COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on our community, state, and nation over the past eight months. We have been forced to conduct school business and live our lives in different ways. One common variable through everything is that the school district has followed the guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health and that has allowed us to remain in person for attendance. High school winter sports are scheduled to begin Monday, November 16. In an announcement on November 11, the Illinois High School Association announced that schools who intend to begin practice on Monday, “should adhere to the Level 1 mitigations from the IDPH All Sports Policy.” As such, the district will continue to adhere to the guidelines and restrictions set forth by the IDPH. For the time being, only “no-contact practices and trainings” can be allowed. The SIJHSAA released similar guidance on November 5. So, all basketball activities (HS & JH) will be conducted according to these guidelines.
Additionally, all current requirements set forth by the Illinois State Board of Education including the use of face coverings, social distancing to the greatest extent possible, and symptom screenings will have strict adherence during practices.