Additionally, all students, staff and visitors must complete a self-certification process before entering our buildings, indicating the absence of a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and other symptoms of COVID-19. It is through these practices that we can best minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and help keep each other safe, healthy, and our schools open.
The District recognizes that in certain rare situations, the use of a face mask is medically contraindicated or otherwise not appropriate, i.e., when communication is impaired, a student cannot voluntarily take off a mask or that a unique self-certification process may need to be followed. The District will handle these instances on a case-by-case basis.
All students, staff and visitors are expected to comply with these practices and the following consequences will be considered in the event these practices are not followed, taking into consideration the unique facts of the situation:
- After three instances of failing to follow the self-certification process, the student will be moved to a full remote learning platform
- A single instance of lying or misrepresenting a child’s health status on the self-certification form will also result in the student being moved to a full remote learning platform
- Students are expected to wear a face mask at all times, except when eating or drinking, when outside with social distancing measures in place, and when in the nurse’s office or quarantine area for assessment or medical attention.
After three instances of refusing to wear a mask or otherwise acting in a manner that compromises the health or safety of others, the student will be moved to a full remote learning platform. Placement in the District’s full remote learning platform can be made for any period of time at the District’s sole discretion, including the remainder of the current school year. This language has been added to the daily student certification form as a reminder to parents about its importance.
In addition, the Illinois and Cook County Departments of Public Health continue to enforce travel restrictions throughout the state. Please take these requirements into consideration over Winter Break. A quarantine period is necessary after any overnight travel outside the state of Illinois.
Now, more than ever, we need your help in achieving our shared goals of health and safety. Each of our actions affects the others around us, most especially our staff members and teachers, who are committed to serving your children. We appreciate your assistance in following these practices and in talking with your child about the importance of following these practices. Please contact your building principal if you have any questions.
District 142 will begin Winter Break on Wednesday, December 23 and will resume instruction on Thursday, January 7 with Group B students attending in-person at Kerkstra, Foster and Hille. Ridge will continue to follow their AM/PM in-person schedule on Thursday, January 7 as well.
Please note on the Quarter 2 calendar that Group A students will attend in-person on two consecutive Wednesdays - January 13 and 20. This is to ensure close to an equal number of in-person days for each hybrid group throughout the entire quarter.
We hope each and every one of our district families has a wonderful Winter Break and Happy New Year. We look forward to what 2021 will bring to our school community.