January 7, 2022
Dear CUSD 201 Families,
The CUSD 201 staff has been incredible as we have started the second semester. Many of our staff have stepped up and covered for an absent colleague. Our schools’ absenteeism rate has been about 15%. Many of the absences are due to exposure to COVID-19 or positive tests during the winter break.
As of January 7, the seven-day positivity rate for Westmont is 16.04%, Hinsdale is 14.64%, Downers Grove is 17.17%, and Clarendon Hills is 17.22%. The average positivity rate for our community is 16.23%. The county is still exceeding 1,437 new cases per 100,000 and has a positivity rate of 21.17%.
Schools are still required to follow the IDPH School Decision Tree. Schools are still required to exclude students for 10 to 14 days depending on their vaccination status, testing positive, or a close contact with a positive case. The exclusion requirements are a very fluid situation. If the IDPH updates the guidance for schools, CUSD 201 will make the adjustment.
There is a vaccination clinic tomorrow, January 8, at Westmont Junior High School from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Vaccines will be available for children ages 5 to 11 and older students and adults. Booster shots will also be available. Parents need to be present for their children to be vaccinated. Please use this link to register for the vaccine (CUSD 201 Vaccination Clinic). Walk-ins are welcome.
The District is collecting COVID vaccination information. If your child is fully vaccinated, please upload an image of the vaccination card in Skyward. Once you log into Skyward, there is a link you will use to upload the card. The information will be kept confidential. Having a record of the vaccination card will aid school offices in determining if a close contact needs to be excluded from school. Students who are fully vaccinated do not need to be excluded from school.
Please read the entire communication for additional information.
Weekly COVID-19 Testing:
CUSD 201 is offering optional weekly COVID-19 testing through Northshore Labs. There is no cost for the test. If you want your child to participate in weekly testing, use this link CUSD 201 COVID Testing. Testing takes place every Monday.
Quarantine and Exclusion:
Parents should keep children with COVID-19 symptoms at home. Parents should keep unvaccinated siblings of symptomatic students home as well. Students who report COVID-like symptoms while in school will be sent home. If the ill student is not cleared to return to school, the unvaccinated siblings will need to stay home the following day.
Symptomatic students are to be COVID tested within 48 hours of symptom onset. Symptomatic students, regardless of vaccination status, must show proof of a negative COVID PCR to return to school. If a family decides not to do the COVID testing, the symptomatic student and their unvaccinated siblings may be excluded for ten days.
Contact your school’s nurse with any questions and verify the return to school clearance.
The District follows the IDPH Exclusion Guidance for Schools Decision Tree. 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. (IDPH School Decision Tree).
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.
Please continue to practice the recommended mitigations. Wear masks indoors in public places, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. All of us need to make a concerted effort to slow the spread of the virus.
Thank you for your continued support of our school district.
Take care,
Kevin Carey
Superintendent
CUSD 201