Group of elementary school kids running at school, back view

Officials are hard at work accessing necessary protocols as education teams begin discussions to reopening for the upcoming school year. Across the country, districts are trying to decide what COVID-19 mitigations they should roll over from 2020 and which can go by the wayside. 

In central Illinois, officials are doing everything they can to provide in-person learning. That means following the 3-foot social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in addition to continuing hand washing enforcement and elevated cleaning protocols. 

According to WCIA.com news reporting, schools will also institute screening testing and many have taken steps to improve ventilation. Masks seem to be the biggest debate as students advocate for a break from the face shields. 

Masks are being made optional for Boise schools in Iowa. According to Associated Press reporting, students who are vaccinated will have the choice whether or not to wear masks. Meanwhile, district officials will continue to focus on proper hand-washing programs and very specific disinfecting protocols for when people are sick. 

As schools plan to reopen, the CDC is offering some assistance. Here are nine tips from the CDC, as reported by silive.com.