This is the COVID-19 update for Friday, January 14. It includes details on the vaccine clinic we will be hosting in February. There are also several other important notes and reminders. As always, you can visit our COVID-19 Update Center any time for the latest information.
Also, a special thank you to our teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond as we deal with the omicron surge. Their extraordinary efforts have allowed us to keep our buildings open and to continue providing in-person learning.
This week’s updates:
- We will be hosting a vaccine clinic on Friday, February 4 at River Trails Middle School (1000 N. Wolf Road) from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. This will be for the Pfizer vaccine and is open to everyone in the district, including those eligible for the booster shot. You will need to make an appointment (no walk-ins) for this clinic and can do so by visiting https://kordinator.mhealthcoach.net/vcl/1642008919914. The second dose clinic will be on Friday, February 25 at River Trails Middle School.
- Everyone age 5 and older is approved for the Pfizer vaccine. If your child is 12 or older they may also be eligible for the booster, which you can verify here. If you are unable to attend the clinic on February 4 and February 25, you can visit vaccines.gov to find local availability of the Pfizer vaccine.
- Once your child is fully vaccinated (two weeks after second dose), they can be exempted from weekly saliva testing and will not have to quarantine if they are exposed to COVID (as long as they are not experiencing any symptoms). To get these benefits, you will need to inform the district that your child has been vaccinated and can do so by filling out this form. If you do not have a Google account, please submit your child’s vaccination information directly to your school’s office.
- We do expect that at some point in the near future, eligible children (age 12 and older) will need to have a booster in order to be considered “fully vaccinated.” If you have already submitted vaccine verification for your child, you can now submit their booster information by filling out this form.
- You can choose to still have your child saliva tested weekly, even if they are vaccinated. To do so, please contact your child's teacher if they attend Prairie Trails, Euclid or Indian Grove. If your child attends River Trails, please contact Mary Krall-Meske or Kyle Henkel. They will make sure your child remains on the list. Testing is conducted on Tuesdays at River Trails and Euclid, Wednesdays at Indian Grove, and Fridays at Prairie Trails. You will only be notified if your child tests positive, but can also see the results yourself by signing up for the SHIELD portal.
- The quarantine period is now 5 days for anyone with a confirmed case of COVID or who is considered to be a close contact. This change was based on updated guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education. Students should only return after 5 days if their symptoms have subsided or improved. There are some exceptions that would require a longer quarantine period. Please talk to your school to determine your child’s exact back-to-school date.
- Did someone in your household test positive? The 5-day quarantine for an exposed household member begins 5 days AFTER the first person started experiencing symptoms. So an exposed member of the household should quarantine for 10 days total, unless they are able to fully isolate from the infected household member. Again, there are some exceptions to this so please talk to your school for a back-to-school date.
- Our COVID-19 dashboard is updated daily with the number of students and staff who test positive or are in quarantine due to exposure. This dashboard is updated as results are provided and may be adjusted retroactively.
- A reminder that meals can be provided for any student who is quarantining due to a positive COVID case or exposure. If interested, call 224-612-7675. Families will be able to pick up meals at River Trails Middle School, or have them delivered.
- Please continue to be diligent about keeping your child home from school if they are not feeling well. Even if symptoms are mild, or possibly unrelated to COVID, err on the side of caution.
- Be extra cautious about attending indoor gatherings or unnecessary travel at this time. Consider limiting or postponing these activities, if possible.
We will continue sending updates throughout the week when it is warranted. Do not hesitate to call either the district office or your school if you have any questions.