dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-02--Oak Brook Polo Club plays on in a very social, but distanced, order

With a playing area equal to nine football fields , polo is a socially distanced sport .
But in a pandemic , the normally very social spectators are an area of concern .
The Oak Brook Polo Club took control of that matter at Sunday 's event at The Prince of Wales Field .
The Drake Challenge Club Championship and Women 's Polo Challenge Championship was the fifth event of the season in Oak Brook , and the crowd did n't seem to mind their limitations , even staying through more than one drastic change in weather .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social crowd , '' said longtime announcer Rob Wilkenson .
He has been calling matches for 10 years there .
`` We are trying to be aware of the social distancing , '' he said between matches .
`` We want and need the revenue , but we do n't want anyone to be in danger ( of COVID ) . ''
The venue normally has grandstands where several hundred spectators can watch the eight horses and riders compete for the ball .
Due to social distancing orders , only 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
The grandstands and the concessions were removed .
Instead , fans were asked to park their vehicles along the length of the field on each side .
Each space is marked by neat , white picket fencing and separated from its neighbor by 12 to 15 feet .
Fans bring chairs and tables and their own food and drink and leave their individual spaces only to use the restroom .
Between matches a prize of food and wine is awarded to the `` best tailgate '' decorations .
Sunday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with sand , umbrellas and flower leis .
`` In the spirit of the Oak Brook Polo Club , we feel like we are providing a safe and social experience , '' Wilkenson said .

Oak Brook Polo Club plays on in a very social, but distanced, order
With a playing area equal to nine football fields, polo is a socially distanced sport. But in a pandemic, the normally very social spectators are an area of concern.
The Oak Brook Polo Club took control of that matter at Sunday's event at The Prince of Wales Field. The Drake Challenge Club Championship and Women's Polo Challenge Championship was the fifth event of the season in Oak Brook, and the crowd didn't seem to mind their limitations, even staying through more than one drastic change in weather.
"It's a social sport. It's a social crowd," said longtime announcer Rob Wilkenson. He has been calling matches for 10 years there. "We are trying to be aware of the social distancing," he said between matches. "We want and need the revenue, but we don't want anyone to be in danger (of COVID)."
The venue normally has grandstands where several hundred spectators can watch the eight horses and riders compete for the ball. Due to social distancing orders, only 20% of the full capacity is allowed in this year. The grandstands and the concessions were removed. Instead, fans were asked to park their vehicles along the length of the field on each side. Each space is marked by neat, white picket fencing and separated from its neighbor by 12 to 15 feet.
Fans bring chairs and tables and their own food and drink and leave their individual spaces only to use the restroom.
Between matches a prize of food and wine is awarded to the "best tailgate" decorations. Sunday's winner had a Hawaiian theme, complete with sand, umbrellas and flower leis.
"In the spirit of the Oak Brook Polo Club, we feel like we are providing a safe and social experience," Wilkenson said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-02--Aug. 2 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code

Interactive mapSuburbs ' portion Since the outbreak began , there have been 89,297 cases in the suburbs as of Sunday .
That 's 49.2 % of the state 's total , according to the Illinois Department of Public Health .
There have been 3,808 deaths in the suburbs , representing 50.7 % of all deaths in Illinois .
Cook County • As of Sunday , suburban Cook County had 45,112 cases and 2,107 deaths , according to the state .
In Chicago : 61,601 cases and 2,787 fatalities .
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 103 deaths in Des Plaines , 926 cases and 63 deaths in Wheeling , 888 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine , 762 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood , 759 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect , 743 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg , 702 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights , 719 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview , 559 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park ( Cook County portion ) , 604 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates , 425 cases and 13 deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in Northbrook , 414 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village , 300 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights , and 145 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove ( Cook County portion ) .
DuPage County • The county reported 11,458 cases and 510 deaths as of Sunday .
• Top counts : 936 cases and 9 deaths in Addison , 880 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago , 758 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights , 704 cases and 36 deaths in Naperville ( DuPage County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in Carol Stream , 599 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville , 548 cases and 26 deaths in Lombard , 525 cases and 41 deaths in Elmhurst , 464 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora ( DuPage County portion ) , 405 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton , 312 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park , 311 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn , 297 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park ( DuPage County portion ) .
Lake County • The county listed 11,854 cases and 427 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Numbers were not updated Sunday .
• Top counts as of Friday : 3,035 to 3,039 in Waukegan , 700 to 704 in Round Lake Beach , 450 to 454 in Mundelein , 380 to 384 in Gurnee , 310 to 314 in Round Lake , 225 to 229 in Buffalo Grove ( Lake County portion ) , 240 to 244 in Lake Zurich , 215 to 219 in Vernon Hills , 185 to 189 in Wauconda , 180 to 184 in Libertyville , 155 to 159 in Grayslake .
Kane County • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths on its website Sunday .
• Top counts : 3,757 cases in Aurora ( Kane County portion ) , 2,169 in Elgin ( Kane County portion ) , 862 in Carpentersville , 485 in St. Charles , 401 in South Elgin , 260 in North Aurora , 264 in Geneva , 210 in Batavia , and 72 in Algonquin ( Kane County portion ) .
McHenry County • 2,946 cases and 112 deaths , according to the health department Sunday .
• 8,592 cases and 339 deaths , as of Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Naperville ( Will County portion ) and 106 in Aurora ( Will County portion ) .

Aug. 2 COVID-19 cases per county; search by ZIP code
Interactive mapSuburbs' portion Since the outbreak began, there have been 89,297 cases in the suburbs as of Sunday. That's 49.2% of the state's total, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
There have been 3,808 deaths in the suburbs, representing 50.7% of all deaths in Illinois.
Cook County• As of Sunday, suburban Cook County had 45,112 cases and 2,107 deaths, according to the state. In Chicago: 61,601 cases and 2,787 fatalities.
• Top suburb counts from the county health department and medical examiner's office: 1,953 cases and 103 deaths in Des Plaines, 926 cases and 63 deaths in Wheeling, 888 cases and 19 deaths in Palatine, 762 cases and 23 deaths in Streamwood, 759 cases and 10 deaths in Mount Prospect, 743 cases and 19 deaths in Schaumburg, 702 cases and 34 deaths in Arlington Heights, 719 cases and 50 deaths in Glenview, 559 cases and 10 deaths in Hanover Park (Cook County portion), 604 cases and 29 deaths in Hoffman Estates, 425 cases and 13 deaths in Rolling Meadows, 415 cases and 42 deaths in Northbrook, 414 cases and 39 deaths in Elk Grove Village, 300 cases and 8 deaths in Prospect Heights, and 145 cases and 19 deaths in Buffalo Grove (Cook County portion).
DuPage County• The county reported 11,458 cases and 510 deaths as of Sunday.
• Top counts: 936 cases and 9 deaths in Addison, 880 cases and 12 deaths in West Chicago, 758 cases and 12 deaths in Glendale Heights, 704 cases and 36 deaths in Naperville (DuPage County portion), 642 cases and 29 deaths in Carol Stream, 599 cases and 12 deaths in Bensenville, 548 cases and 26 deaths in Lombard, 525 cases and 41 deaths in Elmhurst, 464 cases and 11 deaths in Aurora (DuPage County portion), 405 cases and 22 deaths in Wheaton, 312 cases and 5 deaths in Villa Park, 311 cases and 3 deaths in Glen Ellyn, 297 cases and 3 deaths in Hanover Park (DuPage County portion).
Lake County • The county listed 11,854 cases and 427 deaths on its website as of Friday. Numbers were not updated Sunday.
• Top counts as of Friday: 3,035 to 3,039 in Waukegan, 700 to 704 in Round Lake Beach, 450 to 454 in Mundelein, 380 to 384 in Gurnee, 310 to 314 in Round Lake, 225 to 229 in Buffalo Grove (Lake County portion), 240 to 244 in Lake Zurich, 215 to 219 in Vernon Hills, 185 to 189 in Wauconda, 180 to 184 in Libertyville, 155 to 159 in Grayslake.
Kane County• The county confirmed 9,253 cases with 299 deaths on its website Sunday.
• Top counts: 3,757 cases in Aurora (Kane County portion), 2,169 in Elgin (Kane County portion), 862 in Carpentersville, 485 in St. Charles, 401 in South Elgin, 260 in North Aurora, 264 in Geneva, 210 in Batavia, and 72 in Algonquin (Kane County portion).
McHenry County• 2,946 cases and 112 deaths, according to the health department Sunday.
Will County
• 8,592 cases and 339 deaths, as of Sunday.
• Cases per town include 586 in Naperville (Will County portion) and 106 in Aurora (Will County portion).


