Prairieview-Ogden to remain open after spring break, White outlines restrictions
Staff and parents in the Prairieview-Ogden School District recieved a letter from Superintendent Vic White earlier today outlining the district’s response to COVID-19.
The letter stated the in working with the Illinois Department of Health, Prairieview-Ogden will return to school on March 23 after spring break.
“Prairieview-Ogden School District #197 continues to closely monitor the situation involving the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and is working in coordination with county and state health authorities,” White wrote.
“We would advise you to plan in advance for childcare if a closing occurs. The health and safety of PVO students, staff and families is a top priority for our district. Our decision-making will demonstrate an abundance of caution to protect everyone’s health and well-being.”
All PVO extra-curricular events and field trips will be canceled or postponed until April 5, 2020. Local practices will continue to be conducted at this time.
“We received an email earlier this week from State Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Ayala, advising all schools to develop plans in case we close schools due to COVID-19,” White wrote. “We will also continue to work with the Public Health Department, who will advise us if we need to close our schools.”
E-learning plans have been available to public school districts in Illinois for two years now.
“While our schools are rich in technology, there are many issues associated with e-learning plans, and our school district hasn’t moved ahead with adopting an e-learning plan,” White wrote. “There are multiple layers of “approvals” necessary for e-learning plans above and beyond our local board of education.
“In light of the Corona virus situation, the Illinois State Board of Education is working to waive those approvals requirements and expedite the process. However, there is no timeline for doing that.”
White said that families traveling to a Level 2 or Level 3 country, as labeled by the United States government will be be required to be quarantined for 14 days after returning.
If PVO chooses to close school, it will be announced on the school’s website, Blackboard (district wide phone call and email) and the PVO Facebook page.
“Illinois State Board of Education dictates that our calendars include 5 emergency days in case of emergency,” White wrote. “After all emergency days are used we can activate what is called “Act of God” days. This means school is closed due to a situation not in our control and any days beyond the 5 emergency days will be “Act of God” days and will not be made up at the end of the school year by the students. The Act of God Days have to be approved by the State Board of Education.”
