July 2, 2020 – The following is a letter that was sent from Superintendent Paul Enderle to the District 123 community regarding transition planning and state guidance.
Fall 2020 Planning Update
District 123 Families and Staff:
I hope this message finds you and your families safe, well, and enjoying the summer. As you may already know, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released a 60-page guidance document for opening schools this coming fall. Since the initial release of this document, ISBE has added additional clarification and guidance in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and an update from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on the appropriate use of face shields in the education setting. The documents and additional guidance from ISBE can be found linked below:
- IDPH Update on the Appropriate Use Face Shields
- ISBE Starting the 2020-21 School Year Transition Guidance FAQ
We wanted to provide this information to our community in a timely manner as we know many are making preparations for the fall. While the initial guidance suggested that face shields would be an appropriate alternative to cloth face coverings, the IDPH has indicated that face shields alone are not effective in the protection against the coronavirus. The additional information indicates that face shields should only be used in situations when other methods of protection are not available or feasible.
As we continue to plan and make preparations for the fall, we are increasingly challenged with the state’s lack of specific answers and shifting guidance as well. As indicated in my message last week, we are committed to keeping you updated on our plans and any additional information or clarifications as they become available. District 123 continues to develop plans that prioritize a return to in-person instruction in the safest and most practical manner possible.
Our door is always open for questions, concerns, or situations that may arise. We will always strive to find the best answers in service to you, our students, and the entire Oak Lawn and Hometown school community.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us keep our schools and our children safe and healthy. Please stay safe and enjoy the 4th of July holiday this weekend.
Paul J. Enderle
Superintendent