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-02--Paved trail link along Shoe Factory Road in Hoffman Estates officially opens

Local leaders gathered Saturday morning to open the long-delayed east-west bike trail link along Shoe Factory Road from Route 59 west to the Canadian National railroad tracks in Hoffman Estates .
The project , which cost around $ 470,000 , paved a 0.7-mile stretch of what was a dirt and grass path to link existing paved paths .
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said at the ribbon cutting that the new trail spur would connect Hoffman Estates residents to the nearly 9-mile Poplar Creek red loop trail , which is also paved , as well as many miles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important resource for healthy living , especially during this pandemic , '' said Preckwinkle , also president of the Forest Preserves of Cook County .
`` Many people are rediscovering how wonderful it is to be outdoors in peaceful natural surroundings . ''
The village of Hoffman Estates , Hoffman Estates Park District and Cook County Forest Preserve District signed an intergovernmental agreement in February to get the project done during the 2020 construction season .
It 's seen as an important component in keeping bicyclists and pedestrians safely off a particularly busy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said the project was eight years in the making , which he joked was just a blink of an eye in government time .
`` We 're very blessed in Hoffman Estates to have thousands of acres of forest preserve within our municipal boundaries , and it really affects the quality of life of the people , '' McLeod said .
`` It is great to have part of the country in the city , and that 's what your forest preserves do , Madam President . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the state , with the remaining 20 % shared by the village , Hoffman Estates Park District and the forest preserves .
Keith Evans , the treasurer and a commissioner of the Hoffman Estates Park District , was the only official who rode his bike to the ceremony .
He said he 's long used the trail , and now it will be easier for residents to go between the sections of the village without having to drive a car .
`` I ca n't wait to try it , '' Evans @ @

Paved trail link along Shoe Factory Road in Hoffman Estates officially opens
Local leaders gathered Saturday morning to open the long-delayed east-west bike trail link along Shoe Factory Road from Route 59 west to the Canadian National railroad tracks in Hoffman Estates.
The project, which cost around $470,000, paved a 0.7-mile stretch of what was a dirt and grass path to link existing paved paths.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said at the ribbon cutting that the new trail spur would connect Hoffman Estates residents to the nearly 9-mile Poplar Creek red loop trail, which is also paved, as well as many miles of unpaved trails.
"Trails are an important resource for healthy living, especially during this pandemic," said Preckwinkle, also president of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. "Many people are rediscovering how wonderful it is to be outdoors in peaceful natural surroundings."
The village of Hoffman Estates, Hoffman Estates Park District and Cook County Forest Preserve District signed an intergovernmental agreement in February to get the project done during the 2020 construction season. It's seen as an important component in keeping bicyclists and pedestrians safely off a particularly busy stretch of Shoe Factory Road.
Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said the project was eight years in the making, which he joked was just a blink of an eye in government time.
"We're very blessed in Hoffman Estates to have thousands of acres of forest preserve within our municipal boundaries, and it really affects the quality of life of the people," McLeod said. "It is great to have part of the country in the city, and that's what your forest preserves do, Madam President."
The village secured 80% of the funding from the state, with the remaining 20% shared by the village, Hoffman Estates Park District and the forest preserves.
Keith Evans, the treasurer and a commissioner of the Hoffman Estates Park District, was the only official who rode his bike to the ceremony. He said he's long used the trail, and now it will be easier for residents to go between the sections of the village without having to drive a car.
"I can't wait to try it," Evans said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-02--Wilson scores 19 to help Aces beat Wings 79-70

BRADENTON , Fla. -- A'ja Wilson scored 19 points to lead five Las Vegas players in double figures and the @ @ @ @ @ 79-70 on Sunday night .
Kayla McBride and Lindsay Allen had 11 points apiece and @ @ @ @ @ each added 10 for Las Vegas ( 2-2 ) .
The Aces , who have @ @ @ @ @ against the Wings , opened the game with a 9-0 run , took a 15-2 @ @ @ @ @ with 5:46 left in the first quarter and never trailed .
Kayla Thornton hit a @ @ @ @ @ spurt that trimmed Dallas ' deficit to 44-40 early in the third quarter but Las @ @ @ @ @ next 26 points to its lead into double figures until the closing seconds of the @ @ @ @ @ just 28 of 76 ( 36.8 % ) from the field and shot just 13.3 @ @ @ @ @ ) from 3-point range .

Wilson scores 19 to help Aces beat Wings 79-70
BRADENTON, Fla. -- A'ja Wilson scored 19 points to lead five Las Vegas players in double figures and the Aces beat the Dallas Wings 79-70 on Sunday night.
Kayla McBride and Lindsay Allen had 11 points apiece and Jackie Young and Dearica Hamby each added 10 for Las Vegas (2-2).
Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas (2-2) with 20 points and Satou Sabally scored 10.
The Aces, who have won four in a row against the Wings, opened the game with a 9-0 run, took a 15-2 when McBride made a jumper with 5:46 left in the first quarter and never trailed. Kayla Thornton hit a 3-pointer to cap a 14-4 spurt that trimmed Dallas' deficit to 44-40 early in the third quarter but Las Vegas scored 18 of the next 26 points to its lead into double figures until the closing seconds of the game.
The Wings made just 28 of 76 (36.8%) from the field and shot just 13.3% (4 of 30) from 3-point range.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-02--Why White Sox-Schaumburg training partnership is working out so well

Way back when , I was writing a story on the White Sox 's lagging attendance at the ballpark formerly known as Comiskey .
This was before the internet , when many single-game seats were purchased at ticket outlets in and around Chicago .
Rob Gallas , the Sox 's VP of marketing and broadcasting at the time , gave me a heads up for the story : `` Check out the ticket sales in Schaumburg . ''
I did , and was surprised to discover the White Sox were selling more tickets in Schaumburg than any other outlet in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago was fresh on my mind late last week while making the short drive to Boomers Stadium .
The Sox 's taxi squad has been training in Schaumburg since mid-July , and it 's a great pairing -- a solid connection during this summer of strange baseball .
Most MLB teams are using their nearby minor-league stadiums for taxi squad training .
The Cubs , for example , are keeping their extra players fresh at Class A South Bend .
The White Sox do n't have that luxury .
With three of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina ( Charlotte , Winston-Salem , Kannapolis ) and the other in Alabama ( Birmingham ) , the Sox had to look elsewhere .
Schaumburg was a perfect fit .
Boomers Stadium is a short drive from Guaranteed Rate Field , the facility is in great shape and there are plenty of hotels in the area to house the White Sox 's taxi squad and team of coaches and trainers .
Most of the Sox 's extra players are being lodged at an extended stay to keep as safe as possible from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive , just to keep things simple and controlled as much we can , '' said Chris Getz , the White Sox 's director of player development .
`` I think they 've made the most of this opportunity .
They are very cautious with the decisions they 've made .
We 've stressed that from Day 1 and continue to do that daily , every decision they make when they leave here or even being here , could have a negative effect .
`` You hate to control too much , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now that we need to continue to educate these guys and things are evolving quickly .
Our guys have taken to it pretty well . ''
Many of the `` guys '' training in Schaumburg are the Sox 's top prospects -- 2019 first-round draft pick Andrew Vaughn , Dane Dunning , Micker Adolfo , Jonathan Stiever , Blake Rutherford and Garrett Crochet , this year 's top draft pick .
At some point this week , two promising young pitchers , Jared Kelley and Matt Thompson , are also due to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball season wiped out by COVID-19 , the young talent is getting needed development at Boomers Stadium even though no games are being played .
But as Getz pointed out last week , the main goal is getting Schaumburg players ready to help the White Sox this year .
Nick Madrigal , who was 4-for-5 in Sunday 's win at Kansas City , joined the Sox from Schaumburg on Friday .
Yermin Mercedes , Matt Foster , Ian Hamilton and Ryan Goins were also added to the White Sox 's major-league roster from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are hoping to return to play in the Frontier League .
For now , they are thrilled to have the Sox in their facility , and the feeling is mutual .
`` We 're excited for the White Sox partnership to be out here , '' said Michael Larson , the Boomers ' general manager .
`` It 's been fun having them out here . ''

Why White Sox-Schaumburg training partnership is working out so well
Chicago White Sox second baseman Nick Madrigal fields a ball before throwing to first for the out on Kansas City Royals' Maikel Franco on Sunday. Madrigal was one of the prospects training at Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg before being called up on Friday. Associated Press
Way back when, I was writing a story on the White Sox's lagging attendance at the ballpark formerly known as Comiskey.
This was before the internet, when many single-game seats were purchased at ticket outlets in and around Chicago.
Rob Gallas, the Sox's VP of marketing and broadcasting at the time, gave me a heads up for the story: "Check out the ticket sales in Schaumburg."
I did, and was surprised to discover the White Sox were selling more tickets in Schaumburg than any other outlet in Chicagoland.
That story from 20-some years ago was fresh on my mind late last week while making the short drive to Boomers Stadium.
The Sox's taxi squad has been training in Schaumburg since mid-July, and it's a great pairing -- a solid connection during this summer of strange baseball.
Most MLB teams are using their nearby minor-league stadiums for taxi squad training. The Cubs, for example, are keeping their extra players fresh at Class A South Bend.
The White Sox don't have that luxury.
With three of their regular four farm teams based in North Carolina (Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Kannapolis) and the other in Alabama (Birmingham), the Sox had to look elsewhere. Schaumburg was a perfect fit.
Boomers Stadium is a short drive from Guaranteed Rate Field, the facility is in great shape and there are plenty of hotels in the area to house the White Sox's taxi squad and team of coaches and trainers.
Most of the Sox's extra players are being lodged at an extended stay to keep as safe as possible from the coronavirus.
"The feedback has been positive, just to keep things simple and controlled as much we can," said Chris Getz, the White Sox's director of player development. "I think they've made the most of this opportunity. They are very cautious with the decisions they've made. We've stressed that from Day 1 and continue to do that daily, every decision they make when they leave here or even being here, could have a negative effect.
"You hate to control too much, but we're just in a time right now that we need to continue to educate these guys and things are evolving quickly. Our guys have taken to it pretty well."
Many of the "guys" training in Schaumburg are the Sox's top prospects -- 2019 first-round draft pick Andrew Vaughn, Dane Dunning, Micker Adolfo, Jonathan Stiever, Blake Rutherford and Garrett Crochet, this year's top draft pick.
At some point this week, two promising young pitchers, Jared Kelley and Matt Thompson, are also due to report to Boomers Stadium.
With the minor-league baseball season wiped out by COVID-19, the young talent is getting needed development at Boomers Stadium even though no games are being played.
But as Getz pointed out last week, the main goal is getting Schaumburg players ready to help the White Sox this year.
Nick Madrigal, who was 4-for-5 in Sunday's win at Kansas City, joined the Sox from Schaumburg on Friday. Yermin Mercedes, Matt Foster, Ian Hamilton and Ryan Goins were also added to the White Sox's major-league roster from Schaumburg.
Next year, the Boomers are hoping to return to play in the Frontier League. For now, they are thrilled to have the Sox in their facility, and the feeling is mutual.
"We're excited for the White Sox partnership to be out here," said Michael Larson, the Boomers' general manager. "It's been fun having them out here."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--How schools are gearing up for an eventual return to classrooms

