District 214 sets metrics for moving between stages of Return to School plan

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 on Friday sent to students, staff and parents the public health metrics the district will use to guide the safe return of students for in-person instruction in each of its buildings.

Based on the latest data available from the state, there were 91 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in suburban Cook County during the period Aug. 9-15.

The district said that it would use Stage 1 of its Return to School plan if there are more than 175 weekly cases per 100,000 people, Stage 2 between 70-174 cases, Stage 3 between seven and 69 cases and Stage 4 for fewer than seven cases.

The district case number currently is in Stage 2. It says students will participate primarily via remote instruction, with a limited number of students in specialized populations (for example, special education) and programs invited into the building.

Those in the building would have either in-person instruction with their assigned teacher or case manager or will be in a small learning pod, participating in remote instruction but remaining with the same group while in the building.

In Stage 3, students will be invited to rotate into the building, and parents will have the choice to send their students for in-person instruction or continue to participate via remote instruction. Classroom capacity restrictions will be in effect.

In Stage 4, students will participate via in-person instruction or remote instruction and will have the option for open campus. Parents will continue to have the ability to choose on a day-to-day basis.

More information on the district's plan is at d214.org.