October 1, 2021
Dear CUSD 201 Families,
Over the summer, a committee examined how the District can organize our elementary schools to provide an optimal educational experience, ensure all students have equitable access to resources and be sustainable for the long term. The District is hosting two informational meetings to share the work of the Elementary Future Planning Task Force. The meetings will be on October 5 and October 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Westmont High School Auditorium. After the two informational meetings, the District will send a survey to the community for additional input.
The IDPH has updated the school exclusion decision-making tree for individuals with symptoms (IDPH Decision Making Tree). The one noticeable change is that if a student has symptoms, other unvaccinated household members can remain in school for the first 24 hours. If the symptomatic student provides the school with a negative PCR test or a doctor’s diagnosis in 24 hours, the family members can remain in school. If the symptomatic student does provide a negative PCR test result or the doctor’s diagnosis within the first 24 hours, the family members will not be able to attend school.
DuPage County continues to be at a high level of transmission (DCHD COVID-19 Dashboard). As of October 1, the seven-day positivity rate for Westmont is 2.27%, Hinsdale is 3.33%, Downers Grove is 3.79%, and Clarendon Hills is 3.69%. The average positivity rate for our community is 3.27%. 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 PCR 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.
The District has created a Quarantine Decision Making Tree to help families understand when a child may need to quarantine and when the student can return to school.
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 positive for COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine. An unvaccinated student who comes in contact with someone 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