DPS #170 Staff, Students, and Families,
I am writing this not to alarm you but to inform you. There is another Tik Tok Challenge circulating nationally that dubs Friday, December 17th as "shoot up your school" day. The original post is general and not directed at a specific school. We do not have any threats against any of our schools. I am sharing this notice out of an abundance of caution and as a precautionary measure. My intent of sharing this information with you is to be transparent, and let you know we are always vigilant in the safety and security of our buildings.
This information has been shared with our District and school administration, our school resource officers, and local law enforcement. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. All safety concerns to our school or students are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Here are some reminders on how you can help ensure safety in our schools:
• Be sure to report any concerning message you hear or see in person or online to a trusted adult, school administration or staff member, or police.
• The Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program for students to share school safety issues, find resources to get help and find encouragement to help others. Reports can be submitted by clicking https://app.safe22helpil.com/.
• Please do not promote social media rumors, instead, tell us.
• If you feel uncomfortable about something you read, something you hear, something you see please, report it so we can do something about it.
• Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming and using webcams.
Dixon Public Schools is committed to keeping our schools a safe place for learning, and we will work together to continue to keep it that way.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any building or district administrator if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Margo Empen - Superintendent
December 14, 2021
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
December 13, 2021
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
We are hiring! #gopurple
Parents/Guardians: Click on the links below for this week's COVID data. This data reflects those out due to being positive or quarantined. Please contact your building nurse if you have questions or concerns.
https://5il.co/131xn
https://5il.co/131xo
December 9, 2021
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
December 7, 2021
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
Parents/Guardians: Click on the links below for this week's COVID data. This data reflects those out due to being positive or quarantined. We did see an increase in our numbers this week.
https://5il.co/12prc
https://5il.co/12prd
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
Please remember to allow plenty of time tomorrow if you signed up for the IDPH/LCHD vaccine clinic. Wait times may be lengthy, so bring something to read and a snack if needed. The vaccine clinic is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the DHS cafeteria. #GoPurple
Parents/Guardians: Click on the links below for this week's COVID data. This data reflects those out due to being positive or quarantined. We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. School resumes tomorrow!
https://5il.co/12cgu
https://5il.co/12cgw
Laynie B. and Jenna C. being introduced at today’s Dixon Rotary Club meeting. #GoPurple #SuperStudents
Parents/Guardians: 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/11u0i
https://5il.co/11u0k
Check out Jefferson School's Veterans Day video for 2021 #gopurple
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcdF5gyJ4VM&t=60s
Parents/Guardians: 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/11ihb
https://5il.co/11ihc
November 2, 2021
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
Parents/Guardians: 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/119m5
https://5il.co/119m6
Parents/Guardians: 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/10xg8
https://5il.co/10xg9
Pictures from today's fall harvest on the DPS/SVCC Ag Land Laboratory. Thank you Kevin Larsen, SVCC, Ms. Durband, and Mr. Hodson for helping out today.
Kevin Larsen from SVCC provided information to DHS students regarding the fall harvest of the Brinton Avenue Ag Lab. Thank you Kevin and SVCC for this great partnership! #GoPurple #SVCCAg
