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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

North House Folk School greatly values the health and safety of its students, instructors, staff, and volunteers. Community is at the heart of North House’s mission and we ask that we all work together to keep everyone healthy.

Last Updated: Wednesday May 11th 2022, 8:00 AM
  • At the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, North House cancelled all scheduled on-campus coursework. Crafting in Place was created to knit together a community that couldn't assemble in person.
  • On-campus classes restarted slowly in Fall 2020 with reasonable safety precautions to protect the health of students, instructors and staff.
  • In March 2022, after new CDC guidelines minimized the importance of wearing masks, these safety precautions were updated to allow students to participate without doing so.
  • This led to high community transmission in Cook County and across the US, spurring a re-evaluation of the importance of masking to protect the North House community

Updated June 29, 2022

We recognize that choosing to participate at this time carries with it an inherent risk that cannot be eliminated but can be minimized through intentional, collective care for the well-being of everyone on campus. 

What North House is doing:

  • We have installed air filtration systems in the classrooms, school store and administration buildings. When weather permits, we utilize windows and doors for additional ventilation.
  • We will post Cook County community levels throughout campus when at Medium or High so that all participants can make an informed choice regarding masking and distancing. Click here for the most up-to-date Cook County levels.
  • Depending on community levels, we may limit indoor gatherings and food events. If fika (coffee break) or pizza bakes will be offered, details will be shared by email leading up to your class.
  • North House is not requiring students to be vaccinated or to wear masks when indoors.

What we ask of students and instructors on campus:

  • Arrive healthy. We ask anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 to follow the guidelines as defined by the CDC. If you are within the isolation period we ask you to please stay home and attend class another time. See Covid-related Cancellations (below).
  • Get vaccinated. Although we are not requiring vaccination, we encourage this as a precaution prior to coming to campus. If you’re unvaccinated, consider practicing conscientious social distancing two weeks prior to the course and/or testing before you come.
  • Practice good hand hygiene. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently, especially when touching shared tools and resources.
  • While we will do our best to take all reasonable steps to create a safe learning environment for you, there is an inherent level of risk in participating in a class. Students will be asked to sign a liability waiver that acknowledges you are aware of this risk and are assuming it willingly.

Covid-related Cancellations & Refunds

We ask anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 to follow the guidelines as defined by the CDC. If you are within the isolation period we ask you to please stay home and attend class another time. (See the CDC’s guidance on Calculating Isolation for more details.) Please call our friendly front office staff to receive a full refund.

General Information

We welcome inquiries at any time - email us at info@northhouse.org or call 218-387-9762. School store & front office hours are Monday–Friday 9am – 5pm.

We look forward to hosting future classes and events but will stay abreast of the very dynamic realities created by COVID-19. Please check this page before your class begins for the most up-to-date information.