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COVID 19 / Coronavirus

UPDATED COVID MITIGATIONS

 

February 24, 2022

 

Dear RIMSD #41 Families,

Since the Rock Island-Milan School District made the decision to transition from being “mask required” to “mask recommended” in all of our school buildings as of Monday, February 21, 2022, we are now updating other Covid-19 mitigations for families to follow:

  1. Masks are recommended but not required.

  2. Testing for unvaccinated staff recommended but not required.

  3. Positive students will be excluded for 5 days and may return on day 6 if fever, vomiting

    and diarrhea free for 24 hours. Students may remain in quarantine for up to 10 days if

    symptoms persist.

  4. Symptomatic* students may return with a negative test, alternate diagnosis or

    quarantine for 5 days. (Home test, rapid test or antigen test is acceptable.)

  5. Three feet distancing is recommended but not required. No contact tracing will be done.

  6. Students must wear masks on public and private buses due to federal mandates.

  7. Household contact of positive-with no symptoms, 5-day isolation recommended but not

    required. If symptoms occur, see item number 4.

*Symptomatic for covid=TWO of any symptoms from the covid symptom list.
Symptom list: Body aches, fever of 100.4 or higher, cough, sore throat, moderate to severe headache.

 

As this situation continues to unfold, please be sensitive to the individual needs of our students, families, and staff. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our students in the classroom!

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Reginald Lawrence 

 
thishouserocks
February 18, 2022
 
Dear Rock Island-Milan School District Families,

Late last night, an Illinois appellate court dismissed the school mask mandate appeal which now will allow for flexibility for masking in schools. Therefore, after further review of this development, the Rock Island-Milan School District has made the decision to move forward by transitioning from being “mask required” to “mask recommended” in all of our school buildings beginning Monday, February 21, 2022.

Because the risk of transmission of the virus still exists and the safety of students and staff remains a high priority, wearing a mask will continue to be strongly recommended, but not required. Whether the choice is to wear a mask or not, all choices are to be respected. As a reminder, masks will still be required on buses, per the federal transportation mandate.

As we move forward, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of you, our school community, for your continued support and understanding over the past few years in dealing with the numerous changes that have impacted our district. While we do not know what new challenges may arise, I do know that as a community, we will continue to persevere and get through it together. I again ask that you respect the decisions made by individual families as we move forward into our next phase of the school year.

Sincerely,
Dr. Reginald Lawrence 
this house rocks
January 12, 2022

Dear RIMSD #41 families,
 
We are pleased to share that the isolation and quarantine period for students and staff members sick with COVID-19 or considered a close contact has been reduced to five days. 
 
The Centers for Disease Control updated its guidance P-12 schools on January 6 and reduced the isolation and quarantine period to five days. As of yesterday, January 11, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education announced that the agencies have adopted CDC guidance for P-12 schools that reduces the isolation and quarantine period.
 
As a result, effective immediately, RIMSD #41 will implement the updated guidance. The attached page contains a summary of the guidance as well as an updated flow chart.
 
The announcement does not change the state of Illinois’ mask requirement for anyone inside school buildings. The Governor’s indoor mask mandate for school is still in effect until further notice. 
 
If your child is currently in quarantine, you will be hearing from an individual from your child’s school as soon as possible about an updated return to school date. Please understand that it takes time for our schools to work through their quarantine list. 
 
We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to get our students back into the classroom as soon as possible!

Sincerely,
 
superintendent
 
 
RIMSD #41 New Guidance for Isolation and Quarantine

COVID Positive = 5-day exclusion
  • Stay home for a minimum of 5 days after the first day of symptoms or the positive test date.
  • Individuals may return to school after 5 days if asymptomatic or fever-free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours, diarrhea/vomiting have ceased for 24 hours, and other symptoms have improved.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 more days after returning to school.
 
COVID Symptoms = 5-day exclusion
  • Everyone, regardless of vaccination status must immediately be excluded from school until receiv-ing a negative test or stay home for a minimum of 5 days.
  • Individuals may return to school after 5 days if asymptomatic or fever-free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours, diarrhea/vomiting have ceased for 24 hours, and other symptoms have improved.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 more days after returning to school.
 
