D218 Cancels 'Non-Essential' Events At Richards, Shepard and Ike

OAK LAWN-PALOS HEIGHTS-BLUE ISLAND, IL — Community High School Dist. 218 has canceled “non-essential” events due to rapidly evolving coronavirus conditions. Currently, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in either school district.

“Clearly, this is a rapidly growing situation that is causing a great deal of anxiety among our staff, our students and our communities,” Dist. 218 said in a written statement.

Effective immediately, non-essential events are being canceled at Richards, Shepard and Eisenhower High Schools. This includes field trips, out-of-district professional development, school-sponsored spring break trips, and other non-IHSA sanctioned events have been cancelled until further notice.

>>> Moraine Valley Extends Spring Break, Will Move Classes Online

The district will continue to be in communication with the Illinois School Board of Education, IHSA, as well as local and federal health authorities, to monitor coronavirus conditions. D218 schools are in session through March 20. Spring break is scheduled for March 23 to March 27.

“We understand that such a decision interrupts many worthwhile plans, but the safety and health of our students and staff take priority. The district has put contingency plans in place for a possible school closing should conditions warrant such a decision. If it becomes necessary for the district to temporarily close schools, the established and approved CHSD 218 e-learning plan will be activated.”

The district has also introduced deep cleaning protocols in all buildings, including:

• CHSD 218 will continue its longstanding efforts of disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as desks, light switches, faucets, cafeteria tables, fitness equipment, keyboards, lockers, and other areas in the buildings.
• In between passing periods, the custodians are disinfecting door hardware, push bars, and handrails.
• Custodians wipe down cafeteria tables after each lunch period with disinfectants.
• Additionally, our custodial staff is restocking offices and classrooms nightly with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
• All the antimicrobial products in use are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use against COVID-19.
• We will continue to follow recommendations established by the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

These recommendations include frequent washing of hands, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, and having students and staff stay home when they are sick.

D218 reminds students, parents and staff that this is a rapidly evolving event and decisions may change at a moment’s notice.