Letter: LW East Student Expresses Concerns Over In-Person Return

This letter was submitted to the editor and written by Lincoln-Way East student Nina Gentles.

Spring Break Travels Raise Concerns Over LW210 Board Decisions

As a student at Lincoln-Way East, I am concerned about the return to school after spring break. In the past weeks at school and over social media, I have witnessed my peers discussing their spring break plans to vacation out of state, or even out of the country. While travel during the break is inevitable, the return to school after the break could be dangerous if not prevented.

Many of the popular spring break locations will be teeming with tourists and travelers, and some areas have minimal to no mask and social distancing enforcement to prevent a mass outbreak. Additionally, since many minors will be last on the list to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the spread of disease will be more prevalent especially upon the return to school. As a precaution, I believe that it is the board’s responsibility to ensure students have been quarantined before returning after the break, which should include not resuming in-person classes immediately after April 5. Returning after the quarantine period would ensure that students have the ability to get tested and hinder the possible spread and introduction of potential new strains in our area.

Furthermore, specific guidelines were mentioned in the updated public health guidance created by ISBE and IDPH:

Travel increases chances of spreading and getting COVID-19. Details on COVID Travel Recommendations by Destination can be found on CDC’s Travel Page. The CDC currently requires testing of all international travelers before they enter the United States. Additionally, wearing a mask is required when traveling in, out of, or within the United States on any public conveyance, as well as in airports and public transport stations. The CDC also recommends that travelers: Get tested three to five days after travel AND stay home for seven days after travel. Even with a negative test, travelers should stay home for the full seven days. If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days after travel.

Additionally, in results reflected in a survey at the last board meeting, 80 percent of students revealed they did not want to return to full in-person learning. With the potential of a heightened amount of COVID cases after the spring break, the schedule students have been acclimated to may be threatened, increasing the possibility to a return to remote learning. With the district’s hasty decision to disregard the concern of its own students and parents, many feel as if they are waiting to make a more concrete decision until after elections, preserving their seat at the table without jeopardizing it with an undesirable verdict. As the school year comes to a close, students and parents deserve to be informed and have their safety ensured by the board members who represent them.