COVID Exposure = 5-day exclusion
  • Stay home for a minimum of 5 days after the last contact with the person who has COVID.
  • Must wear a mask around others for 5 additional days and remain asymptomatic.
  • If a student has a sibling or a household contact that tests positive, unvaccinated household con-tacts of positives must remain out of school for the positive person's 5-day exclusion and then an additional 5 days for a total of 10 days.
 
Close Contacts include:
  • Students and staff who are not fully vaccinated (completed primary series).
  • Students and staff aged 18 years and older who have received primary COVID-19 vaccine doses but have not received a booster dose when eligible ("unboosted").
 
The following are not Close Contacts and do not require exclusion:
  • A student who was within 3-6 ft in a classroom setting if both case and contact were consistently masked for the entire exposure period.
  • Students and staff aged 18 years and older who have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters.  
  • A student aged 5-17 who completed the primary series.
  • An individual on school transportation within 3-6 feet if both the confirmed case and exposed indi-vidual were consistently and correctly masked during the entire exposure and windows were opened to allow for good ventilation or HEPA filters were in use during transit.
  •  An individual who tested positive in the past 90 days from date of exposure.
  •  An individual who is solely exposed to a confirmed case while outdoors.
 
UPDATE January 1, 2022
 
In the midst of growing concerns about the Omicron variant and high levels of spread in Rock Island County, the school district is still going to be in compliance with masking, social distancing, keeping classrooms clean and sanitized when students return to school on Tuesday, January 4. Read a message from Superintendent Dr. Reginald Lawrence >>>
 
RIMSD #41 is also looking into providing the University of Illinois/Shield COVID test to be available in schools in the near future. The district is partnering with the University of Illinois to test School District students, teachers, and staff members for COVID-19 infection on a weekly basis. The purpose of the PCR test is to screen for asymptomatic individuals (students who do not have symptoms) who are infected with COVID-19. An Opt-Out form will be distributed to households for those who choose not to have their student participate. More information will be available once a timeframe can be established. 
AUGUST 26: Governor Pritzker Announces Vaccine Requirements for Pre-K -12 Teachers and Staff
 
On Thursday, August 26, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced Pre-K-12 teachers and staff are required to receive the COVID-19 Vaccination in order to slow down the Delta variant. 
 
Employees who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine are required to get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week, and the Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education may require increased testing in certain situations. 
 
The Governor also issued a statewide indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status.
 
You can read more about the announcement here.
 
RIMSD#41 Staff Testing Requirements>>
 
 
 
August 20 Update:
 
With the State of Illinois mask mandate in effect for school buildings, student temperatures will no longer be taken before school.  Symptoms will still be monitored throughout the day and quarantine rooms are still in effect. 
 
Staff still need to fill out the self-check form each day.
AUGUST 4: NEW STATE MASK MANDATE
 
On Wednesday, August 4, 2021, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced masks will be required for students, teachers and staff at pre-kindergarten-12th grade schools. The new measure is part of the state’s ongoing effort to combat a new surge as the Delta variant rapidly spreads.

The mask requirement is inclusive of youth sports and activities, with masks now required for all indoor extracurriculars and sports. In line with CDC guidance, masks are not required for activities outdoors where transmission risks and rates are lower.
 
You can read more about the Governor's mandate here.
JULY 9: Updated Guidance for the Start of the School Year
 
Updated guidance released on Friday, July 9 from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and supported by the Illinois Department of Public Heath states that all Illinois schools, both public and nonpublic, will start the 2021-22 school year with layered prevention strategies (masking, distancing, testing) to protect people who are not fully vaccinated. Read the release on the IDPH website >>
 
The Rock Island-Milan School District will be providing more communication to staff and families after thoroughly reviewing the updated guidance and updating RIMSD procedures. 
 
