The mission of the Alton School District is to prepare our students with college, career and citizenship skills through a safe and progressive learning environment.
As you likely heard by now, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced yesterday that masks will be required at the start of the school year for all Illinois schools. Students, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask inside of our schools and while on the bus. The only exceptions to this requirement will be when a student is eating and while outside for recess, P.E., mask breaks, athletics and other outdoor activities.
The District’s 2021-2022 School Opening Plan has been updated to reflect these new requirements. The updated plan is attached for your review. You will note some other changes as well. When we released our proposed plan at the end of July, we asked families and staff to provide feedback, comments and questions. I want to thank you for taking the time to offer your input while asking important questions. In incorporating the feedback of our families and staff, we have also created a “Frequently Asked Questions” document that may be of additional assistance. The FAQ document is also attached for your convenience.
A consistent question we are receiving right now is in regards to COVID screening tests, provided by SHIELD Illinois, now that masks are required. Weekly COVID screenings will still be provided at each school beginning the week of August 30. However, rather than being required to opt your student out of the screenings, families will be asked to opt their students in for COVID screenings at this time. Should you choose not to opt your child in for the screenings prior to the start of school, you will have another opportunity to opt back in when/should mask guidance change at any point in the near future. Information on how to opt your child in for COVID screenings using Skyward Family Access will be provided later this week.
I realize these are challenging times for our students, families and schools. We are thankful in returning to in-person learning and under a regular school schedule. We will continue to prioritize student safety and the use of our COVID mitigations so that in-person learning, five days per week can be maintained. This is absolutely essential for our students.
Please accept my sincere gratitude for your continued support of our schools during these everchanging times. We are looking forward to an outstanding school year and cannot wait to welcome students back on August 19!
2020-2021 Alton School District Return to Learn Comprehensive Plan
During the 2020-2021 school year, it may be necessary to consider and possibly even use three different plans at various points. The three plans include:
In-person Instruction (Monday through Friday)
Blended or Hybrid Instruction (students attend in person on alternating days)
Complete Remote Instruction (when a school or district closure is required).
Click here to view the Parent Resource for Remote Learning Guide
Click here to view the Special Education and Related Services Letter for Parents
As a way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their official Month of Service leaders from American Water's Customer team have created a fun virtual library of employees, and their families, reading books for elementary school children in grades 1-3. The collection is available to schools throughout the local area community. May this virtual 'Americans In Action' storybook initiative bring laughs, cheers, and joy to all who listen.
Parents, students, or community members can anonymously report concerns regarding bullying or other behavior impacting student safety by clicking the button below:
Reach Out and Read (ROAR)
On March 19, 2015, KMOV visited West Elementary to report on the amazing support of our community members through the Reach Out and Read program.
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If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like information on how to volunteer, please click on the following links below:
