109 News - Coming Back From Break
December 29, 2021 - Special Edition
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December 29, 2021
Good afternoon DPS 109 families & staff,
We hope you are enjoying some rest and relaxation during this second week of winter break. We know there have been a lot of headlines surrounding the Omicron variant and rising case counts locally and statewide. We continue to prioritize health and safety as we prepare to resume in person learning on January 3rd. Prior to next week, please see the reminders and information below that may be top of mind.
Is a negative test required for my child prior to next Monday?
We do strongly encourage everyone to be tested, however a negative test is not required to return to school. Below are some links with testing resources.
Who should I contact with urgent COVID-related questions concerning my child prior to school starting?
Prior to Monday, if you have time-sensitive questions regarding positive results or contact tracing, you can email Joanna Ford, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, (jford@dps109.org) or Kristen Bordonaro, Director for Student Services (kbordonaro@dps109.org) and they will reach out to you to obtain further information and determine the next steps. Beginning Monday, please contact your building nurse to report any positive cases and report any symptoms through the daily health certification.
When does SHIELD testing resume after break?
How does the recent CDC change in quarantine guidance affect DPS 109?
The CDC recently reduced recommended quarantine time for those who test positive or are considered close contacts to 5 days, however they did not specifically apply this to schools. As of right now, we will continue to follow guidance from IDPH, which recommends the 10-day quarantine period. As always, guidance is subject to change.
My child was recently vaccinated and I would like to share that information with DPS 109. How do I do that?
As a reminder, live streaming is available for students who are isolated due to being COVID-positive, quarantining as a close contact, or who have COVID-19 symptoms (or who have a family member with symptoms) and are awaiting a negative test result.
Schools will continue to follow mitigation protocols established prior to winter break, and we will continue to be flexible as local, state and federal guidance changes throughout the rest of the school year.
We hope you have a restful remainder of break and look forward to seeing everyone at school on Monday.
Mike Simeck
Superintendent of Schools