District - Grant Park CUSD #6

ESSER III- American Recovery Act

Grant Park School District #6

Funding Plan- Objectives, Initiatives

December 20th, 2021

What is the background of ESSER Funding?

ESSER, as it is commonly known, has provided financial support for districts and/or schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund to address concerns and needs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. For the state of Illinois, ESSER III allocations are estimated to be around $122 billion.

In addition, school districts in Illinois received separate funding in ESSER I and ESSER II which have been discussed at past board meetings. ESSER II has been utilized throughout the current year and will be completed by the end of this academic year.

ESSER III Purpose:

Under the American Rescue Plan, the ultimate objective seems to be aimed at mechanisms that can safely reopen schools for full instruction during the pandemic, addressing learning loss, and recruiting/retaining staff members. As you know, Grant Park School District has been proactive with the belief of “in school instruction” since the beginning of the 2020-21 school year (last year) as well as this current academic year.

What are the Effective Dates of the American Recovery Plan Act (ESSER III)

The effective starting date is July 2021 (or when the grant is approved by ISBE) and funds end on September 30th, 2024. Grant Park School District was allotted $514,307.

Are there stipulations in terms of use of grant funds?

Yes, there are certain requirements that must be met to qualify for approval of grant expenditures. The stipulations include:

20% of ESSER IIII funding must be used to accommodate Learning Loss
Funds can be “spread” across multiple years (as we are planning to do)
Local Board of Education involved as well as committees/community to outline spending for the grant
Submit the required grant to ISBE for consideration, amendments, and/or approval

What are some of the allowable spending areas?

Areas include COVID Preparedness Efforts, Educational Technology, Mental Health Services, Learning Loss, Employee Incentives/Bonus/Retention, Facility Upgrades, and specified others.

It is critical for all to understand that the funding does have a “cliff date” and should be used to address the needs of our students and staff (as well as parents/community). In terms of Grant Park #6, we have utilized the committee and collaboration process to ensure that we are suing the funds for:

To improve the learning environment to the maximum benefit of our students and staff
To address the learning loss clearly witnessed from the pandemic and/or remote learning
To improve communication services with our parents in an effort to be better prepared for remote learning and/or academic progress
To address the social/emotional needs of our students as a result of the pandemic.

What does our grant proposal look like?

Staffing

Funds to be used for staffing include a Math Interventionist and additional (PT) Social Worker to address the many needs of our students. Our plan for additional Social Work services involves a minimum of two years and is critically needed.
After School Tutoring and Extended Summer School Services to address learning loss. This is ongoing and payment is included via the grant as required.

B. Advancement of Learning Environment/Technology

STEM ROOM (Phase 2 Equipment/Supplies)- Full Implementation 2022-23
EPSON Panels (as recommended by Technology Committee) for each instructional classroom
Virtual Goggles for ES - Virtual Learning
Technology Mentors - PD and Database Planning

C. Sanitization

½ Time Custodial for ES (added back to staffing as a result of pandemic- ESSER II
Other Supplies as deemed needed (sanitation, etc)

D. Retention Bonus

Incentive for Staff Return- 2022-23- ($1,000) only for staff who return for the 2022-23 school year. Many area districts are including this- however, it is for all staff (office, maintenance, caf, etc.)

E. Student Database- A Committee was formed to review a much needed

Student Database system via Technology Mentors/Committee

Grant Park School District #6

Remote Learning Plan

Prior to the mandated school closure directed by Governor Pritzer, the Superintendent/Board of Education authorized a committee to meet, discuss, and prepare the “E-Learning Plan” to be submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education. Although the committee did not expect a mandated closure, certain components of the plan will be utilized for “remote learning” as directed by the Illinois State Board of Education.

The following document provides a brief overview of the Remote Learning Plan for Grant Park School District #6. Please note that the overall plan is being reviewed and evaluated on a weekly basis during this mandated closure. In addition, actual components of the plan are more comprehensive in nature. As of this writing, Grant Park School District #6 will be utilizing “remote learning” until April 30th. However, if the Governor extends the closure, the District will continue remote learning and offering educational opportunities. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of our parents and staff during these very unprecedented times.

Mode of Instruction

Students in PREK-3 will be receiving educational packets in two week intervals (approximate). Teachers will utilize “DOJO” for communication with students and/or parents. In addition, the district is considering distribution of Chromes for students in Grade 3 as an additional resource. Ms. Planeta will have additional information for parents/students in the near future. The district will announce “pick up” times for educational packets. In addition, the district will utilize our bus fleet to distribute packets if needed.

Students in grades 4-12 will be using district issued Chromes for continued educational instruction, activities, and interaction with teaching staff. Other outlets, as announced by the teaching staff, can be used as well. If there are any technological issues with the Chromes and/or connectivity, please contact Mr. Andy Dillman or the building principal.

Hours During Remote Instruction Time

9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Activities are posted and teachers report to virtual classroom settings. Teachers are available for further discussion and guided instruction. Teachers can also answer questions and provide assistance to individual or classroom. Meetings with students can occur as mutually agreed as well.

1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Teachers planning time and assessment of learning opportunities.

Communication

During these unprecedented times, communication between our teachers, parents, administrators, and students will be critical. Staff members have been asked to monitor their email on a consistent basis and use other means of communication to ensure our students have the guidance needed to succeed. A list of staff member email addresses can be found on our district web page as well. Office staff members are making every attempt to check phone messages on a daily basis and provide feedback when needed.

Grading

As directed, Grant Park School District will be utilizing a “Pass/Incomplete” grade mode during the closure. The goal of remote learning is to provide a continuum of instruction. Grading should be used for feedback, not as a compliance measure. Grant Park School District #6 fully realizes and understands that our students are not receiving face to face instruction and there should be no educational harm during this closure. However, there is a clear expectation for our students to make every attempt to complete the activities as assigned. Unfortunately, an overall Incomplete can result in required credit recovery and/or participation in our bridges program.

Meals

Grant Park School District #6 is committed to provide meals to all of our registered students. The GP Cafeteria Staff will prepare a “grab and go” meal for students. In order to have adequate supplies on hand, the Food Service Director will issue correspondence requesting parents/families to sign up in advance.

Compliance with PA 96-542