A Yorkville Parent's Plea: Bring Back School Sports, Activities

YORKVILLE, IL — A parent of a Yorkville High School senior addressed the school board during Monday night's meeting, asking them to bring back sports and extracurricular activities as the structure and fatigue from the current environment are "beginning to take their toll." Tony Jones attended the meeting in person and read a letter to board members as several attended virtually.

Jones first thanked everyone and said he and district parents are proud of the board's efforts during this time. He then went on to describe what his son and other students are facing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic; more specifically, fatigue and social isolation. Jones added that the mental toll, and loss of motivation and opportunity have become "too great a threat to ignore."

"In just nine months we've learned so much," Jones said, noting the current advantage of having time and data on their side, and read that those of young age are "by orders of magnitude less susceptible to this deadly virus."

He also noted the number of schools and universities that have safely carried out extracurriculars and sports.

But aside from research and data, there was one comment he received that he said hit him the most.

"'No one wants a page in the yearbook of all the kids that died from COVID,'" Jones read to the board, adding that a number of school districts across the country may have pages in their yearbook of those students "that died by suicide."

Jones also stressed that in this country people have a choice, and they can choose to participate or not participate.

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After Jones spoke, Dr. Robert Brenart, vice-president of the board, brought up how rapid testing could help bring back extracurriculars, adding that the tests are something the board has talked about for a while.

Melinda Lasky, the district's director of student services, agreed with Brenart regarding looking into some further rapid testing. She told the board she's been working with the team and health department to apply for a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments waiver (CLIA waiver), adding that they applied for the waiver last week and would know the results within 14 days.

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"If we are granted the ability to do that, we will work closely with the health department," Lasky said.

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On Monday, the Illinois High School Association Board said a timeline on sport schedules for the rest of the school year will be "forthcoming following discussions with state officials."

Patch will continue updating this news as more information becomes available.

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