January 29, 2021 – Decatur Public Schools announced today that high school students will resume sports and extracurricular activities, beginning Monday, February 1, 2021.
“We are committed to supporting not only our students’ academic wellness, but also their social and emotional well-being,” said Beth Nolan, President of the DPS Board of Education. “Part of that social well-being is allowing students to take part in sports and activities they love. We feel we’ve reached a time and have a plan in place that will allow our students to safely resume these activities.”
Under that plan, athletic practices and other extracurricular activities may resume, beginning Monday, February 1, 2021. DPS Athletic Directors have developed a comprehensive plan to manage athletic practices, open gym times, and competitive events, all in accordance with IDPH guidelines and best practices. All participating students and staff will be required to strictly adhere to all IDPH guidelines at all times, including social distancing, mask-wearing, etc.
Those guidelines include limiting attendance at all practices and competitive events:
● Spectators are not allowed at any time.
● Student-athletes and needed game personnel only will be in the gymnasium during practices and contests.
● Student-athletes will be safely spaced within gymnasiums during practices and contests.
● Home contests will be streamed via Facebook.
● All IDPH and IHSA health and safety standards will be followed at all times.
At this time, elementary and middle school sports and activities remain on hold, pending the finalization of plans for those activities.
