Message from Superintendent Herrmann

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“Culture of Care” COVID-19 Response Plan Summary

The district’s “Culture of Care” COVID-19 Response Plan underscores a core value that guides every member of the D128 school community—caring for ourselves and for one another to promote a safe and healthy learning environment.  Our plan is aligned with the goal set by IDPH, ISBE, and the CDC: “...to protect the health of students, teachers, and staff so that in-person learning can resume as safely as possible,” as stated by IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. Our plan is also aligned with the prevention strategies recommended by IDPH, ISBE, and the CDC:

  • Mask use is strongly recommended for students who are not fully vaccinated.
  • People who are fully vaccinated may continue to wear a mask, as a personal choice or because they have a medical condition that may weaken their immune system.
  • Vaccination coverage will be monitored for students and staff to assist with contract tracing and quarantine procedures.
  • Weekly screening will be required for people who participate in co-curricular activities and who are not fully vaccinated.
  • Mask use is required for all district transportation (school bus, driver’s education vehicles, etc.).
  • Mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated will decrease the number of students who must stay home and quarantine as a result of their close contact to a COVID-19 case.

Our Culture of Care Plan is also connected to our DARING Mission:   

DREAMERS & DOERS - We participate in change for the greater good. The use of masks in schools by individuals who are unvaccinated will reduce school-based and community transmission of COVID-19, reduce the need for quarantine of students who are close contacts in school, and therefore keep more students learning in-person.

AWARE - We seek to understand the varied experiences and realities of others.  All students need to feel safe and included. We will remind staff and students that we are all experiencing similar anxiety, uncertainty and fear about COVID-19 and that harassment, hazing or bullying of any kind – including coronavirus-related incidences – will not be tolerated. 

RESILIENT & HEALTHY - We lead active, healthy, and balanced lifestyles.  We will continue to provide resources to support the physical and mental health of students, teachers, and staff.

INQUISITIVE - We think creatively, explore options, and are guided by evidence and reason.  Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic.  Achieving high levels of COVID-19 vaccination among eligible students as well as teachers and staff, is one of the most critical strategies to help our school district safely resume full operations.

NIMBLE - We adapt learning to novel situations.  Prevention strategies in schools will continue to evolve as COVID-19 transmission levels increase/decrease and when individuals under the age of 12 are eligible to be vaccinated.

GLOBAL - We build relationships in order to understand others.  It is human nature for people to gravitate towards others like them and distance themselves from those who are different during times of crisis. But, in order to maintain the progress our district has made towards creating an inclusive school community, now more than ever it is important to acknowledge our interdependence and to reinforce our commitment to keep every person healthy and safe.

D128 Comprehensive Plan        Data we are Monitoring in D128             D128 Prevention Strategies

Sincerely,

Denise Herrmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent