In-Person Classes Planned To Resume Monday In Oswego District 308

Oswego IL

06 January, 2022

1:45 PM

Description

OSWEGO, IL — Looking ahead to Monday, Oswego School District 308 is planning a return to in-person attendance following its two-week winter break. In the days leading up to the start of the spring semester, district officials are asking students and staff to report positive COVID-19 cases or any close contacts to a positive case that occurred on or after Dec. 29. People with cases identified on or after that day may be excluded from Monday's start date, according to a message sent to the community Wednesday. At schools, students and staff who test positive for the virus are required to isolate for 10 days — guidance that remains the same despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recent recommendation to shorten isolation time to five days for the general public. District officials said they have been told by the Illinois State Board of Education that schools will be receiving revised guidance soon, but until then, protocols remain the same as last semester. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will have to stay home for 10 days and return once there's no fever and symptoms have improved. Those who are symptomatic will have to either provide a negative COVID-19 test or stay home for 10 days. The rules vary for people who were in close contact with someone who tested positive and all can be found on the district's website. Students who experience any COVID-19 symptom, even if mild, are encouraged to stay home. "We understand that the guidance can be frustrating, however we ask for your patience, cooperation and understanding regarding our requirement to follow the safety measures put in place," the message reads. Over winter break, which in District 308 last from Dec. 23 to Jan. 7, school buildings underwent deep cleaning. Classrooms and lunchrooms are spaced for social distancing, and hand sanitizer is placed in each classroom and common area. Areas with high traffic will be wiped down throughout the day, officials said. With an increase in cases caused by the omicron and delta variants, officials are warning families of possible staff shortages. "With continued staffing challenges, some of our bus routes were combined earlier this year, resulting in a larger number of students on the bus together," officials wrote in the message. "To reduce potential exposure, you may consider alternative transportation for your student, if possible." Normal COVID-19 testing will resume after winter break: available 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. Free to students, staff and their families, testing is available at the old Traughber Junior High site, 61 Franklin St. — entrance at Door 8. "While COVID-19 rates are high in our area, we are confident that with increased awareness and diligent efforts to utilize our mitigation measures, we can safely continue in-person learning," officials said. "However, it will take everyone's cooperation, participation, and understanding during a time when we are navigating changing guidance and an increase in cases, amidst a staffing challenge."