Major elements of the updated guidance include:
  • Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated.
  • CDC recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask wearing by people who are not fully vaccinated, to reduce transmission risk. When it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet, such as when schools cannot fully re-open while maintaining these distances, it is especially important to layer multiple other prevention strategies, such as indoor masking.
  • Screening testing, ventilation, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when sick and getting tested, contact tracing in combination with quarantine and isolation, and cleaning and disinfection are also important layers of prevention to keep schools safe.
Update July 1,2021 
 
The Rock Island-Milan School District #41 will be fully open for the 2021-2022 school year on the first day of school, Monday, August 2, five days per week for the full school day. Fall sports and extracurricular activities will take place in accordance with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) health and safety mandates. At this current time, masks must be worn in all school buildings whether vaccinated or not. 
 
End of the school year 2020-2021
 
During the last week of school, Chromebooks and chargers will be collected from Blended and Remote students. Drop off dates listed here. The last day of school is Friday, May 28. 
 
School Registration 2021-22
 
Online registration is anticipated to roll out in June; in-person registration is July 14 - 16. The first day (full) of school is Monday, August 2. 
 
UPDATE MARCH 21, 2021: Beginning 4th Quarter of the 2020-2021 School Year
 
The Rock Island-Milan School District held a Virtual Community Session via Zoom on Sunday, March 21 to answer questions about the 4th Quarter of the School year. Watch a video recording of the session >>
 
Below are a few important points from the session. Please review the Blended Learning Plan 4th Quarter update for more comprehensive information. 
 
  • Students who chose the 4 day in-person learning will attend school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday; students who chose 2 day in-person will use the A/B schedule. 
  • Wednesday is a Full Remote day for all students. 
  • The building schedules/times remain the same as in 3rd quarter. No lunches will be served; breakfast will be in the classroom. 
  • Students and staff are required to wear masks, social distance and practice good hygiene.
  • If there is a positive COVID case at a school building, staff and families will receive a notification via Remind. A notice will also be posted on the website. Those who were in close contact to the positive COVID case will be contact traced. 
 
If parents have specific questions, please contact your child's school. 
 
The Rock Island-Milan School District would like to thank parents for participating in the Preliminary 4th Quarter survey that was conducted the second week of February. The purpose of the survey was to explore moving forward with increasing in-person learning options for students in the 4th quarter due to the increased availability of the COVID 19 vaccine for staff as well as State of Illinois lessening restrictions. The survey was a success in giving school district administration direction to increase options for in-person learning for the 4th quarter.
 
Overall there were 2,641 parents who submitted preferences for 3,432 students. The survey revealed that 56% of the parents felt comfortable with their student(s) eating lunch with masks off and that slightly over half (51.8%) preferred to send their student(s) to school for in-person learning for the maximum days/times allowable for the 4th quarter. There were 20.1% that preferred to keep their student(s) in the current Blended Learning model of A/B schedule with two days in-person. Lastly, 28% of parents indicated they would keep their students in full time remote learning for the remainder of the year.
 
Therefore, based on the parent feedback of the survey, building principals will be starting the process to systematically increase in-person learning opportunities for students to attend 4 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday). Parents may choose the 4 day option on the Commitment Form, however there is no guarantee. If buildings are able to accommodate more students in the classroom, they will, however it is with the understanding that social distancing may be less than 6 feet. Students will still be required to wear face masks and practice good hygiene. 
 
Building times will remain the same and lunches will not be served. Students will be offered grab-and-go lunches each day and Nutrition Services will continue to provide weekly meal kits each Monday for Remote Learners. At any time, if parents are no longer comfortable with their student attending in-person Blended Learning classes, they may opt out to Full Remote learning at home.
 
With the above in mind, 4th Quarter Commitment form will offer three options:
  • Full Remote
  • Blended Learning Current Schedule: Keep student on A/B schedule with 2 days in-person;
  • Blended Learning Increased Schedule: Student has the option of 4 days in-person if the school building has classroom space to safely accommodate the student.
 
Preliminary Survey for 4th Quarter Learning Opportunities
 
Now that the COVID 19 vaccine has become available to RIMSD #41 staff and the State of Illinois lessened restrictions, the Rock Island-Milan School District is ready to explore moving forward with increasing in-person learning options for students in the 4th quarter. However, the district needs parent input before moving forward with a Commitment Form. Your input will help the district form a plan to meet the needs of families. Once the results are tabulated, the district will send out a Commitment Form for the 4th Quarter to ask families what their intentions are for the remainder of the school year. Thank you for filling out the survey and supporting education along with student and staff safety during this challenging time! The survey will close on Feb. 16 at 8:00 pm. 
 
