CDC Travel Guidance

IDPH Adaptive Pause Metrics

2021 School Reopening Plan

Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD)

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

COVID, Flu, etc-December 9, 2022

I often get asked about the prevalence of COVID throughout the district this year, so I occasionally like to provide an update. We've definitely seen an increase in illness-related absences the last two weeks, although most have not been attributed to COVID. The updated number of COVID cases is listed below.  Keep in mind that this is just what we have had reported to us since the start of the school year.   

Grade School -- 6; Middle School -- 10; High School -- 9 

Frequency and methods of COVID testing and the system of reporting cases are much different than in previous years, but if you are interested in comparisons, we had 36 cases reported at this time of the year in 2020.  In 2021, we had 89 cases reported at this point.  This year, we've had 25.

COVID-19 Update-October 18, 2022

There have been no new cases reported since the last update, so we still have 14 total for the district (GS-5, MS-5, HS-4).  We urge families to continue to watch for symptoms and avoid sending students to school if they are sick, whether it's COVID-19 or not.  Now that the weather is cooling off, there will be fewer opportunities to get students outside during the school day.  Thank you for your continued assistance with the health and safety of students and staff.

COVID-19 Update-September 30

I mentioned before that I would periodically update families about COVID cases in the district, although the details are not as specific as the last two years due to how cases are reported and because quarantines are no longer occurring.  Since the last update, there has only been one positive case reported in the district.  This results in a total of 14 cases overall (5 GS, 5 MS, 4 HS). 

Weekly COVID-19 Update May 20, 2022

Below is this week's COVID-19 update.  We continue to see a slight uptick around the district, but nothing like we saw a few months ago.  I hope everyone stays safe as the summer begins.

Weekly COVID-19 Update May 13, 2022

Weekly COVID-19 Update May 6, 2022

It's hard to believe that when I send out next Friday's update, it's supposed to be more than 30 degrees warmer than it is right now.  Apparently, we are about to go from cold and rainy to hot and humid in very short order.  Some warm and sunny days will be very much appreciated after the "spring" that we've experienced this year.

This week's update will be very brief.  The COVID-19 chart is below.  As you can see, it was another week with minimal impact.  Hopefully, we can finish the school year without any significant disruptions.

Weekly COVID-19 Update April 29, 2022

This week's COVID update is still very minimal.  The chart is below.

Weekly COVID-19 Update April 22, 2022

The streak ended this week with one positive case involving a staff member, but the trend is still looking good overall.  This week's numbers are below.

Weekly COVID-19 Update April 14, 2022

It was another quiet week regarding COVID-19 within the district.  Once again, there were no new cases among staff or students.  I'll continue to share the chart below.

Weekly COVID-19 Update April 8, 2022

It's been another week of zero new cases in the district.  I've included the chart below, although it hasn't changed in several weeks.  I just like seeing all of those zeros.

Weekly COVID-19 Update March 25, 2022

There is, fortunately, nothing new to update this week regarding COVID-19 as there were no new student or staff cases again. 

Weekly COVID-19 Update March 18, 2022

I'll keep the COVID update brief.  I think the chart below tells the story.  We seem to have had an increase in flu cases recently, but the COVID numbers continue to look good. We know from experience that things can change quickly, so we will continue to monitor carefully.

Weekly COVID-19 Update March 11, 2022

For the first time since October, we had no new cases among students and staff this week.  This is also the second consecutive week without any new students cases reported.  Hopefully, this becomes the rule rather than the exception for the remainder of the school year.

Weekly COVID-19 Update March 4, 2022

COVID-19 numbers continue to remain low this week with no new student cases and only one new staff case.  Updated numbers are included in the chart below.

Weekly COVID-19 Update February 25, 2022

We continue to experience relatively low COVID-19 numbers, which is also continuing to be the trend elsewhere.  The removal of the universal masking requirement and the implementation of the 5-day return protocol do not seem to be creating any significant issues to this point, so that's definitely good news.  Here are this week's numbers.  Some of the new cases this week actually occurred last week but weren't reported due to the snow days.  Those numbers are included in this week's update.

