Geneva D304 Outlines COVID-19 Rules For 2022-23 School Year

GENEVA, IL — With the beginning of the new school year just around the corner, students are soaking in the final weeks of summer vacation. Over at Geneva School District 304, officials are getting ready by releasing their COVID-19 and safety plan.

The COVID-19 plan leaves the choice to wear a mask up to students, staff, visitors and volunteers while officials note that everyone should respect each other "regarding individual preference and choice." Masks will be available at each school's main office.

"We rely on our staff, students, and our families to make safe and thoughtful decisions by monitoring for symptoms and staying home when sick," officials said.

If a person tests positive for COVID-19, school officials said it is "strongly recommended" that they wear a well-fitting mask for five full days after isolating at home for the first five days. Parents are also asked to notify the school attendance line when their student tests positive.

Officials provided the following guidance for positive test:

• If an at-home test was used, communicate the test result with the patient’s physician. The physician’s office or family should contact the Health Department.
• Remain home with COVID-19 for a minimum of 5 days. Follow the guidelines for other illnesses when diagnosed.
• Students and staff may return after 5 days if free of fever and/or vomiting, and diarrhea for 24 hours without the use of medication. Other symptoms should be improving.
• Those who return after day 5 are strongly encouraged to mask for days 6-10.

Enhanced ventilation strategies will remain in place in school buildings, and hand sanitizers will continue to be located throughout buildings and classrooms.

Activities including athletics, co-curriculars, assemblies, Geneva High School student personal learning choices (PLC), field trips and evening events will continue as normal, officials said.

Things will be changing in the lunchroom for middle and high school. During the pandemic, the district was able to offer free lunches with the help of federal funding. With that program having expired, lunchtime will return to the pre-pandemic service program that includes hot lunch and a la carte items.

"In moving away from the federally funded free lunch programs that were supported during the pandemic, students will now have to pay for their lunches," officials said. "Please make sure your students' PushCoin wallet accounts are funded to cover the cost of the food items purchased."

Families qualifying for assistance can apply for the Illinois Free Lunch Program using a link that can be found on the district's website.