Suburban school districts are stocking up on these and other essentials as they gear up for the resumption of in-person instruction while keeping fingers crossed that supply chains for cleaners and sanitizers do n't get disrupted as they did in the spring when the COVID-19 pandemic hit .
Districts are scrambling to get their hands on items such as disinfectant wipes that have been scarce for months .
Some school leaders are confident they have enough disinfectants and cleaners on hand for the first semester , while others are cautiously optimistic they 'll be able to ride out the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies will run out .
`` We are in competition with so many other agencies for those supplies .
...
It 's a tight marketplace right now , '' said Fred Heid , superintendent of Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 .
This week , officials at District 300 noted the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Kane County and reversed an earlier decision that would have combined in-person instruction for elementary and middle school students with a hybrid model for high schools .
Instead , the district will start the year entirely with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach after the first quarter .
Officials say the precautions underway remain critical for whenever students will return to the classroom .
With similar concerns , districts throughout the suburbs remain focused on maintaining adequate quantities of safe materials and school supplies , regardless of the decisions they are making about when and how to bring students back to the classroom .
District 300 has spent $ 2 million on electrostatic cleaners , disinfectant sprays , hand sanitizer and paper towel dispensers for every classroom , no-touch fountains to fill water bottles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plus trifold plexiglass shields placed on classroom desks , cafeteria tables and other spaces to separate students .
Meanwhile , officials are trying to secure more plexiglass dividers , which are in high demand , at a reasonable cost .
`` We are competing with 851 other school districts in our state alone who are all trying to procure the same acrylic dividers , '' Heid said .
`` In some cases , we are getting priced out of the market .
My concern is what happens if we do see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later this fall/winter and if demand spikes again for PPE and other protective equipment .
That 's a little scary for us . ''
Some larger districts , such as Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 , already had a good inventory of cleaning supplies before the pandemic hit .
District 211 will start the new school year Aug. 13 with a hybrid plan in which 50 % of students will attend classes in person , while the other half learn virtually , with the two groups trading places on alternating weeks .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decent shape , '' spokesman Tom Petersen said .
`` Our cleaning ( supplies ) are all purchased in bulk quantity and we store things in our warehouse facility here at the district office .
From there , we distribute ( it ) to our schools . ''
District 211 and many other districts rely on multiple local vendors and manufacturers to fulfill supply orders due to earlier disruptions of deliveries from China .
`` In March , there was a run worldwide , so the supply chain for cleaning and disinfectant products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Kevin Quinn , director of facilities and maintenance for Mundelein High School District 120 , which had planned to start the school year with in-person classes Aug. 9 but will now start with all-remote learning .
`` We are seeing the supply chain coming back to life , '' he said .
`` It is stronger now .
Replenishing inventory inside schools should start to become easier . ''
Within the last month , local companies that previously were n't in the cleaning industry have shifted production to meet demand , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plentiful , disposable disinfectant wipes are still hard to find in bulk .
Schools have switched to using alternatives such as paper towels and microfiber cloths with liquid chemical sprays .
District 120 and a few others in the suburbs are using electrostatic equipment that atomizes disinfectant cleaners into a fine mist of charged particles .
The misters do n't leave a residue and can disinfect large areas in a shorter time .
Huntley Community School District 158 will use its new electrostatic misters nightly in every school building and increase the frequency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wiping down high-touch surfaces -- now the standard operating procedure for schools .
The district was among the lucky ones to find disinfectant wipes early on for use in classrooms .
`` We 're not really sure what our consumption rate will be , but we do have a healthy stock , '' said Doug Renkosik , operations and maintenance director .
He added that supplies of hand sanitizer , disinfectant wipes and other products might be harder to find once all schools are up and running .
`` Since the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortage of empty spray bottles .
Latex gloves are going to be a hot commodity .
Who knows what will be next ? ''
Renkosik said .
`` It changes all the time . ''
District 158 will start the school year Aug. 21 under a modified remote learning model for all students through Oct. 16 and continuing until conditions are safe for students to return while teachers instruct from classrooms , officials said .
It 's not just schools and teachers who must be concerned .
Parents also will need to adjust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students will need to bring personal masks , said Dale Falk , assistant superintendent for finance and operations at Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 , which has chosen a hybrid approach to reopening schools using the all-in model for prekindergarten through third grade with alternating days for fourth through eighth grades .
The district is increasing its day and evening custodial staff .
Custodial services and supplies are outsourced and so far there has n't been a supply shortage , Falk said .
At Palatine Township Elementary District 15 , the district is providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout each school and disinfectant sprays and paper towels for staff use .
`` We have plenty of cleaning supplies to last us the full school year , '' spokeswoman Morgan Delack said .
District 15 's reopening plan offers a choice between virtual and in-person learning starting Aug. 17 for students in grades 1-8 and Aug. 18 for early childhood and kindergarten students .
`` Face masks and personal-sized hand sanitizer bottles have been added to each school supply list , '' Delack said .

How schools are gearing up for an eventual return to classrooms
Hand sanitizer. Face masks. Paper towels. Disinfectant sprays. Plexiglass partitions.
Suburban school districts are stocking up on these and other essentials as they gear up for the resumption of in-person instruction while keeping fingers crossed that supply chains for cleaners and sanitizers don't get disrupted as they did in the spring when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Districts are scrambling to get their hands on items such as disinfectant wipes that have been scarce for months.
Some school leaders are confident they have enough disinfectants and cleaners on hand for the first semester, while others are cautiously optimistic they'll be able to ride out the year because they aren't sure how quickly supplies will run out.
"We are in competition with so many other agencies for those supplies. ... It's a tight marketplace right now," said Fred Heid, superintendent of Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300.
This week, officials at District 300 noted the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Kane County and reversed an earlier decision that would have combined in-person instruction for elementary and middle school students with a hybrid model for high schools. Instead, the district will start the year entirely with online learning and move to a hybrid approach after the first quarter.
Officials say the precautions underway remain critical for whenever students will return to the classroom. With similar concerns, districts throughout the suburbs remain focused on maintaining adequate quantities of safe materials and school supplies, regardless of the decisions they are making about when and how to bring students back to the classroom.
District 300 has spent $2 million on electrostatic cleaners, disinfectant sprays, hand sanitizer and paper towel dispensers for every classroom, no-touch fountains to fill water bottles, and cameras and microphones for remote learning, plus trifold plexiglass shields placed on classroom desks, cafeteria tables and other spaces to separate students.
Meanwhile, officials are trying to secure more plexiglass dividers, which are in high demand, at a reasonable cost.
"We are competing with 851 other school districts in our state alone who are all trying to procure the same acrylic dividers," Heid said. "In some cases, we are getting priced out of the market. My concern is what happens if we do see a second round of COVID (cases) later this fall/winter and if demand spikes again for PPE and other protective equipment. That's a little scary for us."
Some larger districts, such as Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, already had a good inventory of cleaning supplies before the pandemic hit. District 211 will start the new school year Aug. 13 with a hybrid plan in which 50% of students will attend classes in person, while the other half learn virtually, with the two groups trading places on alternating weeks.
"We feel like we are in fairly decent shape," spokesman Tom Petersen said. "Our cleaning (supplies) are all purchased in bulk quantity and we store things in our warehouse facility here at the district office. From there, we distribute (it) to our schools."
District 211 and many other districts rely on multiple local vendors and manufacturers to fulfill supply orders due to earlier disruptions of deliveries from China.
"In March, there was a run worldwide, so the supply chain for cleaning and disinfectant products was completely at its limit," said Kevin Quinn, director of facilities and maintenance for Mundelein High School District 120, which had planned to start the school year with in-person classes Aug. 9 but will now start with all-remote learning.
"We are seeing the supply chain coming back to life," he said. "It is stronger now. Replenishing inventory inside schools should start to become easier."
Within the last month, local companies that previously weren't in the cleaning industry have shifted production to meet demand, he said.
While hand sanitizer is now plentiful, disposable disinfectant wipes are still hard to find in bulk. Schools have switched to using alternatives such as paper towels and microfiber cloths with liquid chemical sprays.
District 120 and a few others in the suburbs are using electrostatic equipment that atomizes disinfectant cleaners into a fine mist of charged particles. The misters don't leave a residue and can disinfect large areas in a shorter time.
Huntley Community School District 158 will use its new electrostatic misters nightly in every school building and increase the frequency of its custodial staff's disinfecting classrooms and wiping down high-touch surfaces -- now the standard operating procedure for schools. The district was among the lucky ones to find disinfectant wipes early on for use in classrooms.
"We're not really sure what our consumption rate will be, but we do have a healthy stock," said Doug Renkosik, operations and maintenance director. He added that supplies of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and other products might be harder to find once all schools are up and running.
"Since the middle of last week, there is a shortage of empty spray bottles. Latex gloves are going to be a hot commodity. Who knows what will be next?" Renkosik said. "It changes all the time."
District 158 will start the school year Aug. 21 under a modified remote learning model for all students through Oct. 16 and continuing until conditions are safe for students to return while teachers instruct from classrooms, officials said.
It's not just schools and teachers who must be concerned. Parents also will need to adjust their back-to-school shopping.
Classroom teachers and students will need to bring personal masks, said Dale Falk, assistant superintendent for finance and operations at Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, which has chosen a hybrid approach to reopening schools using the all-in model for prekindergarten through third grade with alternating days for fourth through eighth grades. The district is increasing its day and evening custodial staff. Custodial services and supplies are outsourced and so far there hasn't been a supply shortage, Falk said.
At Palatine Township Elementary District 15, the district is providing no-touch hand sanitizer units in several locations throughout each school and disinfectant sprays and paper towels for staff use.
"We have plenty of cleaning supplies to last us the full school year," spokeswoman Morgan Delack said.
District 15's reopening plan offers a choice between virtual and in-person learning starting Aug. 17 for students in grades 1-8 and Aug. 18 for early childhood and kindergarten students.
"Face masks and personal-sized hand sanitizer bottles have been added to each school supply list," Delack said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-02--In Transit: The waiting is the hardest part at driver's facility, but it doesn't have to be

