Hall students will take weekly COVID-19 tests for extracurriculars

Students participating in extracurricular activities at Hall High School will be subject to weekly COVID-19 testing in the coming school year as part of the Back to School plan approved by its board at a special meeting Thursday.

In addition to requiring all students, faculty and staff to wear face coverings at all times indoors regardless of vaccination status, Superintendent Jesse Brant said students participating in athletics and other activities will undergo mandatory testing once per week using the SHIELD Illinois saliva-based test. A “test to stay” protocol will also be in place, allowing those identified as close contacts to avoid quarantine via a negative result to a rapid test.

Once again, each student will be issued a Chromebook laptop computer, though only students in quarantine will be able to engage in remote learning. Students will also have access to lockers this year with social distancing measures employed.

With the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s extension of its reimbursement of schools for meals, Hall students will receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the school year. Meals will be served in the cafeteria, with additional seating to be made available in the gymnasium to allow for proper distancing. Cleaning and disinfecting supplies will continue to be provided in each classroom.

Also approved at Thursday’s meeting was a raise in pay for substitute teachers from $80 to $125 per day, as well as the hiring of Cindy Dalzot as cheer coach.