November 2, 2020
Dear Families:
On Monday, November 2, 2020, the District was advised that a student at Eisenhower Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. The student was in school last week. The School Health Services has informed staff members and the families of students who were exposed to the student. We expect the Department of Health (DOH) to quarantine several students. As you know, the DOH has the authority and final determination to quarantine students. The DOH is currently working with the school nurse and administration throughout this process.
This is the first case at Eisenhower Elementary for the entire year of which we are aware. I am recommending we stay open based on the following rationale:
- This decision still falls within the guidelines of our IASD Safety Plan where we indicated a range of 2-4 cases could result in a 3-7 day closure.
- This is the first confirmed case at Eisenhower all year.
- The students conducted their recess time in “pods” and not in large gatherings. This assisted in mitigating the spread and/or exposure to other students.
- This scenario is reflective of the benefits of the hybrid model as well as the 6ft social distancing guidelines the Board of Directors has implemented to mitigate the spread of the virus.
We will continue with our deep cleaning procedures in our buildings to make sure the impacted classroom(s) are disinfected accordingly. Respectfully, the decision to go with the hybrid model as well as the 6ft social distancing in our classrooms allows us great flexibility to remain open while adhering to our safety plan.
I realize that these are difficult times with the increased pressures the pandemic causes, and there are no guaranteed right or wrong answers at times due to the varying beliefs, attitudes, and opinions on the matter. On behalf of the entire District, please know we are doing all we can to remain open to provide educational programming to our students with safety at the forefront of our decision-making.
Our School Health Services staff has done an amazing job being proactive in monitoring for symptoms. We have continued to send students home for exhibiting COVID symptoms out of an abundance of care and caution. I fully support the school nurses taking an abundance of care in our daily operations and recognize the angst this can cause our families.
Respectfully,
Mr. Michael J. Vuckovich
IASD Superintendent