The 5Essentials Survey for parents is now open. Please visit our webpage www.dps170.org & click on the link to participate. Fill out the participation form & return it to your child's school for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to an area business. The survey ends on 3/11/22.
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 1 individual at Jefferson Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent
Click on the links below for this week's COVID data. This data reflects those out due to being positive or quarantined.
https://5il.co/159mg
https://5il.co/159mh
Please click on the link below for a letter from Supt. Empen regarding facemasks being optional beginning tomorrow. Bus riders must still wear facemasks since this is a federal law and remains in effect. https://5il.co/158dr
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 2 individuals at Jefferson Elementary School have tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent
February 1, 2022
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 3 individuals at Jefferson Elementary School have tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent
January 31, 2022
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 2 individuals at Jefferson Elementary School have tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent
Click on the links below for this week's COVID data. Welcome back RMS from your adaptive pause. This data reflects those out due to being positive or quarantined.
https://5il.co/14y1z
https://5il.co/14y20
The Community Engagement Committee's School Start Times Survey closes Monday, January 31st. Please take a moment to visit our district website and click on the links to watch a short video, review the informational one page document, and respond to the brief survey regarding school start times. When the Board of Education is making the decision to change or not, many factors will be taken into consideration, including YOUR VOICE!
January 28, 2022
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 3 individuals at Jefferson Elementary School have tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent
Please click on the link below for a message from Mrs. Empen regarding the pending Illinois court cases related to face masks in schools.
https://5il.co/14v2q
January 26, 2022
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 3 individuals at Jefferson Elementary School have tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent
JEFFERSON 2-HOUR LATE START SCHEDULE
9:15am Bus arrival and breakfast begins
9:45am Warning bell rings
9:50am Tardy bell rings
Morning Announcements
10:00am PE/Music rotation begin. The first class is only 30 minutes. The rest of the day as scheduled.
Any AM activities prior to the tardy bell ringing are cancelled during a late start. Bus pick-up is 2 hours later than normal bus pick-up times. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately while standing at pick-up locations. Everyone stay safe and warm!
January 25, 2022
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 1individual at Jefferson Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent
DPS #170 will have a 2 hour late start on Jan. 26 due to cold temps. Classes will begin at 9:45 am. Students who ride buses will be picked up 2 hours later than the original pick-up time. No a.m. PreK. No early bird at DHS. WACC will be in session and the bus will leave DHS at 9:30 am. RMS students check Canvas or the website for adjusted Zoom times.
January 22, 2022
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 1 individual at Jefferson Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent
President Andrea presenting Rotary water bottles to DHS students, Melanie A. and Gage B. #superstudents #DixonRotary
Click on the links below for this week's COVID data. RMS is on an adaptive pause this week due to several internal spreads. Please go to the website or Canvas for class schedules/expectations for the week. Breakfast and lunch can be picked up on Monday and Wednesday.
https://5il.co/14mi8
https://5il.co/14mi9
Click on the links below for this week's COVID data. This data reflects those out due to being positive or quarantined. RMS is on an adaptive pause this week. Please check the website for class schedules online this week.
https://5il.co/14mc8
https://5il.co/14mc9
January 22, 2022
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that 3 individuals at Jefferson Elementary School have tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Lee County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community. The health and safety of Jefferson Elementary School students and staff are our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health.
To prevent further spread of the disease, Dixon Public Schools are taking the following steps:
• Staff members or students who are close contacts to the positive case will not be attending work or school until they are released to do so by Lee County Health Department. If your child was exposed to COVID-19, you will be contacted and given instructions by Lee County Health Department.
• Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
• Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of all areas daily and additional attention to the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
• Continuing our strict adherence to social distancing and hand washing practices during the school day.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
• Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
• Students are required to wear face coverings at all times, as previously directed and per school policy.
• Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
• We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
• We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
o Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
o Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
o Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
o Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
• As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms . Sick persons should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Jefferson Elementary School, and your local health department. We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jefferson Elementary School at (815) 934-9661 or Sherry Hafer, District Nurse, at (815) 453-4966.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen
Superintendent