Superintendent Dr. Brian Wegley's Weekly Update - September 24, 2021

Superintendent Dr. Brian Wegley's Weekly Update - September 24, 2021

Dear District 30 Family,

We had another great week of learning! 

Included here are a few notes as we continue this journey together:

Mitigation Strategies: Community COVID-19 metrics remain in the substantial/high range. Although we all must continue to do everything we can to reduce exposure, especially to unvaccinated individuals, it is not surprising that the community presence of COVID-19 leads to student cases. Thank you for your commitment to the valuable SHIELD Monitor Testing that illuminated several cases this week, most of which were asymptomatic. Thank you also for continuing to focus on mitigation strategies outside of our schools to reduce exposure, especially for our unvaccinated students.

The Definition of a COVID-19 School Outbreak & Possible Outcomes: The Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) define a COVID-19 School Outbreak as two or more epidemiologically linked cases within a given classroom (e.g., two COVID-19 cases within one classroom that do not share an external link like being siblings, an unmasked playdate outside of school, or on the same athletic team). School outbreaks have already occurred in other Northfield Township Districts this year, with classes temporarily being shifted to remote learning. If the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) defines an outbreak within one of our schools, we will be directed on steps to take that would likely include more frequent testing of a given classroom with the possibility of temporarily shifting a classroom to remote learning. You can read more information about the Revised Public Health Guidance for Schools released by ISBE & IDPH this week. We will continue to be transparent and appreciate everyone’s ongoing efforts to maintain mitigation strategies outside of school and for our community’s partnership throughout this time.

September 23 Board Brief: Our Board of Education enjoyed inspiring Back to School presentations from our principals last night, shared their sincere appreciation for our staff, students, and parents, and passed our FY 22 Budget. Click here to read more. 

School Support: Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help through our teaching staff if and when the need arises. Remaining connected and accessing the many resources in our community is a strength. 

Thank you for your continued support, and have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian K. Wegley
Superintendent