North Cook News

Evanston Township High School has gone completely online in an “adaptive pause” and is canceling sports and other extracurricular activities through Dec. 23.

The school made the announcement on Dec. 16.

“We continue to closely monitor the increases in COVID cases at ETHS, and we are making every effort to slow the spread of the virus among students and staff. As a result, we are canceling non-essential events, activities, and meetings beginning after school today, December 16 through December 23, 2021. This means non-instructional events and activities, such as extracurricular clubs, sports, etc., will not be held during this period,” the announcement reads.  

Administration noted they recorded 53 new cases of COVID in the school prior to the adaptive pause.

Taya Kinzie, associate principal for student services, blamed the problem on off-campus parties.

Sporting events and accompanying practices will not be held Dec. 16-23. 

That means a few days of sporting events for all teams scheduled to be played at Green River High School have been canceled.

The boys and girls basketball tournament scheduled for Dec. 16-18 has been canceled as a result, as well as wrestling matches and swimming trials scheduled for Dec. 17-18.  

Other extracurricular activities canceled include the Wildkit Academy which provides scholarship information for students, and the Evanston Township High School Jazz Big Band show.

Other schools have also moved online for the remaining few weeks before winter break, thereby extending the time off.

A similar move in Sangamon County drew the ire of Tai-City High School basketball coach Steve Billy who said the move to cancel sports is part of a “political game.”

The Oak Park Health Department similarly shut down extracurricular activities only to be overturned later after parents protested.

See the full announcement below: 



Non-essential Events & Activities Canceled at ETHS: 

December 16, 2021

 

We continue to closely monitor the increases in COVID cases at ETHS, and we are making every effort to slow the spread of the virus among students and staff. As a result, we are canceling non-essential events, activities, and meetings beginning after school today, December 16 through December 23, 2021. This means non-instructional events and activities, such as extracurricular clubs, sports, etc., will not be held during this period.

 

Scheduled virtual events will be held and if possible, certain events may be rescheduled. The ETHS online calendar will be updated as necessary. Currently, field trips will be held as planned during the school day. ETHS staff are also working to keep students involved and engaged in scheduled activities during winter break.

 

Rentals or other events that do not require student participation may be held as scheduled, pending staff capacity and availability.

 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work together to reduce the transmission of COVID at ETHS and limit exposure to the virus among students and staff.