Coronavirus (COVID19)-School Closure FAQ
Du Quoin CUSD 300
Revised 3/23/20
While we have worked to make this FAQ (frequently asked questions) sheet as comprehensive as possible we welcome any additional or clarifying questions that you might have.
Q: What are the facts about COVID-19?
A: Check out this basic fact sheet here.
Q: What is the current situation in Illinois?
A: Check out the Illinois Department of Public Health’s here whch includes a map of Illinois counties with positive cases.
Q: When and why are schools closed?
A: Per a directive from Governor Pritzker, schools in Illinois will be closed starting on Tuesday, March 17th, through at least Tuesday April 7th, with plans to reopen on Wednesday, April 8th.
Q: Is the school available to student or parents?
A: The short answer is no. Certainly if anything is needed out of a locker, arrangements can be made by contacting the appropriate school office between the hours of 8:00 AM-1:00 PM. Beyond that, the buildings, including athletic facilities, are closed.
Q: How can my child access meals during this closure?
A: We are making meals available via a Grab and Go sack style option at various locations. Please see attached the Grab and Go Sheet for details.
Q: Will promotion/graduation dates change?
A: All promotion/graduation dates are set and will remain the same at this time.
Q: What will happen with school events, athletics, and extra-curriculars during the closure?
A: All school events and mandatory practices are canceled during this closure.
Q: What will happen with events, athletics, and extra-curriculars scheduled on or after Tuesday, April 7th?
A: At this time, following the state mandated closure, all events, athletics, and extracurriculars will continue as they are currently scheduled.
Q: Will the end of the year teacher institute be rescheduled to a date during the mandated school closure?
A: No, at this time the teacher institute will remain at the end of the year as previously scheduled.
Q: What will the last day of school be?
A: All days missed due to COVID-19 shall be considered Act of God days and are not required to be made up. The end of the year has not officially been set and this typically happens at the April meeting of the Board of Education. The last tentative day of student attendance is May 28, but if emergency days remain unused, it could be moved.
Q: How do we get medicine that might be stored at school that we will need during the closure?
A: Please contact your respective school office on to make arrangements.
Q: How will the schools be working to continue education?
A: While student and community health and safety are the first priority, we are also working to do our best to ensure the continuance of some form of education. This will vary from building to building and classroom to classroom. Some have sent home packets, while others provided books, and e-learning opportunities. Each student has been instructed as to what this will look like from their teachers at their schools. We would also encourage the use of the many educational resources that are accessible online.
Q: Will 3rd quarter grade cards be sent home?
A: Yes. We will be mailing all 3rd quarter grade cards home. It is our goal to have grade cards in the mail no later than Monday, March 23.
Q: Are state tests going to be administered to students?
A: At this time, the Illinois State Board of Education has applied for a waiver from the Federal government to suspend state testing. We have yet to be informed of the next steps and will pass along updates when we know more.
Q: Will this affect students in dual credit courses or at the John A. Logan Extension Center?
A: Please see the message below from John A. Logan College:
JALC understands that the mandatory closure of all K-12 schools in Illinois is considered to be an Act of God closure and that during this time, high school teachers are not allowed to perform instructional functions. Please be assured that high school teachers are under no obligation from the College to teach their dual credit courses remotely during the closure. We will assess the situation and determine the best course of action moving forward once high schools are back in session.
For all courses taught by JALC faculty, students are expected to continue their coursework online beginning next week. Students should monitor Volmail and the College website for the latest updates. Information will be provided on how students will move forward with online delivery. Individual class information will be posted in D2L when online delivery begins.
For updates regarding JALC’s response to COVID-19, please visit the JALC website at https://www.jalc.edu/covid19.