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Reopening JGSC 2020-2021 -FAQs- |
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Thank you for your constructive feedback on the recent "Reopening School" survey. Based on the survey results, comments, and email responses, I have assembled common questions and concerns in a "Frequently Asked Questions" format, below.
Rest assured we are all going to work together to get through this in a successful and positive way, one in which students can learn and continue to enjoy school. Taking on new challenges can be concerning, but know that we are working tirelessly to provide the best learning environment possible for all involved.
Please check back often as additional information and clarifications will be added here.
Link to the survey, in case you missed it: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFGl8O1fsBrAI3SZqFPBApPRg6_XrxChe8BIubdyiKX-CPGA/viewform
-Christopher Winchell, Superintendent
Rest assured we are all going to work together to get through this in a successful and positive way, one in which students can learn and continue to enjoy school. Taking on new challenges can be concerning, but know that we are working tirelessly to provide the best learning environment possible for all involved.
Please check back often as additional information and clarifications will be added here.
Link to the survey, in case you missed it: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFGl8O1fsBrAI3SZqFPBApPRg6_XrxChe8BIubdyiKX-CPGA/viewform
-Christopher Winchell, Superintendent
If you are reopening school, why aren’t we just going back to normal school life?
Since schools are governmental agencies, we are bound by the regulations issued from federal, state and local authorities. Local authorities are requiring schools to institute new precautions.
Is it true that John Glenn is in three different counties? If so, which is considered our local agency?
Yes, JGSC has school boundaries in La Porte, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties. Because of this, we need to be sensitive to the directions of all three health departments. Since our physical school buildings are located in St. Joseph County, the rules from the St. Joseph County health department will take precedence.
Does my student REALLY have to wear a mask all day?
No, students will only have to wear a mask while transitioning in/out and around the school building, or in a situation where distancing isn’t possible; for example, on the school bus.
Note: We are working very hard to be creative and rearrange traditional classrooms to accommodate distancing guidelines. Students will have plenty of time during the school day to unmask in a safe way that aligns with regulations. There will be times when this isn’t possible, and each classroom and each building will have some differences. You can count on all JGSC staff to work with your child on a daily basis to ensure success.
My child has a medical condition like asthma; are they expected to wear a mask?
Health Department guidelines are already in place to accommodate anyone with unique health situations that conflict with mask wearing. We will work with you and your students on specific individual needs while also accommodating the health department expectations.
My kids are very young or very young at heart. How are they going to use face coverings and distance themselves from one another?
We are sensitive to the individual needs of all students. Typically, the older the student, the more specifics they can handle. We believe a positive team effort between home and school is critical. With this team effort, students will be able to learn and be comfortable with the guidelines for each class. Kindergarten is going to look different from high school, but we will work with children to accommodate their reasonable needs.
What about art, gym, music, other specials?
We are still working to determine how special classes will work. We want to minimize large group congregations, but also want to provide the students with as much “normal” as possible. We understand that students need to be mobile and enjoy their special classes. This is what makes for a well-rounded education. Students will still participate in all of these special classes. However, to comply with regulations, they may just look a little different. For example, gym class may be outside as long as the weather allows. The art/music teacher may come to the classroom instead of the kids going to the art/music room. We are continuing to fine-tune these specific details.
What about lunch and recess?
Students will eat lunch and have recess time, but there will likely be an alternate lunch/recess schedule to allow for reduced crowds, as well as provide for time to disinfect between student groups. We understand and are extremely sensitive to the need for kids to have movement, interaction, and exercise throughout the day. We also have to balance our commitment to “best practices” with health department regulations during a pandemic.
What does the JG Online Academy option look like?
We are still working through the specific details of this option as well. It will be different from this past spring's eLearning in that students will be required to log in at specified time(s) for live instruction and interaction with their teacher(s).
Since schools are governmental agencies, we are bound by the regulations issued from federal, state and local authorities. Local authorities are requiring schools to institute new precautions.
Is it true that John Glenn is in three different counties? If so, which is considered our local agency?
Yes, JGSC has school boundaries in La Porte, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties. Because of this, we need to be sensitive to the directions of all three health departments. Since our physical school buildings are located in St. Joseph County, the rules from the St. Joseph County health department will take precedence.
Does my student REALLY have to wear a mask all day?
No, students will only have to wear a mask while transitioning in/out and around the school building, or in a situation where distancing isn’t possible; for example, on the school bus.
Note: We are working very hard to be creative and rearrange traditional classrooms to accommodate distancing guidelines. Students will have plenty of time during the school day to unmask in a safe way that aligns with regulations. There will be times when this isn’t possible, and each classroom and each building will have some differences. You can count on all JGSC staff to work with your child on a daily basis to ensure success.
My child has a medical condition like asthma; are they expected to wear a mask?
Health Department guidelines are already in place to accommodate anyone with unique health situations that conflict with mask wearing. We will work with you and your students on specific individual needs while also accommodating the health department expectations.
My kids are very young or very young at heart. How are they going to use face coverings and distance themselves from one another?
We are sensitive to the individual needs of all students. Typically, the older the student, the more specifics they can handle. We believe a positive team effort between home and school is critical. With this team effort, students will be able to learn and be comfortable with the guidelines for each class. Kindergarten is going to look different from high school, but we will work with children to accommodate their reasonable needs.
What about art, gym, music, other specials?
We are still working to determine how special classes will work. We want to minimize large group congregations, but also want to provide the students with as much “normal” as possible. We understand that students need to be mobile and enjoy their special classes. This is what makes for a well-rounded education. Students will still participate in all of these special classes. However, to comply with regulations, they may just look a little different. For example, gym class may be outside as long as the weather allows. The art/music teacher may come to the classroom instead of the kids going to the art/music room. We are continuing to fine-tune these specific details.
What about lunch and recess?
Students will eat lunch and have recess time, but there will likely be an alternate lunch/recess schedule to allow for reduced crowds, as well as provide for time to disinfect between student groups. We understand and are extremely sensitive to the need for kids to have movement, interaction, and exercise throughout the day. We also have to balance our commitment to “best practices” with health department regulations during a pandemic.
What does the JG Online Academy option look like?
We are still working through the specific details of this option as well. It will be different from this past spring's eLearning in that students will be required to log in at specified time(s) for live instruction and interaction with their teacher(s).