IMPORTANT UPDATE: (February 6, 2022) As our staff and families may be aware, there are two different lawsuits in Illinois regarding COVID mitigations and school districts. Huntley 158 is one of many school district defendants named in one of these lawsuits. The lawsuit in which our district is named, Austin v. Pritzker, was brought by parents across the state against 145 school districts and the State regarding the mask mandate and the requirement that districts exclude close contacts from school.
Both lawsuits asked for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the State, which prevents school districts from enforcing the use of masks in our buildings and also prevents us from excluding close contacts from school based on state guidance. The ruling passed down from the judge on Friday, February 4 has granted the temporary restraining order against the State. As such, we are now in a position in which we cannot enforce masking or exclusion from school for close contacts in our district.
As a result of this ruling, effective Monday, February 7, masks will be strongly recommended for our students and staff in Huntley 158 while the Temporary Restraining Order is in effect. Please click here for an overview of Huntley 158’s modified procedures while the TRO is in effect.
For Huntley 158’s Masking Policies & Procedures in our buildings and on the bus, please click here. Please contact your building administration with further questions and they can assist you or direct you to the correct individual.
What are the mask requirements in Huntley 158 schools?
Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order, issued August 4, 2021, and the CDC guidance, District 158 is requiring the indoor use of all face coverings by students, staff and visitors who are over the age of two and who can medically tolerate a face covering, regardless of vaccination status. All individuals on the bus are also required to wear a mask while riding on the bus with other occupants.
What is an appropriate mask?
According to the Revised Public Health Guidance for Schools document from ISBE, the face mask should have two or more layers and should be worn over the nose and mouth, be secured under the chin, and should fit snugly against the sides of the face without gaps. Reusable face masks should be machine washed or washed by hand and allowed to dry completely after each use. Cloth masks with two layers or surgical disposable masks are recommended. The CDC and IDPH has provided more information on acceptable masks and how to effectively wear one.
What if my student does not wear a mask?
We do understand that it is your right to make decisions in regards to your child; however, the school district has the authority to implement reasonable rules and regulations in the school environment to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all. Adults who are present on school grounds, who refuse to comply with the Board policy and school rules will be asked to leave the school premises. Students who refuse to comply with the school rules will be subject to discipline and their absence will be marked as unexcused.
Where can I find a free N95 mask? Masks will be distributed at health centers and pharmacies enrolled in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, a nationwide program that relies on such entities to help expand COVID-19 vaccine access. Below you will find a list of where you’ll be able to find a free N95 mask in Illinois, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To find a health center near you, click here.
- Albertsons Companies (including Osco, Jewel-Osco and other subsidiaries)
- Costco
- CPESN USA
- CVS
- Good Neighbor Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation’s pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO), Elevate Provider Network
- Health Mart Pharmacies
- Hy-Vee
- LeaderNET and The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
- Meijer
- The Kroger Co. (including Kroger, Mariano’s, Pick-n-Save and other brands under the company)
- Piggy Wiggly
- Schnucks
- Walgreens
- Walmart (including Sam’s Club)
