District 88 shares important information regarding coronavirus

Pictured is District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton.

At District 88, the safety and well-being of students and staff is our No. 1 priority. We continue to carefully monitor developments regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). Given the global concerns about this disease, I would like to proactively share with you steps Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools take to keep our campuses safe.

We are working with the DuPage Regional Office of Education, the DuPage County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to ensure the safest environment at our buildings. At this time, the IDPH recommends schools continue with regularly scheduled classes and events. According to the IDPH, the health risk to the general public from coronavirus remains low – not just in Illinois, but throughout the United States. The best way to protect against coronavirus is to follow the same precautions you would take to avoid getting sick in general, which include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue away.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

To see a complete list of recommendations, go to https://tinyurl.com/IDPHCoronavirus. For more information about coronavirus, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus.

A top priority at District 88 is the sanitization and cleanliness of the facilities. As part of our standard practice, our Buildings and Grounds staff members:

  • Regularly check hand sanitizer dispensers in all classrooms to make sure they’re full
  • Spray door handles and locker handles/locks with disinfectant on a regular basis
  • Use disinfecting wipes or soap and water to clean student desks, common areas and cafeteria tables
  • Disinfect all restrooms (walls, floors and plumbing fixtures) on a regular basis
  • As an extra measure of protection during the winter months, and given the concern about coronavirus, we also are using a disinfectant to fog classrooms

A group of District 88 students and staff is scheduled to travel overseas during Spring Break, and we’re communicating with those families and the travel company regarding our options. We will continue to follow best practices to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

We will continue to closely monitor this situation and will keep you updated and informed of any changes. Thank you for your support of District 88 and for your assistance in helping to keep our school community healthy.

Respectfully,
Scott J. Helton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of DuPage High School District 88