 
The Rock Island-Milan School District is beginning Blended Learning on Tuesday, Jan 19. The building schedules and copies of the Blended and Remote Learning Plans are on our website https://www.rimsd41.org/elearning/
 
Also, beginning Jan. 19 we will be doing meal distribution at all school locations from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. every day (as opposed to just Tuesdays and Thursdays). Any one under the age of 18 that lives in our school district boundary area can receive free meals. Students in the Blended Learning plan will be able to pick up breakfast when they arrive at their building and then grab lunch to go before they leave for the day.
 
In the event that there are positive COVID-19 cases in a school building, staff and families will be notified with a robo-call and Remind message. A letter will be posted on the school district web site www.rimsd41.org and the school building website. Those who were exposed to the positive COVID-19 case will be notified by the school building or a Contact Tracer from the Rock Island County Health Department.
The Remote/Blended Learning Commitment Form for the 3rd quarter of the school year is closed. If you have any questions or concerns about the form please contact your child's school. 
 
RIMSD #41 plans to begin Blended Learning on January 19, 2021. If parents do not submit a Commitment Form for their student(s) by December 22, the student(s) will remain in Remote Learning for the remainder of the 3rd Quarter through March 10, 2021. Parents can review the Remote and Blended Learning Plans on the website and can contact their child's school with any questions.
On Friday, Nov. 13, RIMSD #41 announced that the school district would return to Full Remote Learning due to the rising number of positive COVID cases surfacing in the school buildings. 
 
Therefore, the school district will be using Monday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 17 as Remote Learning Planning days for staff to be ready to transition to Full Remote Learning on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
 
Students will not report for Blended Learning or Remote Learning on Monday, Nov. 16 or Tuesday, Nov. 17. Students are to log on to Full Remote Learning on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
 
The remote learning plan will extend through Monday, January 18, 2021, to allow for a safe quarantine period due to expected travel and gatherings during the Winter Holiday and New Years Holiday season. All schools will return to blended learning on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, the day after the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, pending it is safe to do so at that time.
 
RIMSD #41 staff and families received a robo-call message and a letter through Remind about the decision. A news release was also sent to media. 
 
Read the letter to families >> 
The Rock Island-Milan School District began the second quarter of 2020-2021 on Oct. 19 with the Blended Learning Plan. 
 
In the event that there are positive COVID-19 cases in a school building, staff and families will be notified with a robo-call and Remind message. A letter will be posted on the school district web site www.rimsd41.org and the school building website. Those who were exposed to the positive COVID-19 case will be notified by the school building or a Contact Tracer from the Rock Island County Health Department. 
 
If a school building has a growing number of positive COVID-19 cases, the superintendent may deem it necessary (in consult with the Rock Island County Health Dept.) to temporarily close the building and quarantine for two weeks. Staff and families will be notified via robo-call and Remind and a media release will be sent to local news organizations. 
Second Quarter Commitment Form Open
 
The Rock Island-Milan School District is in Full Remote Learning for the 1st Quarter of the school year. 
 
The district has opened up the 2nd Quarter Commitment Form from Sept 16 - 23 to ask parents to choose whether their child will stay in Full Remote Learning or move to the Blended (combination of in-person and remote learning) Learning Plan for the 2nd Quarter of the school year >>
Rock Island-Milan School District Board of Education's Reopening Plan Approval Resolution
 
On August 18, RIMSD #41 Board of Education approved a COVID-19-related resolution that gives superintendents autonomy to implement school programs during this time and make adjustments and plan modifications as needed. Read the resolution >> 
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020
 
UPDATE: The Rock Island-Milan School District is starting the 2020-21 School Year with a Full Remote Learning Plan >>
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
 
Governor Pritzker announced in a press conference that students will be allowed to return to the classrooms for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. Schools must follow Illinois Department of Public Health requirements to reopen. 
 
