Waukegan Public Schools is monitoring the health advisories related to the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are continuing to take direction from, and rely on the advice of health professionals from various organizations, including  the Lake County Health Department (LCHD), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Below you will find the latest from District 60, as well as important information from Health Officials. 


COVID Health and Safety Policy
Updated August 2021

2020-2021 Hybrid Handbook
English and Spanish

2020-2021 Fall Parent/Student Remote Learning Handbook
Click the links below to access our Remote Learning handbook:
English
Spanish
Staff

New Food Distribution Sites 
Waukegan Public Schools will host food distribution events on Thursdays and Fridays during Hybrid Learning. Staff have identified 116 sites in the community for meals distribution. Additionally, the WHS-Brookside Campus will continue to serve as a drive-through location. A complete list of sites, a map and additional information can be found here.

PHONE HOTLINE
We have launched a hotline for parents to call 224-303-1199 with questions on any school closure related topic. Parents can leave a voicemail and the appropriate staff member will respond.

LATEST UPDATES FROM DISTRICT 60
Expected Health Protocols for Upcoming School Year - 7/29/21
Looking Forward to School In Office - 6/24/21
Vaccine Interest Questionnaire for Students - 4/15/21
Vaccine Opportunity For Students - 4/13/21
The Importance of Safety Protocols - 4/9/21
Beginning Our Transition to Hybrid Learning - 4/4/21
Safety iPass - Our Student Screener - 3/31/21 
Student Hybrid Assignments Now Available -3/22/21
No Meal Distribution During Spring Break - 3/17/21
Announcing the Start of Hybrid Learning - 3/9/21
District 60 Hybrid Safety Videos - 2/26/21
Important Update About Hybrid Learning - 2/18/21
Extending Remote Learning Through the End of February - 1/26/21
Hybrid Re-Entry Plan Video Presentation - 1/20/21
Hybrid Re-Entry Plan Presentation - 1/19/21
Spring In-Person Instruction Questionnaire - 1/13/21
Remote Learning Extended to Mid-February - 1/4/21
Working Remotely to Keep Our Community Safe - 11/17/20
Remote Learning Extended Through Mid-January - 11/12/20
In-Person Survey Deadline Approaching - 10/20/20
Extending State 1 Through November - 10/16/20
Return to In-Person Instruction Survey - 10/7/20
Extending Remote Learning Through October 16 - 9/4/20
August 27 & 28 Learning Material Pick-Up Events - 8/25/20
Preparing for the First Day of Instruction - 8/14/20
Details on Remote Learning Plan for Fall 2020 - 8/13/20
Waukegan Public Schools Fall 2020 Plan - 7/24/20
Fall Plan Presentation (English) (Spanish)
Help Us Plan For School in the Fall by Participating in Our Newest Survey - 7/1/20
Fall Planning Update - 6/24/20
Information on Summer Meal Distribution - 6/8/20
Fall Planning Survey Information - 6/8/20
K-8 Summer School Registration Information - 5/18/20
May 11 Institute Day Information - 5/8/20  
School Fees Reimbursement Information - 5/8/20
End of Year Event Information, Grade 8 & 12 - 5/5/20
End of the Year Grading Information - 5/5/20
Information about the State's Pandemic EBT Program - 5/3/20
Mental Health Resources For Families and Staff - 4/29/20
April 27 Remote Institute Day Information for Parents and Staff - 4/26/20
Drive-Up WiFi Service Now Available at WPS Schools - 4/24/20
Expanded Food Distribution Begins This Week - 4/20/20
Update on School Closures for 2019-2020 School Year - 4/17/20
April 20 Institute Day Information - 4/17/20 
Superintendent Video Message - 4/17/20
District Promotion Policy Update - 4/15/20
Recapping The First Week of Remote Learning - 4/9/20
Remote Learning Website is Live & More Food Distribution Locations - 4/5/20
Technical Support During Remote Learning Days - 4/5/20
Remind Communication Introduction Letters for Parents & Teachers - 4/3/20
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Staff Letter - 4/2-20
Remote Learning Information and Update on School Closures - 3/31/20
Food Distribution Events Planned for March 31 & April 2 - 3/29/20
District 60 Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19 - 3/26/20
Meal Distribution Date Added & More - 3/24/20
Update Following Governor's ‘Stay at Home’ Order - 3/20/20
Frequently Asked Questions - 3/20/20
Your Families Mental Well-being is Important (parents) - 3/19/20
Mental Health Resources for Staff - 3/19/20
Building Closures and Calendar Changes - 3/17/20
Video Message from the Superintendent - 3/16/20
Send Us Your Questions Related to School Closures - 3/16/20
Updates on School Closures & Student Learning Packets - 3/15/20
Learning Packets Grades PreK-12 - 3/14/20
District 60 Schools Closed Until March 30 - 3/13/20
Updates on Event Cancellations - 3/12/20
District 60 Update on Coronavirus in Lake County - 3/11/20
District 60 Coronavirus Update - 3/9/20
Coronavirus Presentation from our Nurses - 3/9/20
District 60 Coronavirus Communication - 2/27/20