Weekly COVID-19 Update February 18, 2022

Below you will find this week's COVID-19 update.  We continue to see lower numbers, which is great news.  Obviously, we'd love to see more zeros on the chart, but with only eight total student cases over the last three weeks, the positive trend continues.  Please continue to do your part by keeping students home when they are not feeling well.  That is the first, and arguably most important, step in the process.

Weekly COVID-19 Update February 11, 2022

This week's COVID-19 numbers are relatively low once again.  We have seen a 92% decrease in weekly student cases since we reached our weekly high on January 21st.  That exceeds the decreases at the county level (80% since Jan. 13th) and the state level (85% since Jan. 14th).  With case counts decreasing locally, countywide, and statewide and hospitalization rates down 60-70% around the state, the trends are promising.  We will continue to monitor the data closely.  Below you will find this week's numbers for the district.

Weekly COVID-19 Update February 4, 2022

This week's COVID-19 numbers are quite remarkable.  I don't know if it has anything to do with communication while the schools were closed or not, but the numbers are definitely encouraging.  For the first time in nearly three months, the number of new cases reported for a full week is back in the single digits.  This week included seven new cases in the district -- three among students and four among staff.  Our numbers correlate with statewide numbers as well.  According to IDPH, new cases throughout Illinois have fallen substantially over the last several weeks as well.

Illinois New Cases (Weekly totals for each of the last three weeks):
Jan. 21st -- 183,722
Jan. 28th -- 123,812
Feb. 4th -- 60,389

More District 702 information is included in the chart below:

Weekly COVID-19 Update January 28, 2022

The last full week of January is now behind us and we look forward to February starting next week.  Hopefully, the groundhog cooperates and we push through the rest of the winter quickly.  There is some snow in the forecast for next week as well and I'll be keeping a close eye on that.  After last week's all-time high for new student cases in one week (39), this week's total of 14 was the lowest for a full week that we've seen since November.  While 14 is still more than we'd like to see, it is hopefully a sign the recent wave is subsiding.

Below you will find this week's COVID-19 figures:

Weekly COVID-19 Update January 21, 2022

This week's COVID-19 figures are below.  The 39 new student cases are a new weekly high for the district, but the new 5-day isolation guideline has helped get students back sooner.  Of the 63 students currently in isolation or quarantine, 31 could potentially return Monday if symptoms are resolving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.  We have had some students stay out longer than 5 days because symptoms were not resolving and we appreciate the precaution taken by families to continue monitoring for symptoms diligently.  The 5-day return certainly has benefits, but it also adds risk to the equation.  One of the key elements of the new guidance is the emphasis on the importance of diligent masking for days 6-10.  It's difficult to tell so far if the new guidance is causing more spread of the virus, but we will continue to do the best we can to keep schools safe and healthy for everyone.  We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we continue to navigate the pandemic and the adjustments that occur over time.  There has been some recent data suggesting hospital admissions for COVID-19 statewide are starting to trend downward and that this wave may have peaked in Illinois, so hopefully that trend continues.

Weekly COVID-19 Update January 14, 2022

We have definitely started to see the effects of the Omicron variant this week.  This variant is supposed to be more contagious but generally appears to involve less severe symptoms.  Updated figures are included in the chart below.   The quarantine/isolation figures only include those in quarantine/isolation as of now.  With the new guidelines allowing for a return after 5 days, some students have entered quarantine and subsequently returned between the time of my weekly updates.   As I continue to review data from the local area and around the state, there may be some signs that this wave has reached its peak, but more data is needed over the next few days to see if that is accurate.  I'll remain cautiously optimistic (any type of optimism is rare these days).  

Weekly COVID-19 Update January 7, 2022

Because of winter break and the latest changes to isolation/quarantine guidance, I'm only presenting updated positive case numbers since my last update on December 21st.  The isolation/quarantine numbers are all in the process of being reviewed since return dates are now subject to change.  If you analyze the new cases figures and consider they are spanning a 2.5 week period of time, they appear to be consistent with what we've been seeing weekly since mid-late November.  Case counts and hospitalization figures across the area, state, and country continue to climb dramatically, however.  We will continue to monitor local figures closely, especially because of the new CDC school guidance that takes effect today. 

