District 41 Approves 5 Days In-Person Instruction

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Glen Ellyn School District 41 approved plans Monday to resume full-time, in-person instruction. Students will start the new schedule April 19, and a remote option will still be available.

The decision comes after updated guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that prioritizes in-person instruction. The new guidelines recommend a minimum of three feet of social distancing between masked students and fully vaccinated staff members.

Additionally, school capacity limits for in-person learning are now defined by "the space's ability to accommodate social distancing," according to ISBE.

Students in first through eighth grade who opt for in-person learning will attend classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The schedule will include a lunch break and all specials, according to information Superintendent Dr. Melissa Kaczkowski presented at Monday's meeting.

At the meeting, public speakers shared their feelings about District 41 schools reopening on a full-time basis.

Matthew Carlyon, whose family moved to the area in October, praised the District 41 board of education, saying, "We've been very impressed with this board's response to the current crisis."

Carlyon went on to express concern about reopening. Citing limitations in vaccine supply, he said, "We still need more time." Carlyon went on, "If we open now, it will take time and effort for our children to adjust to another full schedule."

District parent Angela Fanella spoke out in favor of the return to full-time, in-person classes. Fanella said, "I think the benefits of our children being in school all day greatly outweigh our concerns."

Fanella continued, "I think we need to give our students the opportunity to impress us with their grit, their adaptability and their enthusiasm for learning in person."

To help prevent the spread of coronavirus when students return to school, lunches will be held in classrooms or remote eating locations. Half of the student population will be able to eat lunch outdoors on days when weather permits. The district will send correspondence soon to elicit volunteers to help supervise lunches.

Extra safety measures will also be taken in specials classes, including gym and band. Gym classes will be held outdoors when weather is good, and activities will be modified to allow for safe social distancing. Choir students will attend class outside when possible, and band students will be issued special masks that allow them to play their instruments.

At Monday's meeting, Board President Dr. Robert Bruno addressed conflicts that have arisen between district parents who were either in favor or against a return to full-time in-person learning. Bruno said, "The love we all feel for our children, understandably feeds a deep, deep well-spring of emotion.” He went on, "In the end, we are dependent on one another to reach our common goals.

“This plan is not perfect or without challenges. It will impact different students differently," Bruno said, "But it is attentive to all learners, it is inclusive, and it gives to and asks something of everybody.”