McHenry Community High School has developed an instructional delivery plan for a variety of emergency situations that could compromise the continuity of in-person student learning. Digital learning activities may be assigned as directed by the superintendent to extend the curriculum and student learning in the event of temporary school closure. 

MCHS staff and students will be prepared to enact the following guidelines for digital learning should events necessitate. Should the interruption to in-person learning become extended in length, the district may re-evaluate any and all elements of this contingency plan with consultation from stakeholders. The primary goal of this plan is to ensure a seamless pivot from in-person learning to remote digital learning (e-learning) if directed by the superintendent.

Synchronous Remote Instruction- 25 Minute Periods

Synchronous remote instruction will be the primary method of instruction during any disruption to in-person learning. Students should proceed through their class schedule and attend virtually using the video links provided by all teachers in Schoology.
● Students should attend all courses on time and attendance will be taken.
● On-screen synchronous time will be 25 minutes per class
● 2-Hours of asynchronous work time for students will be provided at the end of the day.
● Students may also make appointments with teachers during work time which also serves as office hours for staff.

E-learning Bell Schedule

If MCHS faces any unexpected short-term school closure, MCHS will observe the e-learning bell schedule regardless of the day of the e-learning. This schedule eliminates the AIM period and provides for offline periods of planning, student work time, and office hours for assistance from teachers. Should the bell schedule change, it will be included in any district communication.

E-Learning Bell Schedule 2025 Version 2

Office Hours/Student Work Time-Asynchronous

During planned e-learning days, the period of time after 8th period will be designated as asynchronous work time for students and staff office hours. Staff should maintain a link that can be used to connect with students. Students may request additional assistance from staff during this time by email/appointment. Staff may use that time for planning, grading, logging parent contacts, emailing, or other professional responsibilities identified by the superintendent.

Taking Attendance and Attendance Codes

Students are expected to attend all classes (except study hall) virtually. Teachers will take attendance accordingly and the disciplinarians and campus attendance teams will address attendance issues as normal. Students who do not log in to classes will be marked as unexcused.

Zero-Hour Courses/AIM

Neither AIM nor Zero-hour courses will meet on days designated as e-learning.

Student Study Halls

Students will not have to come to study halls. Study halls will be asynchronous for students and the time should be used to work on their academic responsibilities.

Blended Courses

Courses can continue to observe blended methods and practices on a schedule the instructor has determined. Blended days may see more “check and connect” activities where students may begin the class virtually and be allowed to work offline if they meet certain criteria.

AIM

AIM is not present on early release days, therefore there will be no AIM on designated e-learning days.

Access to WiFi Outside of School

MCHS has several free hotspots that can be provided on loan at no cost to families who meet the criteria for economic disadvantage. For more information on details and availability, please call the district IT office at 815-759-5137.

Deploying Google Links for Digital Learning

MCHS staff should prepare students in advance for any eventuality. Staff will have a location in their Schoology courses where video links for all classes and office hours are provided to students in advance.

Learning Opportunities and Support for Students with Special Needs

All students will be connected with teachers and support staff via Schoology and Google Meets. All counselors, social workers, psychologists, case managers, and interventionists will keep appointments and be available online for any student or parent need. District 156 will make all reasonable efforts to ensure students receive the related services listed in their Section 504/Individual Education Plan to the fullest extent possible as written. This could include the use of virtual meetings with related service staff.

Availability of Appropriate Learning Materials for Students

The school learning management platform Schoology for all students. Students have access to and are familiar with several academic web-based educational programs to supplement learning. Programs with students who cannot access or use devices will be supplied with print materials and assignments in advance and on an ongoing basis.

Training and Preparation of Students and Staff

MCHS staff will be trained on all elements and expectations of the e-learning plan early release time in the fall. Staff will develop the necessary links for students and provide advanced notification for each class. This will occur annually before November 1 so that e-learning can take place as directed by the superintendent.

Communications and Updates

The district will monitor any external situation, such as weather events, and the impact on our school community. In the event we must close our schools, the district will notify families and staff members immediately and frequently update our school community as circumstances change. The elements of this e-learning plan will be continuously reviewed and any modifications to the plan or schedule will be communicated through all district channels.

Deployment of Emergency Learning Plan and Revision Process

The emergency learning plan was developed in collaboration and consultation with all District 156 association representatives. The plan will be reviewed annually and all feedback or questions may be directed to the below contact.

Mr. Carl Vallianatos
McHenry Community High School 
Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation
vallianatoscarl@dist156.org