September 17, 2021
Dear CUSD 201 Families,
Westmont High School is celebrating homecoming this week, culminating with the game tonight and dance tomorrow night. A year ago, we were not able to celebrate homecoming. As we continue to manage the pandemic, we sometimes lose sight of the fact that we are making progress.
The District is working with Westway to resolve the late buses. Westway, like other busing companies, has an insufficient number of drivers. A driver who calls off sick adds to the problem of the bus driver shortage. The District is reviewing the routes to see if there are any inefficiencies that Westway can correct. Thank you for your patience as we address the problem.
Starting on Monday, September 20, district employees will need to be vaccinated or submit a negative test weekly. The District will be in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 2021-20.
The District is hiring teaching assistants, custodians, grounds staff, and food service workers. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please use this link (CUSD 201 Employment).
DuPage County is at a high level of transmission (DCHD COVID-19 Dashboard). As of September 10, the seven-day positivity rate for Westmont is 3.41%, Hinsdale is 6.06%, Downers Grove is 4.11%, and Clarendon Hills is 3.56%. The average positivity rate for our community is 4.29%. The new cases per 100,000 are over 100.
Please read the entire communication for additional information.
Quarantine:
Parents should keep children with COVID-19 symptoms at home. The students will need a negative COVID test or a note from a doctor to return to school. Students who report COVID-like symptoms while in school will be sent home, as will any siblings living in the same home.
The District will be following the CDC Guidance for Schools. Social distancing will be 3 feet. The CDC defines close contact with a person who is positive for COVID-19 as less than 3 feet apart for more than 15 minutes. If a student is fully vaccinated and comes in contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine. An unvaccinated student who comes in contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19 will need to quarantine for 14 days. A person can have the quarantine period reduced to 10 days with a DuPage County Health Department release.
Please remember that this is a very fluid situation. The CDC may update its guidelines throughout the year. As the CDC changes its guidance, the District will adapt ours.
National School Lunch Program
The National School Lunch Program is still operating under an emergency order. All students are eligible for a free breakfast and lunch regardless of income level.
Vaccine
If you are not vaccinated already, please consider receiving the vaccine. You can find information regarding the Covid-19 Vaccine on the DCHD website.
Thank you for your continued support of our school district.
Take care,
Kevin Carey
Superintendent
CUSD 201