Dear District 44 Families,

Today we are communicating with you a critical advisory from the DuPage County Health Department. We appreciate you paying careful attention to this communication and to the attachment.

This communication from the Dupage County Health Department includes information about an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 and attended a volleyball game on Wednesday, March 4 at Glenn Westlake Middle School. It is imperative that you follow the directions mentioned in the attached communication to support the health department’s and CDC’s effort to keep our communities safe. 

We were made aware of this information today, Tuesday, and immediately contacted the DuPage County Department of Public Health. While we were awaiting their guidance, we did make the decision to cancel all after school activities starting this evening, including all park district activities. We do apologize for the late notice in which this may have reached you. 

Based on this information, and out of an abundance caution, we have decided to close all schools tomorrow to conduct enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures by licensed professionals in all eight of our schools. 

Our decision to close school is above and beyond what is being recommended by health authorities and is not in response to a threat in our community. We feel it is extremely important that we take all necessary  precautions to best protect our students, staff and community members. We do anticipate school being reopened on Thursday, March 12. 

What is also important to note is that while DuPage County currently does not have any reported cases of COVID-19, we all need to work collaboratively on protecting ourselves. The following recommendations are in line with the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

Furthermore, please contact your child’s school nurse if you or someone in your household is under a self-quarantine OR if you have a combination of a fever, cough and shortness of breath and have obtained the advice of a medical professional.

• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds with warm water and soap. 


• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 


• Wipe down surfaces regularly with disinfectant wipes.


• Elbow bump instead of shaking hands.


• Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth.


• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw it away immediately. 


• Do not send your student to school if he or she is sick. Fever-related absences are excused and do not require a doctor’s note. Teachers will work with students to create a plan to make up missed work. 


• Per our local public health authorities, it has been recommended that students and faculty/staff stay home until they are fever-free for 48 hours.

HOW WILL THE DAY BE MADE-UP

Right now, our plan is to use an emergency day built into our calendar to make-up for this non-attendance day. 

As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our entire community, we will keep you updated and informed. We appreciate your patience as we take every precaution to keep our community safe. 


Sincerely,

Ted Stec

Superintendent