District 300

Coronavirus (COVID19)-School Closure FAQ

Du Quoin CUSD 300

Revised 4/20/20. 

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 which 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 for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Remote learning will continue through May 20th for District 300. 

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 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the K-8 building, the high school, Ward School, as well as the A.M.E. Zion Church. 

Q: Will promotion/graduation dates change?

A: All promotion/graduation dates are set and 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. The 2020 Prom and DHS spring musical has been postponed at this time, but we will look to reschedule when possible.

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 from this point due to COVID-19 shall be considered Remote Learning Days and will not be made up. The end of the year has officially been set for May 20th.

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. We will continue to provide educational opportunities throughout the closure and you can view our Remote Learning Plan here.

Q: Will the school work being done during the school closure potentially have a negative impact on my child’s grades?

A: No, work done during Remote Learning Days will not negatively impact 4th quarter grades. If you have more specific questions about how work is being assessed, please contact the individual teacher or school principal.

Q: Will 3rd quarter grade cards be sent home?

A: Yes. All 3rd quarter grade cards have been sent home. If you have not received your child’s 3rd quarter grade card, please call the office of your child’s school.

 

Q: Are state tests going to be administered to students?

A: No, state required tests have been waived for this year. This includes the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), the SAT, as well as the constitution exams for 8th graders and seniors.  Efforts are being made to provide an opportunity for 11th grade students to take the SAT, for free, as a means of college entrance. More information will be shared regarding the SAT when known.

Q: My student was going to be in Driver Education for the 4th quarter. When will they be able to complete this?

A: Yes, the state has now allowed schools to use remote learning towards the Driver Education classroom course. At this time, it is our intent to offer Driver Education behind-the-wheel learning during the summer months. More information will be shared as the situation continues to develop.

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:

Please be aware that high school teachers are under no obligation from the College to teach their dual credit courses remotely during the closure. (At this time Du Quoin High School teachers who provide instruction in dual credit classes are continuing instruction/lessons/assignments for JALC so that students will have the opportunity to earn JALC credit - M. Hickam)

For all courses taught by JALC faculty, students are expected to continue their coursework online. 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.