District 58 To Resume Full-Time, In-Person Instruction

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove Grade School District 58 students will resume five full days of in-person learning starting April 7, when students return from spring break.

The move comes after updated guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that prioritizes in-person instruction. The new guidelines recommend a minimum of three feet of social distancing between masked students and fully vaccinated staff members.

Additionally, school capacity limits for in-person learning are now defined by "the space's ability to accommodate social distancing," according to ISBE.

Under the new schedule that takes effect April 7, preschool students will maintain the same schedule of blended sessions from 8:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Special programs will still be offered for preschool students from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Morning kindergarteners will attend school from 8:20 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. and afternoon kindergarteners will attend classes from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Students in first through sixth grade will be in school from 8:20 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Middle school classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., with band, choir and orchestra sessions taking place from 2:25 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Parents will still be able to choose a fully remote learning option for their students.

"Under the updated guidelines, school as we once knew it will still not be possible to achieve at this time," District 58 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell said in an update on the district's website. Russell added that teacher changes should still be expected, though changes will be fewer and an increased number of spaces will be available under the new guidelines.

School principals were expected to email parents this week with more detailed information on teacher assignments, lunch, transportation and instructional spaces.

Russell wrote, "This updated guidance is certainly good news, and it gets us closer to a sense of normalcy."

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