LHS, D113A Now Starting Year With Remote Learning

LEMONT, IL — Both Lemont High School and District 113A have announced they will begin the school year with full-time remote learning.

"Newly issued Illinois Department of Public Health guidance places restrictions on school districts that we cannot reasonably meet, and we have been advised that additional IDPH metrics for safely reopening schools are forthcoming," the districts said in a statement to students, staff and parents.

Both districts will now begin full-time remote learning on Aug. 24. The previously scheduled half-day for District 113A on Friday will now be a material pick-up day, and Lemont High School's new student day on Aug. 21 will be held remotely.

The districts said they do not know when in-person learning will be able to occur.

The new guidance issued on Aug. 12 by IDPH makes it "virtually impossible" for the districts to have in-person learning, the districts said. New guidance was issued about close contact, coronavirus symptoms, quarantine and N95 mask requirements for staff.

"To reiterate, we want our students to be able to return to the classroom. We have spent countless hours with the goal of returning to in-person learning, and we are ready," the district said, adding that if it doesn't have clear guidance, then schools can't open.

Several area school districts which were planning in-person learning have now changed their plans due to the new guidance issued last week, including: Lockport Township High School, New Lenox District 122 and Mokena District 159.

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