for assistance. If you do not have access to Wi-Fi or a smart device with data, contact your counselor or the main office. If your internet service is down (i.e., power outage), contact your teacher as soon as you can to make up your work.

What are the protocols for activities?

Activities will be held in remote formats as much as possible.

• See the North High Activities page
• See the South High Activities page

What do the athletic programs look like in the fall? 

Athletic programs are developing plans to return under IHSA guidelines, which are changing frequently. Check North High's athletic page here and South High's athletic page here for information about fall sports and the latest information.