Mental Health Resources 
There are many resources available locally to our families, including:
- The Lake County Health Department's Crisis Care Program - available 24 hours a day via telephone and in-person - Please call first: 847-356-3322.
- The United Way of Lake County recently helped launch 211 Lake County.  Dial 211 or text 898211 for mental health assistance 24 hours a day
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
Those with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment, consistent with plans made with your treating health care provider, as well as take note of any new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Updated 4/20/20
Waukegan Public Schools has prepared questions and answers to share with its families, staff members and interested community members drawing from individual inquiries received to date.  A separate document with FAQs related to staff compensation has also been created. Please note that any of the answers provided may change at any time based on subsequent public health events and local, state, and federal guidance or orders. We will be updating this document periodically.

FROM THE STATE

8/12/20 IDPH FAQ Document for Schools
This document provides guidance to schools regarding the management of student and staff illnesses. 

6/25/20 ISBE and IDPH's "Starting the 2020-21 School Year"
The Illinois Stare Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health released a joint document to help further shape our planning for the fall.

4/1/20 ISBE Guidance for Schools and District
The Illinois State Board of Education released further guidance on school closures, following the Governor's extension of his Stay at Home executive order. 

3/28/20 ISBE Guidance on Remote Learning
The Illinois State Board of Education released guidance on remote learning days. The recommendations provide overarching best practices for instruction, grading, communication, social-emotional needs, content selection and delivery, family engagement, and other important concerns, as well as specific guidance for different grade bands, English Learners, and students with disabilities.

3/24/20 Department of Public Health Tip Sheet
The Illinois Department of Public Health has a one page tip sheet with advice about COVID-19. It includes guidance for residents who may feel ill. 

3/23/20 Newest Guidance from ISBE
The Illinois State Board of Education released its most recent guidance to schools and school districts. The document covers several topics, including assessments and accountability. 

3/18/20 Statewide School Closure Guidance Webinar
The Illinois State Board of Education released a PowerPoint presentation following its guidance webinar. See document for additional important details.

3/17/20 ISBE School Closing Guidance Part 2 
The Illinois State Board of Education has created a second fact sheet with guidance regarding the mandatory two week school closure. Click here to read more from ISBE.

3/16/20 Continuing Education Resources
The Illinois State Board of Education curated the following free resources to assist districts, teachers, and parents during this unprecedented time. The intent is to provide free or temporarily free learning resources for teachers and parents to support student learning while Illinois’ schools are closed. These resources do not represent an endorsement or recommendation of curriculum or eLearning systems.

3/14/20 Required Learning Packets
Despite our schools being closed, students in K-12 will be required to complete grade-appropriate learning packets during the week of March 16 - March 20. Please find the appropriate packet information for your student's grade level.

3/14/20 ISBE School Closing Guidance
The Illinois State Board of Education has created a fact sheet with guidance regarding the mandatory two week school closure. Click here to read more from ISBE.

3/13/20 Statewide School Closures March 17-30
From the Illinois State Board of Education:This mandatory closure takes effect Tuesday, March 17. Currently, we anticipate the closure to last through March 30. 

3/11/20 Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource
Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious. While we don’t know where and to what extent the disease may spread here in the United States, we do know that it is contagious, that the severity of illness can vary from individual to individual, and that there are steps we can take to prevent the spread of infection. Acknowledging some level of concern, without panicking, is appropriate and can result in taking actions that reduce the risk of illness. Helping children cope with anxiety requires providing accurate prevention information and facts without causing undue alarm. See information from the National Association of School Psycologists. 

3/9/20 Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities- From the CDC
Protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like coronavirus disease 2019. Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and staying healthy. CDC is aggressively responding to the global outbreak of COVID-19 and community spread in the United States. CDC’s all of community approach is focused to slow the transmission of COVID-19, reduce illness and death, while minimizing social and economic impacts. See information from the CDC on Resources for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs.

3/9/20 Information from the Illinois State Board of Education
ISBE is working in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to ensure we are providing the most current resources and guidance to support Illinois education communities regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Please know that this is a rapidly evolving situation and we will continue to share up-to-date information as it becomes available. Read more from ISBE here. 

3/9/20 Limit the Spread of Germs & Prevent Infection
There are common sense steps we can all take to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus:
·       Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
·       Stay home when you are sick.
·       Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
·       Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
·       Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
·       Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
·       Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, bedside tables, bathroom sinks, toilets, counters, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.