District 214 cleared for in-person learning April 5

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 announced Friday that students will return to in-person learning April 5.

The exception will be those who have requested an exemption.

In a news release, the district said the decision was made possible by the availability of vaccines for all District 214 staff and the minimal rate of transmission in its schools and the community.

"We are thrilled to provide the opportunity to have the vast majority of students back in school and we look forward with great anticipation to April 5," Superintendent David Schuler said in the release.

When students return, all students will receive temperature checks and say they are free of COVID-19 symptoms when entering the buildings. Students must wear masks, except when eating or drinking.

The district said it will maintain 6 feet of social distancing to the greatest extent possible, but the distance may be reduced due to classroom space limitations. No lockers will be used, except for students involved in athletics and band.

Because district officials anticipate that there may be a need to quarantine some students based on COVID-19 exposure in or out of school, it is activating additional contact tracers and will continue to implement federally recommended mitigation measures.

Board President Dan Petro said, "We are pleased that a combination of factors, including our successful efforts to secure vaccinations for all staff, make it possible for us to bring most students back for in-person instruction and to enjoy a greater sense of normalcy for the remainder of the school year."