Frequently Asked Questions about our new mitigation plans...
Masking
The mask-optional protocol applies to all students, staff and visitors. It is in effect as of Monday, February 28. Buses are also mask-optional.
Yes. Students who SHIELD test are required to wear a mask while at the testing location. Also, anyone who tests positive and returns to school after a 5-day quarantine will need to mask through Day 10. Anyone who chooses not to wear a mask in this scenario will need to quarantine at home for a full 10 days.
The CDC also ended the requirement to wear masks on buses.
Positive COVID Cases and Symptoms
Parents will receive notification that is in alignment with our communicable disease notifications. When a positive case (student or staff) occurs, parents will be notified with the number of positive cases, including the grade level. No identifiable information about students or staff will be shared.
No. Buildings will continue to send positive notifications to all parents (see above). Due to the complexities of contact tracing when students are able to put on and take off their masks at their will, we will be unable to clearly identify close contacts with any level of accuracy. Parents should continue to watch students for symptoms and keep them home if they are sick.
If a school nurse cannot rule out COVID-19 through consideration of a child’s symptoms and medical history, the student will be sent home until symptoms subside AND will be required to return with a negative test (PCR or rapid-antigen professionally administered) to rule out COVID-19. If they choose not to get a test, they will be required to wear a mask through day 10.
Tuesday, February 22. Remote learning was an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) mandate for students in quarantine. Because our Board approved an end to quarantine for close contacts, remote learning will no longer be an option. Instead, students will access their online portals (Schoology and Seesaw) to receive assignments. This restores pre-pandemic practices for classwork when students are ill. Students who test positive must still isolate and focus on rest and recovery. Teachers will work with students upon their return to school.
Weekly Testing
Yes. As long as we continue to test at least 100 students per school, testing will continue.
Update: The week of May 16 is the final week of SHIELD testing at all schools.
Health and Social-Emotional Considerations
Students are welcome to speak to any adult at the school. Typical resources would include the classroom teacher, social worker or building administrator.
Please reach out to your building administrator to set up an appointment to discuss your child’s specific health needs.
Your child should report this to an adult at the school or their parent/guardian. Please contact your building administration if this is something your child feels uncomfortable discussing with the school themselves.