Updated 3/12/2021 6:32 AM
There was cheering in some classrooms and hallways when the announcement went out a year ago that Illinois schools were closing amid the spiraling COVID-19 pandemic.
But for many parents it was a gut check, while teachers and administrators looked down the logistical and technological abyss posed by remote learning.
I remember talking to our superintendent and saying, When we come back after spring break, recalled Lombard Elementary District 44 fifth-grade teacher Rebecca Gamboa. He said, We re probably not coming back for the rest of the year . and I laughed.
On March 13, 2020, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered Illinois schools to shut down in-person classes for two weeks to reduce the spread of the deadly virus. The temporary measure was extended with a statewide stay-at-home order enacted March 21.
Updated 3/12/2021 4:52 PM
A growing number of DuPage County school districts are developing plans to offer in-person learning five days a week after state officials eased restrictions for social distancing in schools.
Superintendents from Naperville Unit District 203, Indian Prairie District 204 and Glenbard Township High School District 87 are among those who notified families of their intent to bring students back to school for greater amounts of time next month after spring break. A remote learning option will remain available for all students.
Their announcements come on the heels of updated guidance released Tuesday by the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health, including reducing social distancing regulations from 6 to 3 feet, to encourage a return to classrooms as soon as possible. Various COVID-19 mitigation policies remain in effect, including a strict face-covering mandate.
Two virtual forums are scheduled for next week featuring candidates running for Naperville City Council and Naperville Unit District 203 school board in the April 6 election.
Watch the interviews between candidates for Naperville Unit District 203
Posted3/4/2021 1:00 AM
Watch candidates for Naperville Unit District 203 take part in two joint interviews with a representative of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
The interview between challengers Bill Eagan, Christi Helm, Amanda McMillen and Adam Russo was recorded on Zoom on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. The interview between incumbents Charles Cush, Kristin Fitzgerald and Donna Wandke and challengers Andrew Binkowski and Robert Reed was recorded on Zoom on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021.
The election takes place on April 6. In-person early voting with paper ballots is available at the DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 5, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. In-person early voting with touch-screen voting begins March 22 at locations throughout the county. Learn more at www.dupageco.org/earlyvoting/.