A three-hour wait to renew a driver 's license ?
It happened last week in Des Plaines with a perfect storm of end-of-the month sticker renewals and the ongoing backlog related to COVID-19 closures .
But there are ways to avoid a marathon session in the driver 's facility line amid a worldwide pandemic , said Dave Druker , spokesman for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White .
That advice is too late for Matt Arado , who showed up bright and early July 28 at the Des Plaines facility on Lee Street to renew his license , which expired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arado , a former Daily Herald writer , arrived shortly before 8 a.m. and finished up at about 11:30 a.m. '' Roughly three hours of that time was spent outside , waiting in line , '' he said .
`` No one was happy to be waiting for that long , obviously , but the mood was calm , '' Arado said , and everyone was wearing a face mask .
`` I got the sense that people understood that wait times would be long .
One person brought his own chair .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and got through nearly 100 pages . ''
And aside from one maskless passerby who yelled , `` Driving should be a right , not a privilege ! ''
at customers , there was little drama .
`` The employees did a good job keeping the line organized .
They came out early and walked the line to check everyone 's documents , etc.
, '' Arado said .
`` When we got closer to the entrance , they made sure to keep us roughly six feet apart .
Inside the building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people like me , who were there just to renew . ''
There are 600,000 expired Illinois driver 's licenses and vehicle stickers , Druker said .
But there is no need to rush to get in line yet .
Because of closures during the state 's stay-at-home order , all licenses , driver 's licenses , ID cards , vehicle registration stickers , restricted driving permits and monitoring device driving permits `` currently expired or set to expire by Sept. 30 have been extended until Nov. 1 , '' officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours and days specific locations operate .
Numerous facilities are closed Monday and open Tuesday , meaning Tuesday mornings can be a crush .
In addition , sites are typically busier toward the end of the month when stickers go stale .
Also , `` I ca n't guarantee it , but some people have better luck going later in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning , '' Druker said .
All employees and customers are required to wear face coverings , and plexiglass dividers are installed at work stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of people inside a facility is limited , hence outside lines .
`` We 're asking customers to be patient when they come and we 'll get them through as fast as we can , '' Druker said .
Or you can avoid the in-person experience altogether and renew online , he recommended .
And finally , for folks frenzied about meeting the REAL ID deadline , relax .
The date has been postponed a year to Oct. 1 , 2021 .
`` The project calls for expanded to three tracks along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Chicago to Peck Road in Geneva , '' Metra spokeswoman Meg Thomas-Reile said .
`` The UP is currently finalizing real estate purchases required for the project , and the bid package for construction is currently under review with plans to go to bid later this year .
Once the project is under contract and construction is underway , it is expected to take 24 months to complete .
`` The project plans show that an additional bridge will be needed for the third track at Route 31 , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridge on the Tri-State Tollway grinds on , lane closures at the nexus with LaGrange Road start this week .
Northbound LaGrange Road will be down to two lanes through November between I-294 and 87th Street .
Expect delays during rush-hour .
As ridership crawls back , Metra is adding more BNSF Line express trains and adjusting schedules starting Monday .
The 7:20 a.m. inbound train from Aurora will express from Brookfield to downtown , saving 10 minutes , and a 3:38 p.m. outbound train from Union Station will express to Brookfield then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to metrarail.com .

In Transit: The waiting is the hardest part at driver's facility, but it doesn't have to be
Customers lined up at the Des Plaines secretary of state driver's facility July 21. Consider renewing online to avoid crowds and remember that extensions have been granted for many expired licenses and stickers, officials said. Courtesy of Matt Arado
A three-hour wait to renew a driver's license? It happened last week in Des Plaines with a perfect storm of end-of-the month sticker renewals and the ongoing backlog related to COVID-19 closures.
But there are ways to avoid a marathon session in the driver's facility line amid a worldwide pandemic, said Dave Druker, spokesman for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.
That advice is too late for Matt Arado, who showed up bright and early July 28 at the Des Plaines facility on Lee Street to renew his license, which expired during the state's stay-at-home spring.
Arado, a former Daily Herald writer, arrived shortly before 8 a.m. and finished up at about 11:30 a.m.
"Roughly three hours of that time was spent outside, waiting in line," he said.
"No one was happy to be waiting for that long, obviously, but the mood was calm," Arado said, and everyone was wearing a face mask. "I got the sense that people understood that wait times would be long. One person brought his own chair. I brought the book I'm reading and got through nearly 100 pages."
And aside from one maskless passerby who yelled, "Driving should be a right, not a privilege!" at customers, there was little drama.
"The employees did a good job keeping the line organized. They came out early and walked the line to check everyone's documents, etc.," Arado said. "When we got closer to the entrance, they made sure to keep us roughly six feet apart. Inside the building, things moved fairly quickly -- at least for people like me, who were there just to renew."
There are 600,000 expired Illinois driver's licenses and vehicle stickers, Druker said. But there is no need to rush to get in line yet.
Because of closures during the state's stay-at-home order, all licenses, driver's licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration stickers, restricted driving permits and monitoring device driving permits "currently expired or set to expire by Sept. 30 have been extended until Nov. 1," officials said.
Druker also recommended checking cyberdriveillinois.com for hours and days specific locations operate. Numerous facilities are closed Monday and open Tuesday, meaning Tuesday mornings can be a crush. In addition, sites are typically busier toward the end of the month when stickers go stale.
Also, "I can't guarantee it, but some people have better luck going later in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning," Druker said.
All employees and customers are required to wear face coverings, and plexiglass dividers are installed at work stations. Six-foot distancing is mandated and the number of people inside a facility is limited, hence outside lines.
"We're asking customers to be patient when they come and we'll get them through as fast as we can," Druker said.
Or you can avoid the in-person experience altogether and renew online, he recommended.
Druker noted that "our employees make a concerted effort to find and bring inside the building, seniors, pregnant persons and those with disabilities. If a customer is missed, they should seek out one of our employees wearing an orange vest, who will bring them inside."
And finally, for folks frenzied about meeting the REAL ID deadline, relax. The date has been postponed a year to Oct. 1, 2021.
Your voice
Metra Union Pacific West Line rider Katie Sherwood asked what's happening with additional tracks west of West Chicago.
"The project calls for expanded to three tracks along a 6.3-mile-long segment from Kress Road in West Chicago to Peck Road in Geneva," Metra spokeswoman Meg Thomas-Reile said. "The UP is currently finalizing real estate purchases required for the project, and the bid package for construction is currently under review with plans to go to bid later this year. Once the project is under contract and construction is underway, it is expected to take 24 months to complete.
"The project plans show that an additional bridge will be needed for the third track at Route 31," she said.
Gridlock alert
As reconstruction of the Mile Long Bridge on the Tri-State Tollway grinds on, lane closures at the nexus with LaGrange Road start this week. Northbound LaGrange Road will be down to two lanes through November between I-294 and 87th Street. Expect delays during rush-hour.
Gains in trains
As ridership crawls back, Metra is adding more BNSF Line express trains and adjusting schedules starting Monday. The 7:20 a.m. inbound train from Aurora will express from Brookfield to downtown, saving 10 minutes, and a 3:38 p.m. outbound train from Union Station will express to Brookfield then make all stops. For details, go to metrarail.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--'We owe it to them': Navy veteran finds new mission playing taps

