GLEN ELLYN, IL – Glen Ellyn School District 41 on Monday approved plans to resume full-time in-person teaching. Students will start the new schedule on April 19 and a distance option will still be available.

The move comes after an update to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidelines that prioritize in-person instruction. The new guidelines recommend a minimum of three feet of social distancing between masked students and fully immunized staff members.

In addition, the limits on the capacity of schools for in-person learning are now defined by “the capacity of the space to adapt to social distancing,” according to the ISBE.

Students in Grades 1 through 8 who opt for in-person learning will attend classes from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm The schedule will include a lunch break and all specials, according to information presented by Superintendent Melissa Kaczkowski at Monday’s meeting.

At the meeting, speakers shared their feelings about reopening the District 41 full-time schools.

Matthew Carlyon, whose family moved to the area in October, praised the District 41 School Board, saying, “We have been very impressed with this board’s response to the current crisis.

Carlyon went on to express concern about the reopening. Citing the limitations of the vaccine supply, he said: “We still need more time.” Carlyon continued, “If we open now, it will take time and effort for our kids to adjust to another full schedule.”

District parent Angela Fanella has spoken out in favor of returning to full-time in-person classes. Fanella said: “I think the benefits of our children being in school all day far outweigh our concerns.”

Fanella continued, “I think we need to give our students the opportunity to impress us with their courage, adaptability and enthusiasm to learn in person.”

To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus when students return to school, lunches will be held in remote classrooms or eating places. Half of the student body will be able to have lunch outside on days when the weather permits. The district will be sending correspondence soon to obtain volunteers to help supervise the lunches.

Additional safety measures will also be taken in special classes including gym and group. Gym classes will be held outdoors in good weather, and activities will be modified to allow for safe social distancing. Students in the choir will attend lessons outdoors whenever possible, and students in the group will be given special masks to allow them to play their instruments.

At Monday’s meeting, board chair Dr. Robert Bruno addressed conflicts that have arisen between parents in the district who were either for or against a return to full-time in-person learning. Bruno said: “The love we all feel for our children naturally fuels a deep and deep source of emotions.” He continued, “At the end of the day, we depend on each other to achieve our common goals.

“This plan is not perfect or without challenges. It will have a different impact on different students,” said Bruno, “But it is attentive to all learners, it is inclusive, and it gives and asks for something from everything the world.”