Dear District 58 Families,
I hope this message finds you well and that everyone is enjoying Winter Break. We are very excited for staff to return on Monday, Jan. 3 and students on Tuesday, Jan. 4.
Over the break, 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. Yesterday, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) published a press release stating that it fully adopts the new guidelines for isolation and quarantine. The press release from IDPH has caused a great deal of confusion amongst school districts and more clarity is needed. The reason for this is that the IDPH press release states, “Schools should continue to follow the IDPH COVID-19 School Guidance.” Additionally, schools are still under the Governor’s Executive Order 2021-25, and districts have not received any notice that this has or will change. Therefore, it is not clear whether schools (including staff) should follow the updated guidance or continue with the status quo.
District 58 and all other districts are awaiting further information from the Governor and the IDPH. We have sought clarification from the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD), and they are also awaiting more information from the State of Illinois. Until we receive further information, the status quo remains in terms of quarantine and isolation requirements. All other mitigation measures will also remain in place.
If and when additional information is obtained and a clearer understanding can be gained, the District will send out additional information. In the interim, the school offices will be open on Monday, Jan. 3. If you have any questions or if your child(ren) is positive or in quarantine, please reach out to your building administrator and school nurse for further instructions.
While this virus continues to challenge all of us on a daily basis, I remain confident that better days are ahead. District 58 will continue to prioritize in-person instruction in accordance with guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Please continue to remain vigilant so we can continue to stay healthy and have our students in school.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Russell
Superintendent of Schools