- Township High School District 211
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID Procedures
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Does my child have to wear a mask?
Masks are not required in District 211 schools nor on District 211 transportation. District 211 respects and supports individual, family and staff choices regarding masking decisions.
Recommendations regarding masking from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/parent-faqs.html
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How are buildings being disinfected?
Our custodial maintenance teams continue to thoroughly clean and disinfect the buildings at the end of the day. High-touch surfaces in areas such as hallways, stairwells, etc. are disinfected throughout the day. Disinfectant and hand sanitizer is available in every classroom.
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What if my child is sick or COVID-19 positive?
Parents should ensure their children are well before they leave for school. Per the latest IDPH school document, current COVID symptoms include fever (100.4 or higher), new onset of moderate to severe headache, shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, new loss of sense of taste or smell, fatigue from unknown cause, and muscle or body aches from unknown cause.
The IDPH and CDC recommend anyone with symptoms be tested for COVID. Students with fever, vomiting or diarrhea should remain home until symptom free for 24 hours.
If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please call your school’s nurse’s office to review the specific details of your child’s test and symptoms. Current Cook County Department of Public Health guidance follows the CDC guidance of staying home for a minimum 5 days after the onset of symptoms for people who are COVID-19 positive. Lengths of time may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms of the individual. Again, please contact your school’s nurse’s office. Quarantines are determined by the local health department (Cook County Department of Public Health) in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Please contact your physician or your school’s nurse’s office if you have specific questions.
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Is COVID-19 testing available at the school?
District 211 continues to have optional testing available for students and staff. All available testing is free of charge and does require parent permission.
More information on testing can be found: https://adc.d211.org/COVID-Testing-Info.
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Is the COVID-19 vaccination required?
Currently, there is no state mandate to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the CDC and IDPH strongly encourage all individuals eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to be vaccinated. For assistance finding vaccination sites, visit https://adc.d211.org/Page/8283.
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What strategies are in use to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Updated CDC guidance recommends actions schools can take everyday to prevent the spread of infectious disease, including the virus that causes COVID-19. The following strategies are in place in District 211: utilize proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures, reinforce proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, optimize ventilation systems, encourage students and staff to stay home when sick and promote ways to stay up to date with routine vaccinations. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-childcare-guidance.html
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What support is given to students who are absent from school due to COVID-19?
A Quarantine Instruction Coordinator (QIC) facilitates communication between tutors, students and parents to schedule and coordinate instructional tutoring services for students. The instructional tutoring services are provided daily by District 211 staff through Zoom. Additional tutoring may be assigned as needed so the student remains on track with coursework upon their return.
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Is ventilation increased in the schools?
All ventilation systems in District 211 buildings meet or exceed current standards for airflow based upon occupancy, have increased frequency of filter changes, and have undergone routine maintenance inspections prior to the start of the school year.
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Are parents notified of positive cases of COVID-19 in their child’s school?
Parents are notified via email if an individual is COVID-positive and present in their child’s classroom, on their bus, or in an extracurricular activity. The District 211 website additionally maintains a District COVID-19 dashboard, available at https://adc.d211.org/Page/7978.
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Are buses running normal routes?
Bus routes are running normally. Masks are not required on school buses. Students typically sit two per seat on District 211 buses. Route information is listed in Infinite Campus in the “More” section.
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Are lockers and locker rooms in use?
Lockers and locker rooms are available to students.