Parkview Christian Academy In-Person Start Date; Masks 'Optional'

YORKVILLE, IL — Students and staff at Parkview Christian Academy will return to the classroom for in-person learning this school year. According to the Parkview Christian Academy website, students in preschool through grade 12 classrooms will return for full-time school days, Monday through Friday. The first day of school is listed as Aug. 19 on the school's website, and will be a full day.

The academy's Upper Campus, for grades 6 through 12, is located at 202 E Countryside Parkway in Yorkville. The academy's Lower Campus, located at 201 W Center Street in Yorkville, is where students in preschool through grade 5 spend their school days.

The school also made the following statement regarding masks and face coverings during the new school year:

"Please note masks and/or face coverings aren't required, they're optional based on the preferences of families."

Back in June, an attorney representing Parkview Christian Academy in Yorkville wrote a letter notifying state officials that it won't follow recommended health and safety guidelines for reopening schools. This came just days after the State of Illinois released new health guidelines for faculty and students set to return to classrooms in the fall.

In the letter from law firm Silver Lake Group, Ltd., to State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala off the Illinois State Board of Education and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, from the Illinois Department of Health, Attorney Thomas DeVore claims the state officials failed to included any citation to the United States Constitution, Illinois Department of Health Act, Illinois School Code, or "any legitimate legal source" in resources cited in a 63-page "Part 3-Transition Joint Guidance" released to schools, colleges and universities across the state Tuesday.

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In addition, the letter sent on behalf of Parkview Christian claims the state officials failed "to reference any legislative act which delegated to each of your agencies in the authority to place such demands upon schools, parents or our children."

Related:

• Christian Academy Says It Won't Follow IL Health, Safety Rules
• Face Masks In Schools: Pritzker Sues Schools Refusing To Comply
• District 115 Transition Plan Approved: Commitment Form Due Date
• District 115 Approves Substitute Teacher Pay Increase

> More information on the 2020-2021 school year at Parkview Christian Academy