Dear Parents, Community and Staff of Norwood School District #63:

As things continue to evolve and change, it is important for us as a school district to keep our parents, students and staff up-to-date. I want to once again emphasize that the guidelines and criteria that are being imposed are not necessarily pleasant, nor will they be agreeable at all times. In full transparency, I will continue to say that this is going to be a “messy” year. There may be circumstances where your child is sent home based on symptoms they are exhibiting that you do not agree with. There may be times where whole classes, buildings, or the district may not be in-person learning because of exposure, not enough staff or personnel due to sub shortage, or mandates. Please remember that these are not decisions made lightly, nor are they something that the school has arbitrarily created. The criteria below has been
set forth by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in the best interests of safety.

Here are the most recent changes as they relate to exclusions that will be made for students and staff as symptoms relate to COVID-19 [indicates number of days/time out]:

A. If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 [10 calendar days minimum]:

Minimum 10 days of exclusion after onset of symptom(s); if no symptom(s) are present, period of exclusion starts with positive test.
Period of exclusion will be extended until at least 24 hours after fever breaks (without fever-reducing medication) AND exhibiting no symptoms.

B. Student or staff member exhibits one (or more) symptom(s) of COVID-19 [10 calendar days
minimum]:

Fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headaches, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea.
Period of exclusion starts on the date of onset of symptom(s); this is determined in the sole discretion of school personnel.
If symptom(s) persist past the initial 10-day exclusion period, IDPH or local health officials must be consulted regarding return (return to school will likely not be recommended if symptoms persist in the absence of a negative test).
Student/staff member may present medical documentation or explanation of other illness or condition (e.g. allergies, fibromyalgia, pregnancy, etc.) that maybe causing symptom(s) as well as a duration of isolation that could allow return to school/work.
Negative for COVID-19 may return after resolved symptoms.

C. Student or staff member has a temperature higher than 100.4 F with no other COVID-19
symptoms [24 hours]:

At least 24 hours must elapse from resolution of the fever without fever reducing medication before the student/staff member can return to school.
If any other COVID-19 symptoms are present, see (B).

D. Student or staff member had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 [14 calendar days]:

The “window” for the close contact is within the last 48 hours.
“Close contact” means that the student/staff member was within 6 feet of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes.
Period of exclusion starts on the date of the most recent close contact.
The close contact can happen at school, home, in the community, etc.

E. Student or staff member had a close contact with someone who is exhibiting one or more
COVID-19 symptom(s) [14 days]:

The “window” for the close contact is within the last 48 hours.
“Close contact” means that the student/staff member was within 6 feet of a symptomatic person for more than 15 minutes.
Period of exclusion starts on the date of the most recent close contact.
The close contact can happen at school, home, in the community, etc.

In the event that your child is sent home for any of the reasons indicated above, then it is your
responsibility and first course of action to contact your primary care provider. For example, if your child has a runny nose, and the school calls you to pick them up, then you should call your doctor immediately. They will ascertain whether or not the symptom(s) is related to COVID. Your medical professional or IDPH official will make the decision regarding whether or not your child can return to school. Official documentation will be mandatory in all instances, and your child cannot be admitted back into school until this paperwork is presented. Information on where COVID testing is being conducted can be found at: https://www.pcchd.org/299/Testing. IDPH has recommended using one of these sites as their turnaround times for results is much quicker than other sources (i.e. pharmacies).

It goes without saying that the days of sending your child to school sick are no longer acceptable. If your child is exhibiting symptoms, you need to contact your primary care physician and keep your child at home. This is not ideal for any of us, but for the safety of all others we must follow these guidelines.

Finally, it is imperative that every family have a plan should we be required to go back to remote
learning delivery for educating our children. This would include daycare and connectivity solutions. It is quite possible that your child may be sent home with symptoms, or sent home due to exposure, or even that we are mandated by the Governor to enact Remote Learning across the board. I know daycare is not easy at this time and backup plans are not always a reality for all families, but I highly encourage you all in any event, have a plan and be ready to put it in motion on a moment’s notice.

As I will continue to state time and time again, these are difficult and messy times. The shifting landscape continues to challenge us all, and we must work together to do our best to adhere to the guidelines in the best interests of safety. I know some, maybe many of you are reading this and just shaking your head. I understand and there is nothing easy about this situation. These are challenging circumstances for everyone. On a positive note, I cannot thank you all enough for the patience and support, as we have continued to plan for the most unusual school year that we are about to embark on. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our district administrators and we will do our best to address your questions and concerns. As always, while you are reading this today, these things change frequently and we will continue to update as we receive word.

Sincerely,

Mr. Jake Flowers, Asst. Superintendent

Norwood School District #63

NES Daily Announcement: November 19, 2020

COVID-Exclusions from School

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