After being laid off from his job in the electronics industry about 12 years ago , Navy veteran Jim Reynolds revisited his roots for a new sense of purpose .
Figuratively dusting off the bugle of his youth , Reynolds has been on a mission to play taps wherever and whenever he 's needed as a solemn message of mourning and thanks for military service .
He has n't kept official track , but he estimates he 's played at more than 1,000 functions .
`` The veteran has earned this honor and we owe it to them , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent a year in Vietnam repairing radar , radios and other equipment used on patrol boats and other vessels .
`` It gives you a good feeling to know you 're helping a family through a difficult time . ''
As a member of local American Legion and VFW posts , the Round Lake Park resident learned of Bugles Across America and signed up .
He has spent a lot of time on the road since , often making several stops in a single day to perform the 24-note bugle call at military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've done them in cemeteries , funeral homes and churches .
I 've also done them at a fish hatchery in Spring Grove and at Bill 's Pub in Mundelein , '' said Reynolds , who like others in the organization is an unpaid volunteer .
`` He 's unrecognized .
When people go to a funeral , they do n't realize he 's doing it and he may have been in three or four other places , '' said Nick Konz , a fellow veteran , friend and president of the executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission .
`` He does this on the same day on his own dime . ''
Last year , Reynolds played taps at 191 funerals and memorial services , putting more than 600 hours of volunteer time and 6,000 miles on his car .
Reynolds was born in Chicago but raised in Third Lake , a little town just west of Gurnee .
He was introduced to the bugle in the mid-1950s .
`` I think my mother was tired of dealing with four kids all summer , so she signed us up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have something to do , '' Reynolds said .
He wanted to be a drummer .
`` They handed me the horn and said , 'Go make noise , ' '' he recalled .
He did that for about five years until he was given the choice of playing football at Grayslake High School or continuing with drum and bugle .
He handed over his horn and would n't revisit the instrument for about 45 years .
Reynolds joined the Navy , spending three years in California studying and working on electronics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nha Trang and Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam .
He was discharged in 1968 as a petty officer second class , better known as an E-5 .
After the Navy , Reynolds worked at different jobs , including at an electronics shop in Mundelein and 22 years at Motorola .
When he was laid off , Reynolds said he realized others needed a job more than he and stopped looking for work .
He reconnected with the bugle after learning about Berwyn-based Bugles Across America and spent a few months getting back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , you have to audition so they know you can really play , '' he said .
`` It 's not like riding a bicycle . ''
`` We feel the veteran has paid the price or earned the honors and we are there to make sure our nation 's debt is paid , '' he said .
Reynolds said he typically plays about 15 times a month .
But the coronavirus pandemic has greatly limited opportunities and until this last weekend , when he traveled to Kankakee , Springfield and Joliet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since mid-March .
Taps usually is played in 50 to 60 seconds and Reynolds splits that difference at 55 seconds .
He says the bugle call does not require virtuoso talent , but playing in front of a grieving family is another story .
`` Emotionally , it 's difficult .
Technically , it 's not , '' he said .
`` As long as they do n't change the song , I 'll keep playing it . ''
• Do you know of veterans helping other veterans ?
Share your story at @ @ @ @

'We owe it to them': Navy veteran finds new mission playing taps
Navy veteran Jim Reynolds with Gander, an award-winning comfort dog, just before a service at Fort Sheridan Cemetery. Courtesy of Jim Reynolds
Jim Reynolds learned to play bugle as a child growing up in Lake County, but stopped to join his high school football team. He returned to the instrument a little more than a decade ago when he joined Bugles Across America. He's performed at more than 1,000 events since. Courtesy of the College of Lake County
Jim Reynolds of Round Lake Park has played taps at more than 1,000 events since joining the organization Bugles Across America, many of them funerals for fellow veterans. "We feel the veteran has paid the price or earned the honors and we are there to make sure our nation's debt is paid," he said. Daily Herald File Photo
After being laid off from his job in the electronics industry about 12 years ago, Navy veteran Jim Reynolds revisited his roots for a new sense of purpose.
Figuratively dusting off the bugle of his youth, Reynolds has been on a mission to play taps wherever and whenever he's needed as a solemn message of mourning and thanks for military service. He hasn't kept official track, but he estimates he's played at more than 1,000 functions.
"The veteran has earned this honor and we owe it to them," said Reynolds, an electronics technician who spent a year in Vietnam repairing radar, radios and other equipment used on patrol boats and other vessels. "It gives you a good feeling to know you're helping a family through a difficult time."
As a member of local American Legion and VFW posts, the Round Lake Park resident learned of Bugles Across America and signed up. He has spent a lot of time on the road since, often making several stops in a single day to perform the 24-note bugle call at military funerals and other events.
"I've done them in cemeteries, funeral homes and churches. I've also done them at a fish hatchery in Spring Grove and at Bill's Pub in Mundelein," said Reynolds, who like others in the organization is an unpaid volunteer.
"He's unrecognized. When people go to a funeral, they don't realize he's doing it and he may have been in three or four other places," said Nick Konz, a fellow veteran, friend and president of the executive board of the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission. "He does this on the same day on his own dime."
Last year, Reynolds played taps at 191 funerals and memorial services, putting more than 600 hours of volunteer time and 6,000 miles on his car.
Reynolds was born in Chicago but raised in Third Lake, a little town just west of Gurnee. He was introduced to the bugle in the mid-1950s.
"I think my mother was tired of dealing with four kids all summer, so she signed us up with the drum and bugle corps to have something to do," Reynolds said.
He wanted to be a drummer.
"They handed me the horn and said, 'Go make noise,'" he recalled. He did that for about five years until he was given the choice of playing football at Grayslake High School or continuing with drum and bugle. He handed over his horn and wouldn't revisit the instrument for about 45 years.
Reynolds joined the Navy, spending three years in California studying and working on electronics. The fourth year he was sent to Nha Trang and Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam. He was discharged in 1968 as a petty officer second class, better known as an E-5.
After the Navy, Reynolds worked at different jobs, including at an electronics shop in Mundelein and 22 years at Motorola.
When he was laid off, Reynolds said he realized others needed a job more than he and stopped looking for work. He reconnected with the bugle after learning about Berwyn-based Bugles Across America and spent a few months getting back in playing shape.
"Once they accept you, you have to audition so they know you can really play," he said. "It's not like riding a bicycle."
So began a second career.
"We feel the veteran has paid the price or earned the honors and we are there to make sure our nation's debt is paid," he said.
Reynolds said he typically plays about 15 times a month. But the coronavirus pandemic has greatly limited opportunities and until this last weekend, when he traveled to Kankakee, Springfield and Joliet, he had played only seven times since mid-March.
Taps usually is played in 50 to 60 seconds and Reynolds splits that difference at 55 seconds. He says the bugle call does not require virtuoso talent, but playing in front of a grieving family is another story.
"Emotionally, it's difficult. Technically, it's not," he said. "As long as they don't change the song, I'll keep playing it."
• Do you know of veterans helping other veterans? Share your story at veterans@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--Cagliari hires Di Francesco to replace Zenga as coach

CAGLIARI , Sardinia -- Cagliari hired Eusebio Di Francesco as its new coach Monday after parting ways with Walter Zenga @ @ @ @ @ the move a day after finishing the Serie A season in 14th place .
Di @ @ @ @ @ June , 2022 .
He previously coached Pescara , Lecce , Sassuolo , Roma and @ @ @ @ @ Di Francesco coached Roma to the Champions League semifinals .
He led Sampdoria for the @ @ @ @ @ recently concluded season then left the club by mutual consent with the team in last @ @ @ @ @ by Cagliari in March to replace the fired Rolando Maran .

Cagliari hires Di Francesco to replace Zenga as coach
Cagliari head coach Walter Zenga and the team players celebrate at the end of the match during a Serie A soccer match between Cagliari and Juventus, at the Sardegna Arena stadium, in Cagliari, Italy, Wednesday, July 29, 2020. (Alessandro Tocco/LaPresse via AP) Associated Press
Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo, center, and Cagliari's Marko Rog, right, compete for the ball during a Serie A soccer match between Cagliari and Juventus, at the Sardegna Arena stadium, in Cagliari, Italy, Wednesday, July 29, 2020. (Alessandro Tocco/LaPresse via AP) Associated Press
Milan's Rafael Leao (17) scores a goal against Cagliari during a Serie A soccer match at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. (Spada/LaPresse via AP) Associated Press
CAGLIARI, Sardinia -- Cagliari hired Eusebio Di Francesco as its new coach Monday after parting ways with Walter Zenga.
The Sardinian club announced the move a day after finishing the Serie A season in 14th place.
Di Francesco signed a contract through June, 2022. He previously coached Pescara, Lecce, Sassuolo, Roma and Sampdoria.
In 2018, Di Francesco coached Roma to the Champions League semifinals. He led Sampdoria for the first eight matches of the recently concluded season then left the club by mutual consent with the team in last place.
Zenga was hired by Cagliari in March to replace the fired Rolando Maran.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--5 things to know today

5 things to know today

Your daily look at late-breaking news , upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today : 1 .
BLACK WOMEN MOBILIZE , SEIZE POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT They have long been the Democratic Party 's most reliable and loyal voters , but for generations that allegiance did n't translate to their own political rise .
2 .
PREPARING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL AMID PANDEMIC Parents in some states are getting their first look at a new school year as the coronavirus continues to cause upheaval in school systems around the country .
3 .
HEARING COULD OFFER NEW DETAILS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin sketching out their evidence against a couple at the center of a bizarre case of two missing children whose bodies were later unearthed in rural Idaho .
4 .
ISAIAS CRAWLS TOWARD THE CAROLINAS The storm is near hurricane strength just a day after bands of heavy rain lashed Florida 's east coast as state officials dealt with surging cases of the coronavirus .
5 .
HSBC SAYS NET PROFITS PLUNGED 96 % Europe 's biggest bank reports its net profit plummeted in the second quarter of this year as lower interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic stunted business activity .