The Rock Island-Milan School District will release information and a comprehensive plan about what learning will look like for students on the first day of school on Monday, August 3, 2020. At the moment, school district Administration are going through the guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and working on creating a plan to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year. Communication will be sent to parents once a plan is finalized.  
 
The school district Administration Center will be on Summer Hours from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call 309-793-5900 before visiting the Administration Center. All visitors must wear a mask. 
 
MONDAY, JUNE 1
 
On Friday, May 29, 2020 the State of Illinois announced that the state would move to Phase 3 of Restore Illinois to take effect on June 4, 2020.
 
Per Illinois Department of Public Health, all schools must follow requirements, which:
  • Prohibit more than 10 individuals from gathering in one space;
  • Require social distancing policies; and,
  • Require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
 
RIMSD school buildings will be open, however the public/parents can only come in by appointment and must call school offices first. School building doors will remain locked and a sign with phone number will be posted, indicating an appointment needs to be made for entry. Visitors must wear a mask. 
 
At this time, the school district is not granting any Building/Facilities Use permits. 
The school district Administration Center will be on Summer Hours from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call 309-793-5900 before visiting the Administration Center. All visitors must wear a mask.
 
For staff working inside the school buildings, masks are required when working in a location where social distancing cannot be guaranteed. 
 
If the office/building will be closed because employees are working from home, notification will be posted telling visitors who to contact and how. 
 
It is anticipated that all RIMSD staff will work on-site effective July 1, 2020.
 
APRIL 17, 2020
 
State of Illinois Governor Pritzker announced that in-person learning is suspended for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.  With this announcement, school district administration will begin making additional decisions necessary for a smooth transition to close out the school year. 

The Rock Island-Milan School District is planning to continue meal kit distribution twice a week and will continue with remote e-learning plans. Chromebook devices were deployed to students last week and teachers have been using Google Classrooms for academic activities since April 14.
 
RIMSD #41 will have additional details forthcoming about grading, report cards, summer school and Class of 2020 graduation. 
 
MARCH 31, 2020
State of Illinois Governor Pritzker announced that the stay-at-home order is extended through April 30, 2020. The Rock Island-Milan School District is planning to continue meal kit distribution twice a week, as well as remote e-learning resources on web site. Administration is also currently working on a plan to distribute devices to students so that our e-learning resources are accessible. Please watch for an announcement next week with more information. 

MARCH 27, 2020
The Rock Island-Milan School District is planning to distribute 3-day meal kids again on Monday, March 30 and Thursday, April 2 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the seven locations listed below. A robo-call reminder will be sent to families the evening prior to meal distribution day. 

MARCH 20, 2020
Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a “Stay-at-Home” order for the entire state, effective on March 21 at 5:00 p.m. through Tuesday, April 7. Therefore, all RIMSD #41 school buildings are closed and all events and activities are suspended until further notice. For any school district needs, please call the Administration Center Monday - Friday, 309-793-5900.

RIMSD #41 will still provide meals to families with children under the age of 18 and will have two meal kit distributions next week on Monday, March 30 and Thursday, April 2. Families will receive a robo-call reminders the evening prior to the distribution.

The Rock Island-Milan School District will continue to do whatever is necessary to take precautions to slow the spread of COVID 19. 

RIMSD #41 schedule for meal pick up >>

We understand that some of our students may need to have access to medication that remains in our school buildings. In an effort to ensure that you can meet the medical needs of your child, we have scheduled the following days and times for you to pick up medication at your child's school on March 23, 24, and 25th from 9 to noon. Parent should come directly to the main office.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 itself, please contact Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) at (800) 362-2736.

BUILDING ACCESS IS LIMITED. We will exercise social distancing practices to the best of our ability to keep the community safe. Parents and community members can call their school or the Administration Center 309-793-5900 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

VACCINES: 
COVID 19 Resources
Illinois State Board of Education COVID19 Statewide updates >>
 
Parent Resource: How to talk to your child about COVID 19 from the National Association of School Psychologists >> 
 
EL Resource: Translated COVID 19 materials on Center for Disease Control (CDC) site >>