Dear River Trails Families,
I hope you have enjoyed your holidays and winter break. Everyone at the district is eager for the return of students on January 4 and looking forward to a great year. We are also mindful of the current COVID surge and realize you might have some questions.
Our plan is to return to full, in-person learning while ensuring that our schools continue to be healthy and safe for students and staff. That means all of our existing protocols will still be in place, including universal mask-wearing and social distancing wherever possible. Weekly SHIELD testing will continue for unvaccinated students, Tuesdays at Euclid and River Trails, Wednesdays at Indian Grove, and Fridays at Prairie Trails.
We are also aware of the new CDC guidelines that shorten the recommended period for quarantining or isolating. These guidelines have been adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health. However, at this point they have not changed the guidance for schools. So we will continue to adhere to a 10-day quarantine for those who test positive or are exposed. Vaccinated students still do not have to quarantine after being exposed to COVID, unless they are experiencing symptoms.
Going forward, we intend to keep school in session and in person. However, if we do not have enough staff to safely provide in-person instruction we will use our alert system to notify you of a move to virtual instruction or a non-attendance day.
I am proud of how our district has worked together throughout the school year to maintain a safe environment. That is a credit to our students, staff and families. Unfortunately the pandemic is still with us, so there are some important reminders as we return to class:
- Continue to keep your child home from school if they are not feeling well, even if symptoms are mild, or possibly unrelated to COVID.
- Get vaccinated, if you have not done so already. The Pfizer vaccine is approved and recommended for everyone age 5 and older. Adults can also check eligibility for a booster shot.
- Vaccinated students do not have to test weekly or quarantine if they are exposed to a positive case, unless they are experiencing symptoms.
- Be extra cautious about attending indoor gatherings or unnecessary travel at this time. Consider limiting or postponing these activities, if possible.
Thank you for helping to keep our schools and community safe. We are excited to see everyone and are looking forward to a great 2022. Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Nancy Wagner
Superintendent of Schools