COVID-19 Update December 21, 2021

Here is this week's COVID-19 update.  While it's only been since last Friday's update, the numbers are better than we've seen in recent weeks.  Last year, we had about 25 new cases during winter break.  By the end of January, however, the rate of new cases dropped considerably and stayed relatively low for the remainder of the school year other than a few small spikes in March and April.  With the way things have been, that would be a welcomed trend.  Obviously, new variants and other circumstances are involved this year, but a lull in cases would certainly be nice.  

COVID-19 Update December 17, 2021

COVID-19 figures are below.  There were 16 new student cases across the district this week, which is about average over the last 6 weeks.  While we'd like to see this number begin to decrease, weekly cases have at least leveled off in recent weeks.  We will continue to monitor the data and keep you updated.  I am working on some data sets to compare what we've seen this year so far versus what we experienced last year.  I will share that information in a future update.

COVID-19 Update December 10, 2021

New COVID-19 cases continue to appear at a pretty steady pace from week to week.  This week's new cases were spread out between the buildings rather than clustered within a single grade or building, which we experienced last month.  With just over a week to go until winter break, we will continue to push through to finish the first semester.  We are keeping a close eye on our athletic teams to try to prevent outbreaks that could lead to postponed contests.  We've seen this be an issue with other schools in the area.  As teams travel and play one another, the risk increases.  When positive cases are identified among athletes, school officials typically communicate with one another so opposing players can be monitored appropriately.  Please remember to do your part by keeping students home when they are ill or when a COVID test is pending within a household.  We greatly appreciate your assistance.

Here are this week's numbers:

COVID-19 Update December 6, 2021

COVID figures in the chart below represent cases since the update we sent out last Tuesday.  Typically, our updates are based on the previous Friday, but the holiday break changed that for this update.  Middle school cases have slowed somewhat over the last week and a half, but cases at the high school have been increasing, so we are monitoring those carefully.  With just over two weeks until winter break, we are planning to push through and appreciate your assistance with monitoring symptoms and keeping students home when they are ill.

COVID-19 Update November 23, 2021

It's too early in the week to see how the COVID numbers are trending this week, but we certainly hope this wave slows down.  While the break will be welcome, the first couple of weeks after Thanksgiving will be interesting to monitor.  Below are the COVID-19 numbers since last Friday's update.

COVID-19 Update November 19, 2021

The middle school has definitely taken it on the chin lately.  There have been 30 positive cases among middle school students this school year (24 in November alone).  Last year, the middle school only had 31 for the whole school year.  Conversely, the high school had 74 cases last year and has had only 3 so far this school year.  While that is good news for the high school, recent events have shown us how quickly those numbers can increase.  While we saw virtually no spread at school last year, we have definitely seen it this year.  Whether it's something we're doing (or not doing), the strain of the virus itself, or something else, we will keep working on our response.  Please continue to take precaution by keeping students home if they are not feeling well or showing symptoms.  If in doubt, please keep them home.  Also, please do not send students to school if there is a pending test or a positive case in the household.  We will continue to work on keeping the virus from spreading, but we appreciate your help with keeping it out of the buildings to begin with. 

COVID-19 Update November 12, 2021

Thank you to everyone for your patience and flexibility this week as this situation unfolded.  We held out for as long as we could, but felt it was the best decision to keep the situation from dragging on or getting even worse.  Two weeks ago, we had no new positive cases and only two students in quarantine.  Obviously, this shows how things can change very quickly.  Please continue to monitor for symptoms and keep students home if they are sick.  As always, we wish the best of luck to all of those impacted and hope for a quick recovery and minimal complications. 

COVID-19 Update November 5, 2021

We've seen more activity with COVID this week and are keeping a very close eye on the situation.  We have layers of additional mitigation strategies we can implement, but hopefully this uptick subsides quickly.  The weekly numbers are below. 

COVID-19 Update October 29, 2021

Below, you will find this week's COVID numbers.

COVID-19 Update October 22, 2021

This week's COVID-19 numbers are listed below.

COVID-19 Update October 15, 2021

This week's COVID-19 figures are listed in the table below.  At this point in the school year, none of the positive cases we've seen appear to be the result of exposure at school. We will continue to be diligent to keep students and staff safe and healthy.  COVID numbers seem to be trending in the right direction around the area and throughout the state and hopefully that trend can continue.

