The following letter was sent on Jan 3, 2022 from Superintendent Paul Enderle regarding students returning after the winter break.
School District 123 Families and Staff:
Happy New Year! I hope this message finds everyone well and enjoying winter break. We are very excited for students and staff to return to school this Thursday, January 6, 2022.
On December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 guidance for the general public regarding guidelines for quarantine and isolation. The new guidance significantly reduces the number of days individuals must isolate or quarantine for the general public.
On December 30, 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) published a press release stating that it fully adopted the new guidelines for isolation and quarantine. However, the press release from IDPH has caused a great deal of confusion amongst Illinois school districts. In the IDPH press release it states, “Schools should continue to follow the IDPH COVID-19 School Guidance.” Additionally, the Illinois State Board of Education has reminded school districts that they are still under the Governor’s Executive Order 2021-25.
On January 2, 2022, District 123, Illinois School Districts and Local Health Departments received notice from the Governor and the IDPH that schools need to continue to follow the quarantine and isolation requirements that have been in place since the beginning of the school year. All other mitigation measures will also remain the same.
The CDC is expected to issue updated guidance for isolation and quarantine in school settings within the coming weeks. If and when additional information is received we commit to informing the District 123 learning community shortly thereafter. In the interim, District 123 has issued a brief Winter Break Return to School FAQ that can help provide answers for frequently asked questions about our plan to return to school on Thursday, January 6, 2022. The district office will be open on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 and school offices will be open on Thursday, January 6, 2022 if you have any additional questions.
While the pandemic continues to challenge all of us on a daily basis, we remain confident that better days are ahead. School District 123 will continue to prioritize in-person instruction in accordance with guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Please continue to remain vigilant with our COVID-19 protocols so that our children can remain within District 123 classrooms where we know they are served best.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Enderle, Ed.D.
Superintendent