Update: EG, D214 schools to close starting March 16

Gavin Ewen, Sectional Editor
March 12, 2020

In an email to all parents and staff, Township High School District 214 Superintendent David Schuler announced Friday morning that all of its six high schools will close starting March 16 due to an “abundance of caution” regarding COVID-19.

The disease’s was updated to a pandemic level earlier in the week.

Staff will be present March 16 for an institute day, while March 17 through 20 will serve as non-attendance days. The district will use up four of its built-in days for that time frame.

Students were told to bring home any materials they might need from school today.

Spring break, scheduled to start Friday, March 20 in the afternoon, will continue on as normal.

According to the email, Schuler said it “would be our intent for schools to reopen to students after spring break on Monday, March 30.”

If school needs to remain close, the district has explored the option of e-learning days, where students complete coursework from home.

“We hope that this preventative measure flattens the curve and aids in the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 in our local community,” Schuler said in the email. “We will continue to keep you updated and informed as the situation evolves.”

PREVIOUSLY: On Thursday, Township High School District 214 made several changes and cancellations regarding extracurricular activities, events and gatherings at all District 214 high schools.

District 214 Superintendent David Schuler sent an email around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, in which he updated staff and parents on the situation involving the novel coronavirus COVID-19, which was named a pandemic this week.

In an email sent to all District 214 staff and parents, Schuler said that spring sports practices, games and meetings are canceled starting today, March 12 and through at least March 29.

As of 5 p.m. on March 12, there was no word on if schools in the district would be canceled.

Field trips, tours, and internships will be halted until at least April 30, according to the email.

“The District is actively monitoring the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Health, the Cook County Health Department, the Illinois State Board of Education and local municipalities,” Schuler said in the email.

In his email, Schuler said students and staff need to start bringing home any materials that would be needed to complete assignments at home in the event that school closures occur. For families without access to the internet, students and families have been advised to contact counselors and administrators in the need of alternative assignments.

Also in the email, Schuler reiterated tips regarding disease prevention. Frequent hand washing, coughing into your elbow, using hand sanitizer were provided in the hope of stopping the spread of COVID-19.

“We will remain vigilant and continue to keep you informed,” Schuler said.

To check for updates, you can visit the Elk Grove Guardian website, along with both the EGHS and District 214 websites.

List of EGHS or IHSA cancellations (updated as of 7:15 p.m., March 12)