Safety Protocols

The District requires a daily self-certification (health questionnaire) to be completed for both students and staff prior to entry into the school building. Student/staff ID cards will be scanned upon arrival to confirm that the self-certification has been completed. A “green” light will appear if that individual has already completed the daily health questionnaire, or “red” light will appear if they have not. Any individual who receives a “red” light must step aside for further assessment. 

In addition to the daily health questionnaire, each individual will have their temperature read via a free-standing, non-contact temperature reader. A “green” or “red” light will appear after each scan. If an individual receives a “red” light, they must step aside for further assessment.

Each building will develop specific arrival and dismissal procedures that will be implemented for students and staff. These procedures will be posted on each school website.

We will limit any nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations, as possible. Visitor management procedures will be developed. This will include the recording or documentation of the individual's reason for visit, contact information, and all locations visited, in case contact tracing is needed. Hand sanitizer will be readily available for visitors to use upon entry.

The Park District will adhere to the safety protocols as outlined by Northbrook School District 27. The Park District personnel are expected to know and adhere to District 27 safety protocols.

Supplies will not be shared in the classrooms. Students will be given many supplies and others will be acquired by parents. If any supplies are used in the classroom, they will be cleaned, sanitized, and quarantined in accordance with the IDPH guidelines before being used with another class of students.

All restrooms in District 27 will be completely cleaned nightly with a hospital-grade/EPA-registered disinfectant. During the school day, the restrooms will be periodically monitored for supplies and cleaned with the same product. Additional custodial staff will be added to assist with cleaning and sanitation tasks. All restrooms will have signage on the walls and floors. Students and staff will be expected to adhere to 6 feet of distancing while in the restrooms. Students will be trained on restroom use and protocols.

The District will document best practices with our HVAC systems, including filters, increased air flow, and preventive maintenance. In addition, windows will be opened if feasible to assist with fresh air flow. The District will periodically have the HVAC engineer inspect the equipment and make recommendations for improvements.

When students need to cough or sneeze, they should use the standard etiquette of coughing or sneezing into their bent arm with their face covering on. Students will be reminded of this etiquette by the staff.

The District will implement the following safety protocols for transportation service.

• Students must wear a face covering at all times on the bus.
• No more than 24 student riders will be allowed per bus to enhance 6-foot physical distancing.
• The following cleaning/disinfecting procedures will be implemented by North Shore Transit:
  • Each bus will be cleaned and disinfected prior to the first route of the day.
  • Drivers will wipe down and sanitize touchpoints, i.e. handrails, seatbacks, steering wheels/controls, etc., after every route.

Students will be divided into cohort groups for lunch. They will be separated by at least 6 feet. Per the IDPH guidance, students will be permitted to take off their masks to eat and then put them back on while inside the school building. There will be a recess time provided during the lunch hour and, whenever possible, students will go outside and can remove their masks while physically distancing by 6 feet. 

Recess times will be provided by teachers during the day, giving the students an opportunity for movement and also to take off their masks if it is possible to go outside. During the outside time, students can remove their masks while physically distancing by 6 feet. If recess is inside, students will need to wear their masks but will have an opportunity for movement.

Band and orchestra lessons will be provided remotely for all students, and will be conducted at times that are not interfering with their core academics. 

• Orchestra students will have some small ensembles because the students can play their instruments safely in a space that is adhering to 6 feet of physical distancing. 
• Band students will have an opportunity to gather together to build a culture of ensemble, but no wind instruments will be played so as to not cause any safety concern for the students and staff. The teachers will provide instruction on music concepts, rhythm, ensemble protocols, and a culture of performance community.

Chorus will be temporarily suspended and re-evaluated as new guidance is provided that would permit safe participation.

During the pandemic, no extra-curricular activities will be held at least for the beginning of the school year. These activities will be re-evaluated as the year progresses. There will be no sports activities as this would require travel to other districts, it would be difficult to ensure the safety of our students and staff. 

If a member of our maintenance team is cleaning an area used by a suspected or known COVID case, it will be safest for them to be wearing a fit-tested N95 mask, eye protection with a face shield or goggles, gown, and gloves.