Health & Safety Protocols
District 34 will follow executive orders by the Governor of Illinois, as well as any regional or local orders set by the Illinois Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health.
Executive Order 2020-73, filed on November 20, 2020, announced a Tier 3 Mitigation Order which allows for industries to continue operating at reduced levels. The healthy and safety guidelines to protect the community are as follows:
- Practice social distancing, maintaining six feet from any other person who does not live in the same household
- Require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including face coverings; neck gaiters, face shields without masks, and masks with valves are not acceptable face coverings at this time
- Limit gatherings: indoor gatherings of more than one household are prohibited. Outdoor gathering prohibit more than 10 individuals from gathering in one space
District 34 students and staff will continue to self-certify before entering school buildings. Increased cleaning and sanitizing procedures will continue at each building.
Hybrid: If Your Child Must Quarantine
The Illinois Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health maintain that a 14-day quarantine upon return from travel of any kind is the "gold standard" -- the best protection for individuals and our community from the spread of COVID-19. District 34 will continue to enforce the 14-day quarantine for travel, as well as for individuals who have been close contacts with those who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Early childhood through 5th grade students who quarantine due to non-essential travel will have full access to all learning materials and asynchronous lessons. Middle school students will continue to have the option to live stream when at home in quarantine.
Quarantine Q&A
- If a family or teacher travels in suburban Cook County (or outside of cook county) to visit a household they don't live with (like grandparents or parents) in their home, do they need to quarantine?
- If our child has been in a pod or other regular daycare/remote learning setting with other D34 students, do they have to quarantine?
- Does the previous requirement of traveling out of state for 24 hours apply to the current travel guidance?
- If we travel, can my child stream into their classroom for synchronous lessons?
- Is the District planning to take an Adaptive Pause after Spring Break?
If a family or teacher travels in suburban Cook County (or outside of cook county) to visit a household they don't live with (like grandparents or parents) in their home, do they need to quarantine?
If our child has been in a pod or other regular daycare/remote learning setting with other D34 students, do they have to quarantine?
Does the previous requirement of traveling out of state for 24 hours apply to the current travel guidance?
If we travel, can my child stream into their classroom for synchronous lessons?
Is the District planning to take an Adaptive Pause after Spring Break?
Cleaning & Sanitizing
District 34 custodial staff have been trained in increased cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and have been given a manual that outlines all procedures. They are required to sign off that they have read the manual and will adhere to the procedures.
Food Service
District 34’s Food Service department follows strict guidelines for food safety and sanitation in their daily operations; those will continue. Increased procedures have been implemented in kitchens and for food service staff to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
- Staff are required to self-certify that they have taken their temperature and screened for other COVID-19 symptoms before starting a shift
- PPE:
- Face masks are required at all times in kitchens, cafeteria service lines and all food service work spaces
- Disposable aprons and dishwashing gloves are required when handling dirty dishes
- Physical distance is kept in kitchens and work spaces and separate defined work stations have been established
- Hygiene signs have been placed at various locations throughout the cafeteria entrance, seating area and serving area
Infirmaries
Isolation rooms have been configured and designated as infirmaries in all schools to hold staff members or students who become symptomatic. These rooms are equipped with a negative air machine that filters and circulates air to limit the spread of contaminants . Each infirmary has a dedicated bathroom within or next to the room. The door remains closed at all times and the room is staffed with a health service employee.
Health office visitors will remain 6 feet away from Health Office employees unless otherwise instructed. Floor marking will indicate 6 feet distances.
Plexiglass dividers separate three areas with cots for staff or students with symptoms.
Proper hygiene practices, including hand washing, will be practiced by health service employees, and visitors to the infirmary will be instructed/reminded about these practices.
Our Commitment
As we work to reach our "new normal," District 34 is committed to:
- Safety & Health: The safety and health of students, staff and families is the top priority.
- Flexibility: We have developed plans that allow us to adapt to inevitable changes.
- Equity: We will provide equitable access for all students and families.
- Connections: D34 will keep open the lines of two-way communication, and communicate consistently, clearly and with compassion.
Community Resources
#BeWell34
A Space for Calm
#BeWell34 is a virtual space for students, staff, and families to find resources to encourage mindfulness and to support well being.