Nov. 19, 2020
Dear District 204 Community,
As you know, Governor Pritzker is implementing Tier 3 mitigation starting Friday in order to try to control the surge of COVID-19. Local public health officials have stated the escalating number of cases in our area will not be decreasing any time soon and that our community hospitals are reaching capacity. In our district, we are seeing an increase in the number of confirmed cases and the number of staff required to quarantine due to possible exposure. Over the past two weeks, we have had to quarantine 275 staff members. At the same time, we have seen an increase in the number of parents who are choosing to not send their children to school for in-person support due to COVID-19 concerns.
Taking all of this into consideration, I have made the decision to move all students to full remote learning effective Monday, November 23 through Friday, January 15. This includes our preschool, STEPS program and students with special needs who are currently receiving in-person services. A separate message about athletics will be shared with parents from the high schools tomorrow, Friday, November 20.
While we are disappointed to announce an extended pause to our in-person learning plans, public health officials are providing no indication that the community transmission level will be reduced from substantial to moderate. We have stated we need moderate transmission for two consecutive weeks in order to transition to our hybrid plan.
Public health officials are expressing serious concern about COVID transmission during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and the weeks that follow. This pause allows students to learn from home after the holidays and helps prevent the spread of COVID through our schools and community by allowing for the recommended 14 day quarantine after both Thanksgiving break and our Winter break.
Throughout this pause, we will continue to review health department data and share information with our community. We will reassess our situation in January and alert you when we will be able to start in-person learning.
Please take a moment to review the recommendations from the CDC for how to safely enjoy the upcoming holiday break. The only way we will decrease the community transmission level is if we all do our part to slow the spread of COVID.
Thank you for your continued support.
Adrian B. Talley Ed.D.
Superintendent
Nov. 17, 2020
Dear District 204 Community,
The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) announced that the Community Transmission Level for COVID-19 remains Substantial. According to DCHD, the new cases per 100,000 over the past four weeks have increased from 152 to 429. The positivity rates in our area have also increased significantly over the past month. Region 8 increased from 7 percent to 15.8 percent, and Region 7 increased from 6.6 percent to 19.8 percent.
As a reminder, we are continuing to pause our transition to hybrid until November 30. I continue to be in communication with the health department to monitor data and will communicate any change to our plan once it is decided. In our update next Monday, November 23, 2020, I will let you know if we will stay remote through the end of the first semester. For now, early childhood and special education students who are currently receiving in-person support and instruction will remain in person.
It is clear that the only way we will be able to transition to our hybrid plan is if the community transmission rates decrease. I am asking you to please do your part by wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, staying home if you don’t feel well, and washing your hands.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Adrian B. Talley, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Nov. 10, 2020
Dear District 204 Community,
The DuPage County Health Department’s updated weekly metrics continue to show a significant increase in COVID-19 cases. In the past two weeks, the new cases per 100,000 increased from 152 to 312. There also continues to be a substantial increase in youth cases, with the health department reporting a 56 percent increase over the previous week. Based on the data, the county remains in Substantial Community Transmission. As a reminder, under Substantial Community Transmission, the health department recommends 100 percent remote learning with districts determining which populations of students should receive in-person instruction when their needs are less likely to be met by virtual instruction.
In keeping with our plan, in order to transition from remote learning to our hybrid model, the health department must report a move from Substantial to Moderate Community Transmission for two consecutive weeks. At this point, we will continue to monitor the weekly updates from the health department and will remain in remote learning through November 27, which is the end of Thanksgiving break.
Last week, I shared that the Illinois Department of Public Health was not in agreement with the Illinois High School Association’s decision to allow basketball as a winter sport. It is disappointing to us that state officials could not issue cohesive guidance related to student health and safety. I have discussed this matter with our attorney and insurance company, as well as the district superintendents who participate in our athletic conference. All are in agreement that due to liability concerns, we will postpone basketball at this time. We hope to be able to start our basketball season later this school year when it is safe to do so. As allowed, we will continue to provide opportunities for our student athletes to progress and sharpen their skills. Our high schools will be sharing additional details with our student athletes in the days ahead.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Adrian B. Talley, Ed.D.
Superintendent