COVID-19 Update October 8, 2021

This week's COVID numbers are listed below:

COVID-19 Update October 1, 2021

To continue with the positive news (although the word "positive" usually has a different meaning when it comes to COVID), our district's COVID-19 numbers are encouraging this week.  As of late this morning, there have been no new cases reported so far this week.  While this is great news, it's important to remain diligent so we can continue to see minimal impact at school.  We will continue to monitor our internal data as well as updates from the county and surrounding areas. 

COVID-19 Update September 24, 2021

COVID-19 numbers are listed in the table below.  While we did have some positive cases this week, they appear to have resulted from household exposures.  Based on the timeframes involved and the fact that several were already in quarantine due to the household cases, no contact tracing was necessary at school.  Thank you to everyone who continues to keep students home when there is a positive COVID case in the household.  This step, along with keeping students home when they are not feeling well, are key factors in limiting potential exposures at school.

COVID-19 Update September 17, 2021

As the week has come to a close with today's early dismissal, I am happy to report no new cases among staff or students this week.  Currently, four students are in quarantine due to exposure outside of school.

COVID-19 Update September 10, 2021

COVID-19 numbers continue to hold steady.  We had no new cases among students or staff again this week.  Hopefully, that trend continues.  Here are the current numbers:

COVID-19 Update September 3, 2021

We saw no new positive cases among students and staff this week.  Thank you to everyone for doing their part to make that possible.  It takes everybody working together to minimize the impact of COVID at school.  Here are this week's COVID-19 numbers from across the district. 

COVID-19 Update August 27, 2021

Here is this week's update on COVID-19 numbers in the district:

COVID-19 Update August 20, 2021

Although I was hoping I wouldn't have to provide weekly COVID statistics this year, that was obviously just wishful thinking.  Below, you will see the end-of-week figures for the district.  Please remember to keep your kids home if they are not feeling well so we can limit the chances for virus exposure at school.

COVID-19 Update May 21, 2021

With the final full week of the school year complete, we head into the final three days with a desire to finish strong and an optimism that next school year will not include the challenges we faced this year.  While recent changes to mask mandates and other mitigations do not apply to schools yet, I am hopeful that the situation will improve by August to the point that we can return to a more "normal" school setting.  I applaud our staff along with our families for continuing to work through the challenges with the students' best interests in mind. 

Here is my final COVID-19 update of the school year (it feels good to type that).  Numbers improved this week and our current quarantine total is at its lowest point in nearly two months.  Hopefully, the final three days will go smoothly as well.  

COVID-19 Update May 14, 2021

Next week will be the final full week of the school year and with eight total days remaining, it finally feels like the end is in sight.  Overall, COVID news continues to improve even though we still can't seem to escape the seemingly never-ending cycle of cases and quarantines.  We had four positive cases in the district this week and we wish those families the best as they deal with the challenges that accompany the virus.

COVID-19 Update May 7, 2021

Our COVID-19 numbers have continued to decline since the spike we experienced a few weeks ago.  Last week, we reported 86 students in quarantine/isolation.  This week, that number has decreased to 27.  Here is the chart:

COVID-19 Update April 30, 2021

As we cross another week and month off the school year calendar, we enter the final stretch to the end with renewed energy.  With the finish line drawing nearer, it's difficult to remember all the ups and downs we've experienced over the last 9 months.  From the development of our reopening plan in July to planning for end-of-year events in April and May, it's been a wild ride.  We had our first positive COVID-19 case in the district in late August and didn't have another until mid-October.  Waves of cases and resulting quarantines have come and gone since, but we've remained determined to get through the year in-person...and we're almost there.  It's taken the efforts of everyone at school and at home to make that happen.  Now, we just need to remain diligent for a few more weeks.  We appreciate your help throughout the year and hope you can continue to help us navigate the final weeks and finish strong.  It takes all of us to make this work.

