EPCUSD 401 Update
February 18, 2022
Good Afternoon,
Late last night the Appellate Court moved to dismiss the appeal made on the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that was ruled on February 4, 2022. On February 15, 2022
there was a ruling by the Illinois Joint Commission on Administrative Rules (“JCAR”) that declined to renew the Illinois Department of Public Health’s emergency rules relating COVID-19. Due to these rulings we will make the following changes based on the executive orders listed in the ruling:
Effective today we will move to mask recommended, not required.
Effective today we will no longer require unvaccinated staff to weekly test.
Effective today, we will move to optional exclusion for those deemed close contacts.
I know that these changes will be welcome to some and concerning to others. Throughout the past two years we have adapted to the changes made and I have no doubt that we will do the same here as well. The district has held fifteen vaccine clinics, has provided PPE to those that need it and added additional space options to social distance. We will continue with those mitigation strategies as we move forward together.
Please know that masks are still required to be worn on any school-based transportation, including bus routes and taxis, due to the Federal CDC order.
Please speak with your children before coming to school Tuesday, February 22, about your family's personal choice regarding wearing a mask at school. District 401 staff members are not responsible for monitoring your family’s mask choice throughout the day. Please have a discussion with your children about respecting the choices of others as we are anticipating some of our school community to wear a mask, while others may choose not to.
We have various after-school teams that are scheduled for away events at schools outside of District 401. Please be advised that all D401 students, staff, and parents are expected to follow the expectations set forth by the hosting school district in order to attend away events. We will inform the hosting school districts that this expectation has been shared with all of our families and look forward to our students and guests complying with proper mask-wearing when required. Please plan accordingly before traveling to these events.
District 401 will continue to support and create an environment where all of our students feel safe to abide by their choice. Thank you for your continued support and flexibility as we adapt to new changes brought our way.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gauthier
Dr. Leah Gauthier, EPCUSD 401 Superintendent of Schools
Website: https://www.epcusd401.org/
Location: 8201 West Fullerton Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL, USA
Twitter: @epcusd401