Unruly Parents, Unmasked Kids: D158 Details Discipline Protocol

ALGONQUIN AND LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — District 158 students have returned to school and will again be required to wear masks while in their classrooms to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As school officials throughout the Chicago area continue to field pushback from many parents and students who adamantly disagree with masking policies, many school districts have outlined how they will enforce rules surrounding face coverings.

District 158. like most area school districts, is requiring all students, staff and visitors to wear masks indoors and on buses. Those who refuse to wear masks into the buildings will not be allowed in, according to D158 masking policies and procedures. In a 10-page document, District 158 administrators detailed the protocol in place for students and staff who refuse to wear masks on busses and at school. It also spells out guidelines staff can follow if faced with an unruly parent or student.

"We do understand that it is your right to make decisions in regards to your child; however, the school district has the authority to implement reasonable rules and regulation, in the school environment, to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all," according to the District 158 masking policies and procedures. "Students who refuse to comply with the school rules will be subject to discipline and their absence will be marked as unexcused."

Here is a look at more specifics regarding the D158 protocol:

• When a student initially refuses to wear a mask while at school, staff should ask if they have one or need one, according to D158 policy. If they have one, they will be asked to put it on. If they don't, staff will provide one. If the student still refuses to wear a mask, staff are then advised to implement a "classroom intervention," which could include redirecting them to wear a mask. If the student refuses for a third time, a staff member should approach the student and provide "one to one encouragement" and two to three minutes of "think time" to allow the student to comply witIh the policy, according to District 158. After a fourth refusal, the an administrator is called to speak with the student outside the classroom. If the student complies, they can return to class. If not, the administrator will take the student to the office and document the incident. If the student fails to comply for several days, the student could be disciplined and conferences could be set up between the student, their parents and an administrator.
• District 158 has also detailed procedures regarding students who come into a building without a mask at the start of the school day. They will again be given several chances, with administrators stepping in if they fail to refuse and "think time" offered. Following a students' seventh refusal, they can be sent home. If a parent is aggressive when they show up to pick up their student, staff is advised to call the school resource officer or 911 "dependent on the level of risk," according to the D158 policies.
• As for students refusing to wear a mask at the bus stop before school, District 158 bus drivers are being told to offer a mask to the student and if the student refuses two times, the bus driver can contact the bus supervisor at the school and not transport the student. The students' parent will be asked to come and pick the student up. If a parent becomes aggressive, swears at the driver, boards the bus or threatens the driver, bus drivers are told to radio base to contact 911. The transportation director and chief safety and security officer for D158 will also be notified and the "appropriate personnel" will respond to the bus. If a student refuses to wear a mask for multiple days, bus privileges can be suspended.
• If a staff member refuses to wear a mask on two occasions, they will be warned of potential discipline if they continue to refuse. After a third refusal, disciplinary actions can be taken, according to D158's policies.
• As for visitors to D158 schools, if they show up without a mask, they will be offered a mask. If they refuse to wear the mask, they will not be allowed to enter the building.

More via the District 158 website