I know I've mentioned it several times before, but we know that quarantines are frustrating for our families.  Believe me, they are frustrating for us too.  We want the kids in school.  Nobody likes making those phone calls or telling kids they need to go home.  We've tried our best to remain consistent in our procedures throughout the year.  It's not a perfect system because there is no perfect system, but we've at least tried to stay consistent.  Quarantine numbers are lower this week compared to last week and we hope that trend can continue as we close out the year.  May 6th is National Nurses Day so I'd like to express my appreciation for our nurse, Paula Miller, for all of the work she's done this year.  She's always been amazing, but she's been even more amazing than usual this year. 

Here are this week's numbers:

COVID-19 Update April 23, 2021

We currently have 139 students in quarantine/isolation, which is the highest week-ending total since mid-January.  44 are scheduled to return Monday and another 46 by Wednesday.  Of course, any additional cases that pop up this weekend could add more names to the list.  Hopefully, things start to calm down a bit.  Whatever variant is in the area is certainly making its presence felt. 

COVID-19 Update April 16, 2021

As we head into the final six weeks of the school year, we are very thankful that we've been able to maintain consistent in-person instruction.  I believe today was the 147th day of school for our students.  There were times last July, August, and September that we were concerned we may not make it a few weeks with all the unknowns.  I remember celebrating making it to Labor Day in one of these emails.  While the road to mid-April has been bumpy at times, the partnership between the school and our families has helped us persevere.  This week, we were reminded that the road may continue to be bumpy at times.  Despite four new positive cases (2 staff and 2 students), only 41 students in the district are currently in quarantine.  As I've said before, I know quarantines are frustrating, especially if you've experienced them multiple times.  Unfortunately, it's part of the current reality we're facing that we hope will soon be a thing of the past.  I'm excited to embark on these last six weeks and hope we can finish strong.

COVID-19 Update April 9, 2021

Three positive cases were reported among students this week. Currently, 11 students are in quarantine/isolation.  We are hoping to avoid another wave in the coming weeks as state numbers continue to slowly rise.  It is important to avoid complacency as we head into the final six weeks of what's been a unique school year.  It is my very sincere hope that we can return to a normal school year when school resumes after the summer break.

COVID-19 Updated March 26, 2021

Quarantine numbers have decreased significantly since the recent wave we experienced a few weeks ago.  Hopefully, we can avoid any further waves of that kind for the remainder of the year.  I urge everyone to continue to be diligent during spring break to minimize the impact on school once we return.  Thank you to everyone for all of your cooperation through this unusual situation.  As a reminder, based on IDPH/ISBE guidance, we will discontinue the temperature screenings at our entrances after spring break.  IDPH has determined that such a practice is ineffective and unnecessary.  We urge all parents to continue to monitor symptoms at home prior to sending students to school to prevent potential exposure and resulting quarantines at school.  Also, please remember that if a member of the household is awaiting COVID test results (or is symptomatic), kids should not be sent to school until the test results rule out COVID-19 or an alternative diagnosis is provided to explain the symptoms.  This can help us avoid having to quarantine other students in the event that one of the kids from that household ends up testing positive at some point.  Here are this week's numbers:

COVID-19 Updates March 19, 2021

COVID-19 numbers improved this week compared to last week.  Hopefully, we are through the wave that the high school experienced recently.  While there were 3 new cases in the high school since last week's update, there have been none reported since Monday.  Of the 53 students currently in quarantine in the district, 36 are scheduled to return on Monday March 22nd.

COVID-19 Update March 12, 2021

Our streak of good weeks ended abruptly this week as we experienced another wave of cases among our high school students and one more positive at the middle school.  About 40% of the quarantined students are able to return on Monday and by Wednesday nearly 75% will be able to return.  While we had a very good run and things have improved around the area overall, this week shows us that we have to continue to be diligent.  I know it's been extremely frustrating for families that have had to endure multiple quarantine periods, but we will continue to deal with contact tracing the same way we have all year.  As always, we hope that all of our impacted families are able to avoid major complications from the virus and we look forward to getting the students back as soon as they are able to return.

COVID-19 Update March 6, 2021

This week included some positive cases, but these cases again did not result in the need for contact tracing.  As a result, overall quarantine numbers remain low, which continues the trend over recent weeks.  Updated numbers are included in the chart below.