5 things to know today
FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2015, file photo, people walk past a branch of HSBC bank in London. Europe's biggest bank, HSBC, has reported Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, its net profit plummeted 96% in the second quarter of this year as lower interest rates combined with the downturn due to the coronavirus pandemic stunted business activity. Associated Press
FILE - In this June 11, 2020, file photo, a boy looks at a memorial for Tylee Ryan, 17, and Joshua "JJ" Vallow, 7, at Porter Park in Rexburg, Idaho. An Idaho prosecutor is expected Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, to begin sketching out his case against an Idaho couple at the center of a bizarre missing children's case that ended in tragedy when their bodies were found buried on a rural eastern Idaho property earlier this year. (John Roark/The Idaho Post-Register via AP, File) Associated Press
A surfer takes advantage of waves churned up by Tropical Storm Isaias crash at Ocean Inlet Park as the coronavirus pandemic continues on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Ocean Ridge, Fla. (David Santiago/Miami Herald via AP) Associated Press
John Barrett and his daughter Autumn pose for photos outside Bascomb Elementary School in Woodstock, Ga., Thursday, July 23, 2020. Barrett says he will educate his daughter virtually and keep her out of in-person classes in Cherokee County schools, even though he's worried she will fall behind on her special education plans, because of concerns about COVID-19's spread. Cherokee County, near Atlanta, is one of many districts nationwide that gave parents a choice between in-person and all-online classes this fall. Associated Press
FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 file photo, Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams leaves the stage after addressing supporters during an election night watch party in Atlanta. She centered her campaign on women of color. In the election, more than 51,000 Black women in Cobb County cast ballots, a number typical for presidential election years but spectacular for midterms, eclipsing the turnout of the 2014 midterm by nearly 20,000 votes. Associated Press
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
1. BLACK WOMEN MOBILIZE, SEIZE POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT They have long been the Democratic Party's most reliable and loyal voters, but for generations that allegiance didn't translate to their own political rise.
2. PREPARING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL AMID PANDEMIC Parents in some states are getting their first look at a new school year as the coronavirus continues to cause upheaval in school systems around the country.
3. HEARING COULD OFFER NEW DETAILS IN CHILDREN'S DEATHS Prosecutors plan to begin sketching out their evidence against a couple at the center of a bizarre case of two missing children whose bodies were later unearthed in rural Idaho.
4. ISAIAS CRAWLS TOWARD THE CAROLINAS The storm is near hurricane strength just a day after bands of heavy rain lashed Florida's east coast as state officials dealt with surging cases of the coronavirus.
5. HSBC SAYS NET PROFITS PLUNGED 96% Europe's biggest bank reports its net profit plummeted in the second quarter of this year as lower interest rates combined with the downturn due to the coronavirus pandemic stunted business activity.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--Downstate accounts for 40% of Illinois' new COVID-19 cases, up from 10% three months ago

As COVID-19 cases in Illinois peaked in early May , downstate residents made up an average of 10 % of the new cases each day .
Over the past week , with cases surging once again , downstate residents account for almost 40 % of the state 's daily new case counts .
`` Hospitals all over the state are watching and are concerned , '' said Danny Chun , a spokesman for the Illinois Hospital Association .
`` They 've got surge plans in place , but would prefer not to use them .
They 'd prefer people wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds and wash their hands . ''
With more than 800 new cases Monday , residents of the metropolitan area  -- Chicago , suburban Cook County and the five collar counties  -- should n't let down their guard .
But in recent weeks , the distribution of cases around the state has shifted .
On Monday , nearly 35 % of the state 's 1,298 new cases were diagnosed in Illinois residents living outside the metro area , according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures .
Three months ago on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 9.5 % of the new daily cases .
IDPH officials also reported Monday that 10 more Illinois residents had died from the respiratory disease .
Six of them from the downstate counties of Adams , LaSalle , Peoria and Winnebago , and four were from Cook County .
That brings the state 's death toll to 7,526 since the outbreak began , with 183,241 Illinois residents who have tested positive .
Monday 's new cases come from a batch of 28,475 test results for a daily positivity rate of 4.6 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The state 's seven-day average positivity rate now stands at 4 % , the highest since June 11 .
The grim findings come as Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced a new $ 5 million mask-wearing awareness campaign Monday .
`` As much as we 'd like it , this virus is n't going away on its own , '' Pritzker said at a morning news conference announcing the awareness campaign .
`` We need greater compliance if we 're going to overcome this . ''
The campaign slogan , `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' will be featured via a multitude of media outlets and in multiple languages , officials said .
The $ 5 million comes from federal funds intended for the states to use at their discretion to fight the spread of the virus , Pritzker said .
`` A mask is no different from wearing a seat belt while driving or a helmet when riding a bike , '' Pritzker said .
`` People who refuse to wear a mask , people who enter public premises , they should be reminded again by police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're putting other people at risk and it 's worthy of considering a fine at a local level . ''
The governor is considering asking the legislature to codify fines for mask scofflaws .
At least 11 downstate counties had exceeded multiple warning levels of increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 last week .
Those areas are at risk of having business operations scaled back and public gatherings restricted .
From July 28 through Monday , the state has averaged 1,512 new cases of COVID-19 a day , according to IDPH figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those new cases each day while the state 's 96 downstate counties averaged 566 new cases a day .
By comparison , when the state was averaging 2,511 new cases each day from May 3 to May 9 , Chicago and the suburbs were responsible for 2,261 of those cases daily .
Downstate counties averaged just 250 cases a day during that time .
State health officials blamed the outbreaks in downstate counties on `` business operations and activities posing higher risk for disease spread , including school graduation ceremonies , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20s , parties and social gatherings , people going to bars , long-term care outbreaks , clusters of cases associated with restaurants and churches , and big sports events including soccer , golf , and softball tournaments . ''
Meanwhile , the Cook County Public Health Department issued new guidance to businesses as new cases begin to spike in the suburban portion of the county .
Bars that do n't serve food are being asked to only serve outdoors , while all eating and drinking establishments are asked to limit the size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barber shops should discontinue shaves and facials , the health department advised .
Fitness centers should limit indoor class sizes to less than 10 .
`` If we do n't remain vigilant , we will face far more restrictive mitigation efforts and we will see more disease and more death , '' said Dr. Rachel Rubin , the county health department 's senior medical officer .
`` We are encouraging everyone to follow the ongoing guidelines and businesses to immediately adopt our recommendations , so that they do n't become requirements . ''

Downstate accounts for 40% of Illinois' new COVID-19 cases, up from 10% three months ago
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker spoke in Springfield Monday to announce a new $5 million awareness campaign urging residents to wear masks in public. State of Illinois video screenshot
As COVID-19 cases in Illinois peaked in early May, downstate residents made up an average of 10% of the new cases each day.
Over the past week, with cases surging once again, downstate residents account for almost 40% of the state's daily new case counts.
"Hospitals all over the state are watching and are concerned," said Danny Chun, a spokesman for the Illinois Hospital Association. "They've got surge plans in place, but would prefer not to use them. They'd prefer people wear their masks, social distance, avoid crowds and wash their hands."
-
With more than 800 new cases Monday, residents of the metropolitan area -- Chicago, suburban Cook County and the five collar counties -- shouldn't let down their guard. But in recent weeks, the distribution of cases around the state has shifted.
On Monday, nearly 35% of the state's 1,298 new cases were diagnosed in Illinois residents living outside the metro area, according to Illinois Department of Public Health figures. Three months ago on May 3, downstate residents made up just 9.5% of the new daily cases.
IDPH officials also reported Monday that 10 more Illinois residents had died from the respiratory disease. Six of them from the downstate counties of Adams, LaSalle, Peoria and Winnebago, and four were from Cook County.
That brings the state's death toll to 7,526 since the outbreak began, with 183,241 Illinois residents who have tested positive.
Monday's new cases come from a batch of 28,475 test results for a daily positivity rate of 4.6%, the highest single-day rate since early June.
The state's seven-day average positivity rate now stands at 4%, the highest since June 11.
The grim findings come as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a new $5 million mask-wearing awareness campaign Monday.
"As much as we'd like it, this virus isn't going away on its own," Pritzker said at a morning news conference announcing the awareness campaign. "We need greater compliance if we're going to overcome this."
The campaign slogan, "It Only Works if You Wear It," will be featured via a multitude of media outlets and in multiple languages, officials said.
The $5 million comes from federal funds intended for the states to use at their discretion to fight the spread of the virus, Pritzker said.
"A mask is no different from wearing a seat belt while driving or a helmet when riding a bike," Pritzker said. "People who refuse to wear a mask, people who enter public premises, they should be reminded again by police, and ultimately if they're refusing they're putting other people at risk and it's worthy of considering a fine at a local level."
The governor is considering asking the legislature to codify fines for mask scofflaws.
At least 11 downstate counties had exceeded multiple warning levels of increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 last week. Those areas are at risk of having business operations scaled back and public gatherings restricted.
From July 28 through Monday, the state has averaged 1,512 new cases of COVID-19 a day, according to IDPH figures. Chicago and the suburbs averaged 946 of those new cases each day while the state's 96 downstate counties averaged 566 new cases a day.
By comparison, when the state was averaging 2,511 new cases each day from May 3 to May 9, Chicago and the suburbs were responsible for 2,261 of those cases daily. Downstate counties averaged just 250 cases a day during that time.
State health officials blamed the outbreaks in downstate counties on "business operations and activities posing higher risk for disease spread, including school graduation ceremonies, a rise in cases among late teens and 20s, parties and social gatherings, people going to bars, long-term care outbreaks, clusters of cases associated with restaurants and churches, and big sports events including soccer, golf, and softball tournaments."
Meanwhile, the Cook County Public Health Department issued new guidance to businesses as new cases begin to spike in the suburban portion of the county.
Bars that don't serve food are being asked to only serve outdoors, while all eating and drinking establishments are asked to limit the size of parties to six people. Spas and barber shops should discontinue shaves and facials, the health department advised. Fitness centers should limit indoor class sizes to less than 10.
"If we don't remain vigilant, we will face far more restrictive mitigation efforts and we will see more disease and more death," said Dr. Rachel Rubin, the county health department's senior medical officer. "We are encouraging everyone to follow the ongoing guidelines and businesses to immediately adopt our recommendations, so that they don't become requirements."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--District 211, feeder districts 15 and 54 to begin school year remotely

