District 214 Will Return To Full In-Person Learning On April 5

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Local high school students are heading back to school. Citing the availability of vaccines for all District 214 staff and the continued implementation COVID-19 mitigation measures, among other things, school officials said Friday full in-person learning will return April 5.

"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 a release.

The district is looking to implement the learning model for the remainder of the school with remote e-learning also available.

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Schuler said that when students return to the six district campuses, students will have their temperature taken and self-certify they are free of COVID-19 symptoms when entering the buildings, according to the release. Six feet of social distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible, but the distance may be reduced due to classroom space limitations.

District 214 is made up of Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, John Hersey, Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Wheeling high schools.

Students will also be required to wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. No lockers will be used except in cases when students are in athletics and band.

District officials anticipate there may be a need to quarantine some students based on COVID-19 exposure in or out of school, and the District is consequently activating additional contact tracers and will continue to implement CDC-recommended mitigation measures, according to the release.

To maintain a low rate of COVID-19 transmission within schools, updated public health guidance references consistent and correct use of masks; social distancing to the extent possible; hand hygiene; cleaning and disinfection; and contact tracing in collaboration with the health department. District 214 has consistently implemented these practices, shown to enhance safety and decrease risks.