Dear District 126 Families and Staff: 

After careful consideration, the Board of Education approved modifications to the District’s COVID-19 mitigation plan at its February 22, 2022 Board of Education meeting, including modifications to the District’s universal masking, quarantine, and testing policies. These modifications are effective immediately.

Masks in Schools

After much thought and deliberation, we are recommending, but not requiring, face coverings for students, staff, and visitors in our schools as a mitigation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, in accordance with federal law, masks will continue to be required for all bus riders on school buses.

We understand that this adjustment may bring mixed feelings for students and staff. As a result, our goal will be to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to offer a welcoming, comfortable environment for everyone. Parents/Guardians, we ask that you speak to your child about your family’s mask-wearing preference. District 126 staff will be unable to monitor whether each student is following their family’s mask preference. We also ask that you speak to your child about the importance of respecting each person’s decision. Our expectation is that all students, families, and staff respect and support one another’s choices.

Testing, Contact Tracing, and Quarantine

COVID-19 SHIELD Testing

Although the District will continue to offer weekly SHIELD testing, weekly testing will not be required for unvaccinated staff.

Contact Tracing and Quarantine

The District will no longer contract trace and require quarantine for exposure/close contact to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. However, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will still be required to quarantine for up to 10 days. Individuals who test positive and are symptom free after day 5 may return to the District’s school buildings but would be required to wear a mask for days 6-10. Individuals with COVID-like symptoms will be required to quarantine for 5 days but may return early with proof of a negative COVID test result once symptoms subside.

Remote Instruction

Students who are quarantined by school or county officials due to COVID-like symptoms or a positive COVID test will continue to have access to classroom instruction through Zoom or alternative assignments.

Social-Emotional Support

The District recognizes that this shift may be an adjustment for students and staff. We encourage any student or staff member to reach out to our school counselors, social workers, and psychologists for additional support as needed.

As we prepare to welcome our students and staff back to our buildings under this new guidance, we thank you for your continued patience, support, and partnership as we continue to navigate this evolving situation.

In partnership,

Dr. Jesse J. Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Staff, Parents/Guardians, and Community:

I am writing to share that the isolation and quarantine period for students and staff members sick with COVID-19 or considered a close contact has been reduced from 10 to 5 days if they do not have symptoms (may include fever, chills, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, loss of taste and/or smell) but must continue to mask for 5 days after isolation ends.

On January 6, 2022 the CDC updated its guidance for K-12 Schools. Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Lake County Health Department (LCHD), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) have indicated that this guidance will take effect today Friday, January 7, 2021.

As a result, ZBTHS D126 will implement the updated CDC guidance. Staff and students who are currently impacted by a quarantine now have a revised return to school date. Please see the chart below to know when to send your child back to school:

If a student or staff member tested positive or first had symptoms on the following date:

The new return to school/work date is the following:

If not, continue to quarantine until symptoms have improved and fever-free for 24 hours.

If you have questions relative to the information provided above please contact the school nurse, your principal or Mr. Carlson (Executive Director of Student Services) at [email protected]. For further information, view the IDPHS website HERE.

The safety of our students, staff and community continues to be our top priority. Furthermore, our District is committed to in-person learning in a responsible manner for our school community. Public health guidance strongly supports getting vaccinated, boosted when eligible, and adhering to mitigation strategies. We encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated and boosted, please find a site for vaccination at: https://www.vaccines.gov/

Thank you for your support and partnership as together we will promote legendary educational services for all students.

In partnership,

Jesse J. Rodriguez , Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Estimado personal del Distrito Escolar 126 de Zion Benton, padres/tutores, comunidad,

Estoy escribiendo para informarles a ustedes que el período de aislamiento y cuarentena para los estudiantes y miembros del personal enfermos con COVID-19 o considerados un contacto cercano se ha reducido de 10 a 5 días si no tienen síntomas (pueden incluir fiebre, escalofríos, dolor de garganta, tos, dificultad para respirar, dolor de cuerpo, pérdida de del gusto y/o del olfato), pero debe continuar enmascarando durante 5 días después de que finalice el aislamiento.

El 6 de enero de 2022, el CDC actualizó su guía para las escuelas K-12 con un enlace aquí. Hoy, el Departamento de Salud Pública de Illinois (IDPH) y el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Lake (LCHD), así como la Junta de Educación del Estado de Illinois (ISBE) han indicado que esta orientación va a entrar en vigor pronto. Como resultado, efectivo inmediatamente, el Distrito Escolar 126 de Zion-Benton implementará la guía actualizada.

El personal y los estudiantes que actualmente están afectados por una cuarentena ahora tienen una fecha revisada de regreso a la escuela. Por favor, vea la tabla de abajo para saber cuándo enviar a su hijo de vuelta a la escuela:

Entendemos que las recomendaciones de la salud pública apoyan firmemente la vacunación, el refuerzo cuando es elegible, y la adhesión a las estrategias de mitigación. Con respecto le pedimos a todas las personas elegibles a vacunarse y reforzarse, por favor, encuentre un sitio para la vacunación en: https://www.vaccines.gov/

En el Distrito 126 estamos comprometidos con el bienestar integral del niño, mental, físico y académico. Gracias por su apoyo y por ayudarnos a mantener nuestras escuelas abiertas ya que ese es nuestro compromiso con ustedes como comunidad.

Con un cordial saludo,

Jesse J. Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Superintendente de Escuelas