The Salem Community High School Board Monday night approved its Return to Learn Plan.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering says school will return to full day five days a week with remote learning only for those who are isolated due to COVID-19.
“The CDC guidance came down which was reaffirmed by the Governor, IDPH and State Board of Education in which masks were recommended. We are going to follow those exact guidelines. So the SCHS policy will be that masks are recommended, even encouraged, but not required for students for staff who are not fully vaccinated.”
Detering says they will work to make sure the school environment is safe and comfortable for those who wish to wear masks. He reports they will remain restrictive on visitors.
Detering says students will be allowed to sit where they want in the cafeteria. He also announced the USDA has extended the free lunch and breakfast program to all students for the coming school year.
The district will continue to use the 300 four pod desks purchased last year to help distance students better in many of the math and English classes.
Detering notes changes could be made depending on COVID-19 conditions. He said the district was ready to join the group of schools asking for more local control over COVID-19 restrictions, but doesn’t feel it is necessary with the control they have now been given.