COVID-19 Update February 26, 2021

The word "positive" seems to have a different meaning these days when discussing COVID-19, but I'd describe this as a positive week.  We had no new cases reported and our quarantine numbers remain low.  With staff vaccinations increasing in frequency, the threat of facing widespread staff quarantines decreases each day as well.  By mid-March, a majority of our staff will be fully vaccinated, which will help us stay staffed in the event of any potential future spikes in cases in the area.

COVID-19 Update February 19, 2021

The COVID numbers continued to trend in the right direction this week.  The chart below demonstrates another good week.  We hope this trend can continue and will keep doing our best to maintain our approach in our buildings.

COVID -19 Update February 12, 2021

This week's numbers continued the recent trend we've been seeing.  While there were three new positive cases (two students and one staff member), all three were already in quarantine for a period of time.  As a result, contact traImagecing wasn't necessary at school so our total quarantine numbers actually slightly decreased this week.  Obviously, the recent trend is a good sign, but we know that trends can change quickly so we will continue to be diligent with our approach.

COVID-19 Update February 5, 2021

We have managed to maintain the trend we started to see last week.  Quarantine numbers decreased again this week and for the first time since October, no new cases were reported among students or staff.  As I've mentioned, this trend is due to the diligence of families and school staff to ensure the environment is safe and healthy for everyone.  It is important that students stay home if they are not feeling well or if someone else in the household is awaiting a COVID-19 test result.  Obviously, it's winter and there are other illnesses going around, so we've seen a higher percentage of tests coming back negative lately.  Still, it's important to be cautious and we appreciate everyone's help with this.  As we've seen throughout the pandemic, the virus seems to come and go in waves.  Hopefully, we can avoid another big wave and keep moving forward. 

You may have heard that educators were included in the current vaccination group.  We are now at the point where our staff members that expressed interest in the vaccine (it is not mandatory) have either had an appointment or have an appointment pending.  It's a two-dose vaccine, so it takes some time to be fully vaccinated, but at least the process is moving.  This has resulted in a renewed optimism among the staff over the last couple of weeks.  As access to the vaccine expands, the light at the end of the tunnel starts to get a little brighter.

COVID-19 Update January 29, 2021

After averaging nearly 10 new cases per week between staff and students over the last three weeks, we only had one new case reported this week, which is the lowest number since early November.  Our current total of 17 students in quarantine or isolation is the lowest total to end a week since mid-October. 

COVID-19 Update January 22, 2021

We experienced a bit of a spike since last week's update, but the rate of new cases slowed as the week progressed. Of the 109 students in quarantine or isolation district-wide, 73 are scheduled to be released for a return when school resumes on Tuesday. The chart below shows the updated figures. The column for total positives since Aug. 20th has been revised to include a handful of cases that occurred over winter break that may not have been included in last week's total. The totals listed now align again with our master list.

This week's quarantine and positive case figures are listed in the chart below. We received five new case reports throughout the district this week (three students and two staff). Contact tracing and quarantine numbers from these cases were minimal due to the timing of the tests, the school calendar, and other circumstances involved.

The high school will return to in-person instruction on Monday, Dec. 7th. As a result of the recent pivot to remote learning at the high school, quarantine figures are down considerably this week. Remember that healthy quarantines are precautionary measures designed to limit the potential spread of the virus. We have seen very little evidence to confirm significant spread of the virus at school, but will remain diligent when identifying close contacts to mitigate that risk as much as possible. I applaud our students and staff for their efforts going back and forth between in-person and remote instruction.

The numbers below reflect cases and quarantines since my last update on Tues. Nov. 24th. We will be monitoring these figures carefully daily to see if the Thanksgiving holiday has a major impact on our situation.

This week's update comes early due to Thanksgiving break. Based on the update from this past weekend, this week's COVID-19 numbers should not come as too much of a surprise. The chart definitely demonstrates why the high school will continue remote learning until Monday, Dec. 7th. A large portion of the high school students quarantined will be eligible to return on that day. The positive cases for the week that are listed include all new cases reported since last Friday's email was sent. Those we learned of over the weekend are included in this week's totals in the chart below.

Here is this week's update starting with COVID-19 numbers. This week, we experienced two positive cases -- 1 middle school staff member and 1 high school student. The circumstances for each did not result in large numbers of quarantines, however. Updated figures are below.

