Update on Mask Mandates, Vaccination Opportunities

Dear District 97 Families,

Below are a few important updates and reminders regarding the return to school, including:

  • Mask mandates
  • Upcoming vaccination opportunities (Aug. 9 and Aug. 12)
  • Lunchroom supervisors needed

Mask Mandates

On Wednesday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced that masks will be required for students, teachers and staff at all pre-kindergarten-12th grade schools. The new measure is part of the state’s ongoing effort to combat a new surge as the Delta variant rapidly spreads.

Additionally, the Oak Park Department of Public Health issued a public order Thursday requiring face masks to be worn indoors in common and shared spaces by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are also recommended outdoors if individuals are unable to maintain at least 6 feet between themselves and people outside their household, a recommendation that applies to playgrounds and other recreational spaces.

The announcements from the governor and the Village of Oak Park are in line with the health and safety measures adopted by District 97 in our 2021-22 Back-to-School Plan. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and update you on any changes or developments. 

Upcoming Vaccination Opportunities

According to the CDC and IDPH, vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic and help schools safely return to in-person learning. Vaccination is safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, and helps avoid severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.

Aug. 9 (Oak Park and River Forest High School)

To make getting vaccinated as easy as possible, the Oak Park Department of Public Health and Oak Park and River Forest High School are hosting an on-site vaccination clinic on Aug. 9, from 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. The clinic will be open to all. 

  • Students from Districts 90, 97, and 200 who are age 12 and older, staff members from all three districts, and community members are encouraged to participate. 
  • Individuals will receive the Pfizer vaccine—the only one approved for youth--and second vaccination appointments will be automatically scheduled, and will also be administered at the high school. 
  • If needed, the health department will open more slots to accommodate all who are interested, even if an additional clinic is needed 
  • Students ages 12 through 17 will need a signed parent’s consent to receive the vaccine (click here to download the consent form). Please download, print, and bring it with you. Children under 14 must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

To pre-register for the vaccination clinic, click here.

Aug. 12 (Thursday Night Out Festival)

The Oak Park Department of Public Health will be in downtown Oak Park with its new mobile response van from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 12, offering free COVID-19 vaccinations and rapid testing to attendees at the weekly Thursday Night Out festival.

Anyone 12 and older is eligible to be vaccinated. The health department is urging individuals to sign up for an appointment time of their choice via the state registration portal to speed up processing at the vaccination point – click here to register for the downtown event.

Lunchroom Supervisors Needed

Help us start the school year strong! District 97 is hiring lunchroom supervisors to support our return to school. Lunch supervisors would work two to three hours per day, and would assist with setting up, serving and cleanup. CLICK HERE to apply.

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; ability to lift heavy trays; prior experience working in a school environment preferred.