Another week has passed and as usual I would like to share some information that is important as we continue through our school year. To begin, our “test to Stay” program has continued to perform as expected. We have had as high as 53 students at any given time in the program and the overwhelming majority of those utilizing the program have been able to stay in school without quarantine. As a reminder, the Test to stay program is separate from the weekly saliva based program known as “Shield”. We have successfully enrolled approximately 300 students/staff in the Shield program and hope to start collecting those samples/tests late next week. As always, our goal is to keep students in school and out of quarantine and so far our programs are meeting our needs.
Our Covid positive rates are higher than the halfway point last year for our students, but quarantine rates are lower. In staff, our Covid Positive rates are relatively low and as of Thursday Evening we only had 1 staff member in quarantine.
Moving forward, if we can continue to maintain low Staff infection/quarantine rates and can continue the “Test to Stay '' program we will be able to maintain our current and traditional calendar.
Which leads to a rumor that has been circulating recently about the State of Illinois moving back to all remote learning. While I am not Nostradamus, I have not heard or been given any indication that the Governor is contemplating shutting schools down and moving to “all remote” learning. While our daily routine of working through the Covid issues is very daunting, we have found ways to stay the course and I believe the vast majority of districts are also finding themselves in a similar situation. We are ecstatic to be able to offer full days/full weeks and all the normal school activities and do not want to move away from these practices. So, it is my sincere wish that rumors are just rumors and we can expect to continue as we are for the foreseeable future. I am sure that some of the rumors we have heard relate to the fact that we are moving into the first holiday of the school year and many are concerned about those activities that may spread the Covid Virus, so please be careful and keep your families safe, but have a great weekend.
If the unthinkable happens please understand that we will prepare for that eventuality and within days of any announcement the district will have a plan in action, technology access issues resolved and learning taking place. Again, everyone “knock on wood” we do not want to have to move into the wrong direction and it is not in our plans to do so.
I would like to share a plea to all of our community members. One area of grave concern for our district is the lack of substitute teachers and drivers. if you can help us out by subbing as a teacher or driver we would be extremely grateful. If you have family or friends that might be able to fill our sub positions please share this info with them and ask them to contact the school district if they are interested. Even if we can utilize someone for one day a week that will go a long way in insuring we can continue to have full weeks/days and uninterrupted educational opportunities.
Our Covid positive rates are higher than the halfway point last year for our students, but quarantine rates are lower. In staff, our Covid Positive rates are relatively low and as of Thursday Evening we only had 1 staff member in quarantine.
Moving forward, if we can continue to maintain low Staff infection/quarantine rates and can continue the “Test to Stay '' program we will be able to maintain our current and traditional calendar.
Which leads to a rumor that has been circulating recently about the State of Illinois moving back to all remote learning. While I am not Nostradamus, I have not heard or been given any indication that the Governor is contemplating shutting schools down and moving to “all remote” learning. While our daily routine of working through the Covid issues is very daunting, we have found ways to stay the course and I believe the vast majority of districts are also finding themselves in a similar situation. We are ecstatic to be able to offer full days/full weeks and all the normal school activities and do not want to move away from these practices. So, it is my sincere wish that rumors are just rumors and we can expect to continue as we are for the foreseeable future. I am sure that some of the rumors we have heard relate to the fact that we are moving into the first holiday of the school year and many are concerned about those activities that may spread the Covid Virus, so please be careful and keep your families safe, but have a great weekend.
If the unthinkable happens please understand that we will prepare for that eventuality and within days of any announcement the district will have a plan in action, technology access issues resolved and learning taking place. Again, everyone “knock on wood” we do not want to have to move into the wrong direction and it is not in our plans to do so.
I would like to share a plea to all of our community members. One area of grave concern for our district is the lack of substitute teachers and drivers. if you can help us out by subbing as a teacher or driver we would be extremely grateful. If you have family or friends that might be able to fill our sub positions please share this info with them and ask them to contact the school district if they are interested. Even if we can utilize someone for one day a week that will go a long way in insuring we can continue to have full weeks/days and uninterrupted educational opportunities.