Safety Protocols
Safety Protocols During a Pandemic
It is our highest priority to keep our students and staff safe. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented additional safety protocols and procedures that follow the guidance from Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). These protocols are subject to change based on updated guidance from the aforementioned sources.
Illinois Department of Public Health Guidance
One of the guiding principles the District adopted to address the COVID-19 pandemic is to follow the guidance of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Center for Disease Control (CDC). These guidelines will be followed at the District completely. The IDPH Decision Tree guidance can be found here, as well as the IDPH FAQ for Schools.
District 27 Safety Protocols
What are the guidelines for face coverings?
Face coverings must cover one’s mouth and nose, and fit snugly against the sides of the face with no gaps. Acceptable face coverings include: disposable face coverings, cloth face coverings that can be laundered, or KN95 masks. The CDC does not recommend the use of athletic face coverings or neck warmers. Face coverings with valves are not permitted. In conjunction with 6 feet of social distancing, face coverings will be worn at all times, by each individual, except during lunch, outdoor classes (including PE), and outdoor recess.
If a student or staff member is unable to wear a face covering safely, a medical certification is required, which will be reviewed on an individual basis by the District 27 Administration. However, a remote learning/working environment in all likelihood will be assigned for that individual.
How will physical distance be maintained?
When in the school buildings, each student and staff member should remain 6 feet away from another individual whenever possible. All student desks will be spaced 6 feet apart and the teacher will have a space in front of the class that will maintain the 6 feet of distance. In addition, signage will be placed throughout the schools to direct the flow of traffic in the buildings/hallways. Wood Oaks Junior High will also have directional signage for stairwells - either going up or down, not both.
How does the travel quarantine work?
Please see this most recent guidance from the Cook County Department of Public Health that details quarantine information for those traveling.
In addition, those traveling internationally to a "Risk Level 2-4" country, as indicated on the CDC website, are required to quarantine for 14 days prior to their return to our schools.
- What is the process to enter school buildings each day?
- Will each school have specific arrival/dismissal procedures?
- Are visitors allowed in the school building?
- Will the Northbrook Park District program follow the same protocols as District 27?
- Will supplies be shared in the classroom?
- How will the District handle Restrooms?
- How is the District addressing ventilation in the schools?
- What is appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette?
- What are the safety protocols for transportation?
- What are the safety protocols during lunch and recess?
- What are the safety protocols for Band, Orchestra, and Chorus?
- What are the safety protocols for extra-curricular activities?
- What kind of PPE is required for staff who clean areas used by a suspected or known COVID case?
What is the process to enter school buildings each day?
Will each school have specific arrival/dismissal procedures?
Are visitors allowed in the school building?
Will the Northbrook Park District program follow the same protocols as District 27?
Will supplies be shared in the classroom?
How will the District handle Restrooms?
How is the District addressing ventilation in the schools?
What is appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette?
What are the safety protocols for transportation?
What are the safety protocols during lunch and recess?
What are the safety protocols for Band, Orchestra, and Chorus?
What are the safety protocols for extra-curricular activities?
What kind of PPE is required for staff who clean areas used by a suspected or known COVID case?
- What are the cleaning/sanitation protocols?
- Will schools have hand sanitizers?
- What is the definition of close contact?
- Who will do contact tracing?
- When is contact tracing performed?
- How will symptoms of Illness be managed throughout the school day?
- If a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case?
- If a student is sent home sick with suspected COVID-19 symptoms, must all their siblings/household members be sent home as well and quarantined for 14 days?
- Close contact while wearing PPE, do I still need to be quarantined?
- Physician note required after completing 14 day quarantine?
- What is the definition of an outbreak in schools?
- Will there be safety signage throughout the school buildings?
- Will schools notify everyone of a positive case of COVID-19?
- If someone has previously tested COVID-19 positive, do they need to be sent home if ill or do they need to be quarantined if named as a close contact?