Although county, region, and state COVID-19 figures are trending in the wrong direction, at least our school district's numbers improved this week. We currently have 24 students and 3 staff members in quarantine throughout the district, which is down from 77 students and 6 staff last week and 113 students and 5 staff the week prior. We added one new positive case this week -- a staff member at the grade school. Contact tracing resulted in 6 students and an additional staff member being quarantined. Dozens of students who had been quarantined were cleared for return this week.

Here are the updated figures for this week:

There was a new positive case this week in the grade school and one in the middle school involving students who had already been out for quarantine due to exposure in the home. As a result and due to the timeline involved, no contact tracing was necessary at school.

10/19/20 -- There were two new positive COVID-19 cases among high school students today.  Although these two cases are not linked, they did result in a large number of quarantines.  High school classes lead to more quarantines because of the mixed nature of the classes in the schedule throughout the day.  We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any updates via email to families and this webpage.  

9/22/20 -- We've had some questions about quarantines and international travel.  Original guidance was that international travelers needed to quarantine for 14 days after returning.  More recent updates from the CDC no longer require quarantine, but ask travelers to take strict precautions upon return.  If you are planning international travel, please communicate with us so we can make sure everyone is on the same page before arrangements are made.  Guidance can change quickly.

8/28/20 -- Today, we learned of the first positive case involving a Tremont student who had been in attendance (click here for information).

8/27/20 -- IDPH has outlined some metrics that schools can use to determine if a short-term closure, referred to as an "adaptive pause," may be necessary.  While conditions within Tremont itself or within the school itself could lead to such a determination, the metrics on a county level are available at the link on the left side of the page.  There appears to be a week lag in data, but it is useful information as we continue to navigate this situation.

8/19/20 -- We have updated our response to COVID-19 protocols slightly based on clarified guidance from the Tazewell County Health Department and IDPH.  This document replaces the 8/16/20 updated protocol.  See the link on the left side of the page to access the document.  The primary difference is a slight modification to the initial assessment of symptoms by our school nurse.

8/16/20 -- We have updated our response to COVID-19 protocols based on new guidance from the Tazewell County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health.  This document outlines quarantine procedures and updates to requirements and timelines for returning to school.  See the link on the left side of the page to access the document.  

As you read the protocols, please note the difference between " quarantine" and "isolation."  Isolation is for those that are showing COVID-19 symptoms and/or have received a positive COVID-19 test result.  These individuals should be isolated within the home to avoid any additional exposure to members of the household.  Other household members and close contacts of positive or suspected cases should quarantine by staying home and away from people outside the home for the duration of the quarantine period.  Since total isolation is not always possible, time frames for returning to school can be longer than 14 days if exposure to an infected individual cannot be avoided.  The school and health department will cooperate to ensure these timelines are communicated to families impacted.

8/15/20 -- We have added a FAQ page from the Illinois Department of Public Health that pertains directly to schools.  This FAQ covers many different topics.

8/15/20 -- What could cause a school closure?

There have been some questions about what could lead to a school closure.  There are a variety of situations that could lead to a school closure, so it is important that families are prepared for this possibility as well as a transition to remote learning.

Short-term closure: Should a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 appear in a school, the local health department and the school district will work together to determine whether a temporary closure is necessary.  This temporary closure could last a couple of days to provide officials with an opportunity to assess the situation and provide appropriate communication to anyone potentially exposed to the virus. 

Long-term closure: 1) Increased community spread of the virus or an outbreak of cases within the school could result in a longer-term closure and switch to remote learning.  2) Another major concern of the district is our ability to continue to adequately staff in-person instruction if the number of quarantine situations spikes.  These quarantines could result from factors inside or outside of school and be completely out of anyone's control.  With an ongoing shortage of substitute teachers statewide, which has only been worsened by the pandemic, it's a real possibility that in-person instruction could be halted by our inability to staff our buildings appropriately.  We will do our best to stay in session as long as possible to provide the best in-person instruction we can under the circumstances, but there can be no guarantees it will last, so families should be prepared for a potentially sudden change in plans.  If you know of anyone who may be interested in working as a substitute teacher, please contact the district office for more information. 3) A statewide or regional move backwards in reopening phases could also lead to a long-term closure and transition to remote learning.