• March 11, 2020

    Dear Lancer Families:

    Lake Park High School District 108 is closely monitoring local, state and federal developments regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The safety, health and well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority.

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recently released Education-Related Guidance for Illinois Schools and School Districts regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19. Please read ISBE’s information presented in a helpful FAQ format, which addresses such topics as who would make the decision to close school, spring testing, e-learning and more.

    Following ISBE’s guidance, the District’s most recent decisions and actions include:

    • Cancelling international student trips and tours that were planned during spring break (Greece and France). 
    • Monitoring and evaluating domestic trips scheduled for spring break and competition later this school year/summer. 
    • Discouraging spring break travel to any of the destinations identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as Level 2 or higher Travel Health Notice. Information from the CDC regarding travel can be found here.
    • Requesting staff members refrain from making plans at this time to attend out-of-state professional development workshops and conferences. Plans to attend local or in-state professional development should be discussed with building administration.
    • Communicating with vendors (e.g. transportation and food services) about standard operating procedures to ensure safety for our students and staff.
    • Researching the feasibility of eLearning. The administrative team will not pursue fast-tracking this option, but rather explore remote educational supports, activities, and opportunities (e.g. provide take-home packets and use other methods to keep students thinking about learning). Future plans for eLearning are under discussion.
    • Developing contingency plans for a potential school closing. The Illinois Department of Public Health does not currently recommend closing schools. 
    • Reviewing the 2019-20 school calendar. The District has five emergency days allocated in the school calendar. Typical uses of Emergency Days include severe weather conditions but would also include circumstances related to COVID-19. Additionally, the State provides for the possibility of An Act of God Day, which is used for a condition beyond the control of the district that poses a hazardous threat to the health and safety of the students. Act of God Days may only be requested after the district has exhausted all of its Proposed Emergency Days built into the proposed calendar. We are aware of SAT and AP testing dates and will monitor any impact.

    As an important reminder to families, the best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following everyday actions to help prevent the spread of illnesses:  

    • Stay home when you are sick. (must be free of fever and vomiting for 24 hours without the use of medication before returning to school) 
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. 
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

    Lake Park will continue working closely with local and state public health officials to monitor this situation and develop contingency plans. We understand that the rapidly changing environment of this health issue in our district, county, state, nation and across the world creates apprehension. Please continue sharing your questions and concerns with the administration to help us make informed decisions in the best interest of the Lancer school community.

    Thank you for your continued partnership to keep our students and campuses healthy! 

    Lynn Panega, Ed.D.
    Superintendent