GENEVA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A private west suburban school for pre-K and kindergarten students has closed because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Kensington School in Geneva opened Monday for the new academic year, but is now closed until Aug. 31, unless the Kane County Health Department gives the all-clear sooner.
According to the Kane County Chronicle, Patty Sherman, admissions director for Kensington School, stated in an email that there have been eight cases of COVID-19 among the 230 staff and students. She did not disclose how many children and how many staff were affected.
“Right now, closing classrooms to minimize risk is a part of operating early childhood programs safely. It is a preventative measure,” Sherman’s email stated. “Kane County has experienced an increase in cases. Everyone is affected by that increase. We have been extra vigilant in taking every possible precaution to reduce the risk of exposure.
“We know closing classrooms causes a great inconvenience to our families, and we do not take that lightly,” Sherman added. “However, our responsibility is to always use every possible measure to reduce the risk of exposure within our school community.”
Students impacted were in classrooms for 3-year olds, 4-year olds and kindergarten, according to the Kane County Chronicle.
The email to parents stated, “Although the risk of exposure from surface contact is minimal, there will be a deep and thorough cleaning of the entire building. As always, we ask you to continue to monitor your children for symptoms of illness and notify us of such.”
Kensington School has 14 locations, including St. Charles, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Wheaton, Naperville, Elmhurst, and LaGrange. It offers an infant nursery and classes for children age 2 through kindergarten.
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