FAQs
- Rolling Re-Entry FAQs
- Childcare
- Class Size and Social Distancing
- Cleaning Questions
- Face Mask Questions
- General Questions
- Gifted Program Questions
- Health Related Questions
- Instruction Questions
- Junior High Questions
- Social-Emotional Questions
- Special Education Questions
- Transportation Questions
- Virtual Classroom Questions
Face Mask Questions
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Does my child have to wear a face mask at school?
Consistent with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health, students must wear face coverings at all times while in school buildings (except when eating or if necessary to play an instrument), on school buses, and outside when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be maintained. Students are expected to wear a face covering to school each day. Students who arrive at school without a face covering will be provided a disposable face covering at no cost.
The only exemptions to the face covering requirement are for students who are younger than two years of age, have trouble breathing, or are incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance. Students who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering may also be provided with appropriate accommodations to ensure the safety of that student and the rest of the school community.
A note from the student’s physician will be required for a student requesting an exemption from the face covering requirement. District personnel will contact the parents/guardians of all students requesting exemptions to discuss appropriate accommodations. To request an exemption to the face covering requirement and an appropriate accommodation in lieu of a face covering for your student, please contact your school’s principal. The contact information for your school’s principal can be found on the District 15 webpage. Click HERE for the web page and then click “Our Schools” to select your home school.
Students who refuse to wear face coverings, including those students whose parents/guardians prohibit the use of face coverings, may be required to participate in remote learning. In addition, students who refuse to wear face coverings may be subject to disciplinary consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct and Board Policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
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Why can't my child wear a face shield instead of a mask?
The IDPH and ISBE have shared documentation showing that face shields are not as effective against the spread of COVID-19. For this reason, ISBE/IDPH will not permit shields except under special circumstances.
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Will the District provide my child with a mask if he/she does not have one?
Masks were added to the student supply lists so parents/guardians can select a mask for their child or send the mask they have been wearing this spring/summer. If you do not have access to a face mask, please contact your child’s school to obtain a disposable one.
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Does my child need to wear a mask on the school bus?
Yes. All children and staff on board a school bus are required to wear a face mask.
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Does my child need to wear a mask outdoors?
Unless individuals can keep a 6-foot distance from one another outdoors, face masks will be required, as mandated by IDPH and ISBE.
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How will the District enforce the wearing of masks?
PBIS Cool Tools will be developed to teach students of the importance of wearing a mask at school. They will focus on how to wear a mask properly. If a student without a medical condition that prohibits him/her from wearing a mask refuses to wear a mask, the student will be re-taught the expectations and importance of wearing a mask. If the child continues to refuse to wear a mask, the student will be sent to the office and parents will be called to pick up the student.
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My student walks to school with other students, should they be wearing face masks while walking?
If your child cannot keep a 6-foot distance from another child while outdoors, a mask should be worn.
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My child has a medical condition and cannot wear a face mask. What are our options?
There may be a small minority of individuals who have a medical contraindication to using face coverings. If face shields can be tolerated, face shields might be utilized in these situations, understanding their limitations and the heightened need for strict adherence to social distancing. Schools will review information such as a physician’s note documenting the medical contraindication for any individual who is not able to wear a face covering.
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What kind of face mask is appropriate for my child to wear?
The IDPH and CDC specify that a cloth OR medical grade face covering are appropriate. The mask should cover both the nose and mouth, tuck under the chin and fit snugly on the sides of the face.
*UPDATE FROM IDPH August 13, 2020: CDC does not recommend use of athletic face coverings/neck warmers as a substitute for cloth face coverings.
For more information on proper mask wearing, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-covering.pdf