Following a growing trend , Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and its feeder districts , Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 and Palatine Township Elementary District 15 , will begin the school year remotely due to increasing COVID-19 cases in the region , officials said Monday .
The state 's largest high school district will continue to hold virtual classes throughout the school year until the local health trend indicates a consistent decrease in COVID-19 cases , according to a letter to parents and students from Superintendent Lisa Small .
Once case rates start decreasing , the district will begin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enter school buildings in academic support settings , Small added .
But there will be no requirement for students to attend in-person , she said .
`` Our goal is to provide the best educational opportunities in a safe environment , '' Small wrote .
`` This includes implementing the guidelines put in place by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education . ''
The all-remote plan is a shift from earlier hybrid plans announced by the district July 22 that called for 50 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other half learning virtually , with the two groups trading places on alternating weeks .
But Small said at the time that changing health conditions could alter that approach before the first day of school Thursday , Aug. 13 .
District 211 's schools will maintain four one-hour periods each day , during which students are expected to be connected and attendance will be taken .
For example , the A-Day rotating schedule begins Aug. 13 with four classes scheduled , and the B-Day schedule follows on Aug. 14 with four different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule remote academic support with teachers after the daily class rotation , officials said .
District 211 has nearly 12,000 students across five high schools and two alternative schools .
At District 54 , the largest elementary district in the state , students will begin the first trimester virtually , Superintendent Andy DuRoss announced in a letter to families and staff .
Last month , the district offered parents the option of in-person or virtual learning for the first trimester Aug. 17 to Nov. 6 , until reversing course Monday .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel the only safe option is for all of our students to attend school virtually during the first trimester , '' DuRoss wrote .
`` We understand this presents a hardship for some families and we worked diligently to find a way to host in-person instruction .
Ultimately , we have to put health and safety first . ''
Under a revised schedule released Monday , District 54 staff will return Aug. 17 , students in grades 1-8 will attend remote classes beginning Aug. 24 , and early childhood and kindergarten students Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic conditions and guidance from state officials with the potential of a return to in-person instruction at some point , officials said .
The remote learning plan will be discussed at a school board meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday .
District 54 has more than 15,500 students across 28 schools .
District 15 will also begin the school year remotely , but unlike districts 211 and 54 , its plan released Monday sets out a gradual re-entry to in-person instruction schedule for those families who elected to do so .
Last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction or placement in a virtual learning classroom for the first trimester or semester , depending on the grade level .
Under the modified reopening calendar , students would begin learning remotely Wednesday , Aug. 19 , but rolling re-entry to in-person instruction would start the week of Sept. 8 .
Kindergarten students would return Sept. 8 , special education students Sept. 14 , grades 1-2 on Sept. 21 , grades 3-4 on Sept. 28 , and grades 5-6 on Oct. 5 .
Junior high students will return in a hybrid capacity Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter .
Students who have enrolled in virtual learning classrooms will remain at home , officials said .
`` While I know this news will elicit support from some and profound disappointment from others , this shift allows us to continue preparing as thoughtfully and carefully as possible for what we want to be a safe and gradual reopening of schools for our 8,000 in-person learners , '' Superintendent Laurie Heinz wrote in a letter to parents .
`` We believe that a remote start will also allow us to implement new safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring health data before welcoming students who elected in-person learning back to the classroom . ''

District 211, feeder districts 15 and 54 to begin school year remotely
Following a growing trend, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and its feeder districts, Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 and Palatine Township Elementary District 15, will begin the school year remotely due to increasing COVID-19 cases in the region, officials said Monday.
The state's largest high school district will continue to hold virtual classes throughout the school year until the local health trend indicates a consistent decrease in COVID-19 cases, according to a letter to parents and students from Superintendent Lisa Small.
Once case rates start decreasing, the district will begin to allow small, controlled numbers of students to enter school buildings in academic support settings, Small added.
But there will be no requirement for students to attend in-person, she said.
"Our goal is to provide the best educational opportunities in a safe environment," Small wrote. "This includes implementing the guidelines put in place by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education."
The all-remote plan is a shift from earlier hybrid plans announced by the district July 22 that called for 50% of students to attend classes in person and the other half learning virtually, with the two groups trading places on alternating weeks.
But Small said at the time that changing health conditions could alter that approach before the first day of school Thursday, Aug. 13.
District 211's schools will maintain four one-hour periods each day, during which students are expected to be connected and attendance will be taken. For example, the A-Day rotating schedule begins Aug. 13 with four classes scheduled, and the B-Day schedule follows on Aug. 14 with four different classes.
Students will be able to schedule remote academic support with teachers after the daily class rotation, officials said.
District 211 has nearly 12,000 students across five high schools and two alternative schools.
District 54
At District 54, the largest elementary district in the state, students will begin the first trimester virtually, Superintendent Andy DuRoss announced in a letter to families and staff. Last month, the district offered parents the option of in-person or virtual learning for the first trimester Aug. 17 to Nov. 6, until reversing course Monday.
"As the numbers continue to grow, we feel the only safe option is for all of our students to attend school virtually during the first trimester," DuRoss wrote. "We understand this presents a hardship for some families and we worked diligently to find a way to host in-person instruction. Ultimately, we have to put health and safety first."
Under a revised schedule released Monday, District 54 staff will return Aug. 17, students in grades 1-8 will attend remote classes beginning Aug. 24, and early childhood and kindergarten students Aug. 31.
A district committee will monitor the pandemic conditions and guidance from state officials with the potential of a return to in-person instruction at some point, officials said.
The remote learning plan will be discussed at a school board meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday. District 54 has more than 15,500 students across 28 schools.
District 15
District 15 will also begin the school year remotely, but unlike districts 211 and 54, its plan released Monday sets out a gradual re-entry to in-person instruction schedule for those families who elected to do so. Last month, parents were asked to select in-person instruction or placement in a virtual learning classroom for the first trimester or semester, depending on the grade level.
Under the modified reopening calendar, students would begin learning remotely Wednesday, Aug. 19, but rolling re-entry to in-person instruction would start the week of Sept. 8. Kindergarten students would return Sept. 8, special education students Sept. 14, grades 1-2 on Sept. 21, grades 3-4 on Sept. 28, and grades 5-6 on Oct. 5.
Junior high students will return in a hybrid capacity Oct. 13 at the end of the first quarter. Students who have enrolled in virtual learning classrooms will remain at home, officials said.
"While I know this news will elicit support from some and profound disappointment from others, this shift allows us to continue preparing as thoughtfully and carefully as possible for what we want to be a safe and gradual reopening of schools for our 8,000 in-person learners," Superintendent Laurie Heinz wrote in a letter to parents. "We believe that a remote start will also allow us to implement new safety protocols, refine staffing needs and continue monitoring health data before welcoming students who elected in-person learning back to the classroom."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--St. Charles Unit District 303 delays start date amid COVID-19 crisis

St. Charles Unit District 303 is expected to push back the first day of school to Aug. 19 , allowing additional preparation time and better aligning its calendar with other districts .
For the first three days , in-person learning hours will be shortened to dismiss each grade level before lunch , according to a letter sent last week by Superintendent Jason Pearson and school board President Nicholas Manheim .
Students can take a `` grab-and-go '' sack lunch to eat at home , where they will be asked to complete a remote learning task in the afternoon .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Reopen School Plan '' would then take effect Aug. 24 , the note says .
But officials warn that the district may need to adjust its plans and `` eventually shift to fully remote instruction '' if COVID-19 cases and guidelines continue to evolve .
District 303 originally planned to start classes a week earlier -- a change implemented last school year to put St. Charles schools on a schedule similar to other districts that share the Fox Valley Career Center and Mid-Valley Special Education programs , Pearson and Manheim said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts '' recently announced they would be delaying their start dates amid the coronavirus crisis .
Waiting until Aug. 19 gives District 303 time to train employees , implement building protocols and adjust to the state 's frequently changing guidelines , officials said .
An updated calendar for the 2020-21 school year , pending school board approval next week , has been posted on the district 's `` Reopen School Plan '' website .
The last day is slated for May , 28 , 2021 , if no emergency days are used .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen for in-person learning have switched gears , opting instead to start school with a fully remote format .
Those include Elgin Area School District U-46 , Barrington District 220 , Naperville-area districts 203 and 204 , Glenbard High School District 87 and Algonquin-based Unit District 300 , among others .
The District 303 plan has been `` designed to allow flexibility between modalities of instruction , '' Manheim and Pearson said , noting in-person , hybrid and remote structures could be used at any point throughout the year .
To start , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning or in-person instruction , which includes a modified daily schedule for elementary students and a hybrid model for middle and high schoolers .
Students who opted for the online-only format will begin their regular remote learning schedules Aug. 19 .
The district still aims to offer those options when classes resume this month , though plans are subject to change , according to the letter .
`` Our commitment to student and staff safety remains our top priority , and we will adjust our plans accordingly , '' it says .

