We are pleased to be able to return to a more “normal” school experience for our students and staff with the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

From the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, our instructional plans have included mitigation strategies to support in-person learning to the greatest extent possible in a safe learning environment. We have succeeded in doing that and will continue to make safety a priority. Below is a summary of our current expectations regarding COVID and other communicable diseases.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider “Day Zero” as your first day of symptoms regardless of vaccination status. If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID, they are asked to isolate for at least five days. Students and staff may return to school at that point if they are fever free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving. A negative COVID test is NOT required to return to school. Upon potential exposure to COVID, the CDC recommends that you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days instead of quarantining.

Several mandates are no longer in place such as masking, social distancing and exposure quarantine inside school buildings and on Central 301 property. The district will continue to use upgraded air filters in all air handling units along with coil disinfecting and ionization technology in univentilators, air handlers and main office areas. Students and staff are highly encouraged to wash their hands on a regular basis. Individuals should cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a disposable tissue and wash hands.

This mitigation plan may be updated based upon revised guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), IDPH, or CDC. Please direct any further questions to the health office of your student’s school.