St. Charles Unit District 303 delays start date amid COVID-19 crisis
St. Charles Unit District 303 is expected to delay its start date and adjust the schedule for the first few days of in-person learning so students are dismissed before lunch at each grade level. John Starks | Staff Photographer
St. Charles Unit District 303 is expected to push back the first day of school to Aug. 19, allowing additional preparation time and better aligning its calendar with other districts.
For the first three days, in-person learning hours will be shortened to dismiss each grade level before lunch, according to a letter sent last week by Superintendent Jason Pearson and school board President Nicholas Manheim. Students can take a "grab-and-go" sack lunch to eat at home, where they will be asked to complete a remote learning task in the afternoon.
A full-day schedule outlined in the district's "Reopen School Plan" would then take effect Aug. 24, the note says.
But officials warn that the district may need to adjust its plans and "eventually shift to fully remote instruction" if COVID-19 cases and guidelines continue to evolve.
District 303 originally planned to start classes a week earlier -- a change implemented last school year to put St. Charles schools on a schedule similar to other districts that share the Fox Valley Career Center and Mid-Valley Special Education programs, Pearson and Manheim said. However, many of those "peer districts" recently announced they would be delaying their start dates amid the coronavirus crisis.
Waiting until Aug. 19 gives District 303 time to train employees, implement building protocols and adjust to the state's frequently changing guidelines, officials said.
An updated calendar for the 2020-21 school year, pending school board approval next week, has been posted on the district's "Reopen School Plan" website. The last day is slated for May, 28, 2021, if no emergency days are used.
Several suburban districts that originally planned to reopen for in-person learning have switched gears, opting instead to start school with a fully remote format. Those include Elgin Area School District U-46, Barrington District 220, Naperville-area districts 203 and 204, Glenbard High School District 87 and Algonquin-based Unit District 300, among others.
The District 303 plan has been "designed to allow flexibility between modalities of instruction," Manheim and Pearson said, noting in-person, hybrid and remote structures could be used at any point throughout the year.
To start, families were given a choice between online-only learning or in-person instruction, which includes a modified daily schedule for elementary students and a hybrid model for middle and high schoolers. Students who opted for the online-only format will begin their regular remote learning schedules Aug. 19.
The district still aims to offer those options when classes resume this month, though plans are subject to change, according to the letter.
"Our commitment to student and staff safety remains our top priority, and we will adjust our plans accordingly," it says.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--Glenbard to start school year with all-remote learning

Glenbard High School District 87 will start the new school year Aug. 17 with all-remote learning and push back plans for an in-person/hybrid model until Sept. 8 , Superintendent David Larson told parents in a letter on Monday .
Larson said officials believe the original plan for a hybrid model `` provides a strong academic experience for both in-person and remote learning . ''
The complexities of launching that model , however , have forced the district to delay its start and begin with all-remote learning .
Larson identified several challenges to starting the year with a combination of in-school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hiring additional support staff , including employees who will supervise students , ensure areas are appropriately cleaned and sanitized , and facilitate the appropriate routines and safety protocols .
• Addressing building capacity issues , which are contingent on a survey to determine how many families select fully remote learning versus the hybrid model .
Survey results were due Sunday .
In addition , Larson said in his letter , postponing the in-person portion of the hybrid model allows faculty and students to focus on becoming accustomed to the features of livestreaming instruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have the ability for all students to collaborate in Zoom breakout rooms .
With iPads , Zoom , Schoology and other tools , Glenbard has a complete digital classroom , he said in the letter .
As the third-largest high school district in the state , Glenbard serves more than 8,000 students , primarily from Glen Ellyn , Carol Stream , Glendale Heights and Lombard .

Glenbard to start school year with all-remote learning
Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn will begin the academic year with all-virtual learning. Daily Herald file photo
Glenbard High School District 87 will start the new school year Aug. 17 with all-remote learning and push back plans for an in-person/hybrid model until Sept. 8, Superintendent David Larson told parents in a letter on Monday.
Larson said officials believe the original plan for a hybrid model "provides a strong academic experience for both in-person and remote learning."
The complexities of launching that model, however, have forced the district to delay its start and begin with all-remote learning.
Larson identified several challenges to starting the year with a combination of in-school and remote learning, including:
• Hiring additional support staff, including employees who will supervise students, ensure areas are appropriately cleaned and sanitized, and facilitate the appropriate routines and safety protocols.
• Addressing building capacity issues, which are contingent on a survey to determine how many families select fully remote learning versus the hybrid model. Survey results were due Sunday.
In addition, Larson said in his letter, postponing the in-person portion of the hybrid model allows faculty and students to focus on becoming accustomed to the features of livestreaming instruction.
He said teachers can livestream lessons and have the ability for all students to collaborate in Zoom breakout rooms. With iPads, Zoom, Schoology and other tools, Glenbard has a complete digital classroom, he said in the letter.
As the third-largest high school district in the state, Glenbard serves more than 8,000 students, primarily from Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights and Lombard.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-08-03--Remote learning planned for two more elementary districts in Lake County

Continuing concern regarding the coronavirus has prompted two more elementary school districts in Lake County to reverse course on bringing students back to class .
Mundelein District 75 will start the year with remote learning for all students , and the recommendation to the school board in Diamond Lake District 76 , which will discuss the matter Tuesday , is to do the same .
The actions follow similar decisions last week by the school boards in Libertyville District 70 and Vernon Hills-based Hawthorn District 73 .
Both initially planned to offer a choice of in-school or remote learning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and fear of potentially lengthy and disruptive absences , each determined remote learning would be the safest option at this point .
Other districts are following suit .
`` That 's the last thing we want to do -- open for two weeks and then shut it down , '' said District 75 school board President Kevin Holly .
The initial recommendation was to have students at Washington Early Learning Center and Mechanics Grove School attend classes in person five days a week , while Carl Sandburg Middle School students alternated daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75 officials approved the idea July 14 with the caveat the situation could change .
After consulting with individual school board members , Kevin Myers , superintendent for District 75 and Mundelein High School District 120 , pulled the plug .
Returning to school `` almost certainly '' would result in cases of the virus among students and staff , Myers said in a letter to parents .
The required quarantine period would `` greatly affect the family environment and learning atmosphere , '' he added .
Also , a return to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students to be there at the same time and maintain six feet of distance , according to Myers .
Cleaning all used classrooms multiple times in a day , issues with students being on buses and how lunches could be accommodated were other concerns , he added .
The new start date will be Aug. 27 for grades 1 through 8 , and Aug. 31 for preschool/early childhood and kindergarten .
More details will be provided at the Aug 18 school board meeting .
In a letter Monday to parents , Diamond Lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing the return to school plan based on new information , staff review and family survey results .
`` The revisions to our plans are based upon minimizing risk to students and staff , as we have watched COVID-19 numbers increase and programs close down due to positive cases , '' she said .
A new full remote learning plan will be presented and the board will take action Tuesday night .
Detailed information for families and staff will follow .
Elsewhere , Green Oaks-based Oak Grove District 68 is holding a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceed .

Remote learning planned for two more elementary districts in Lake County
Continuing concern regarding the coronavirus has prompted two more elementary school districts in Lake County to reverse course on bringing students back to class.
Mundelein District 75 will start the year with remote learning for all students, and the recommendation to the school board in Diamond Lake District 76, which will discuss the matter Tuesday, is to do the same.
The actions follow similar decisions last week by the school boards in Libertyville District 70 and Vernon Hills-based Hawthorn District 73.
Both initially planned to offer a choice of in-school or remote learning. However, with the spike in coronavirus cases and fear of potentially lengthy and disruptive absences, each determined remote learning would be the safest option at this point.
Other districts are following suit.
"That's the last thing we want to do -- open for two weeks and then shut it down," said District 75 school board President Kevin Holly.
The initial recommendation was to have students at Washington Early Learning Center and Mechanics Grove School attend classes in person five days a week, while Carl Sandburg Middle School students alternated daily between in-person and remote instruction.
District 75 officials approved the idea July 14 with the caveat the situation could change.
After consulting with individual school board members, Kevin Myers, superintendent for District 75 and Mundelein High School District 120, pulled the plug.
Returning to school "almost certainly" would result in cases of the virus among students and staff, Myers said in a letter to parents. The required quarantine period would "greatly affect the family environment and learning atmosphere," he added.
Also, a return to the buildings would make it impossible for all students to be there at the same time and maintain six feet of distance, according to Myers.
Cleaning all used classrooms multiple times in a day, issues with students being on buses and how lunches could be accommodated were other concerns, he added.
The new start date will be Aug. 27 for grades 1 through 8, and Aug. 31 for preschool/early childhood and kindergarten.
More details will be provided at the Aug 18 school board meeting.
In a letter Monday to parents, Diamond Lake Superintendent Bhavna Sharma-Lewis said she is recommending changing the return to school plan based on new information, staff review and family survey results.
"The revisions to our plans are based upon minimizing risk to students and staff, as we have watched COVID-19 numbers increase and programs close down due to positive cases," she said.
A new full remote learning plan will be presented and the board will take action Tuesday night. Detailed information for families and staff will follow.
Elsewhere, Green Oaks-based Oak Grove District 68 is holding a special meeting Wednesday to determine how it will proceed.