Rocket Families,
On behalf of all of us at Rochester Schools, I want to wish you a happy New Year and to welcome our students back for a second semester. The first semester saw a return to in-person learning while our students were once again able to participate in extra/co-curricular activities and clubs. Things were not always perfect, yet we all worked together to provide an outstanding educational experience for our students.
I have received many questions regarding how the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) newest issued guidance regarding isolation for positive cases impacts schools. For the time being, the new guidance does not apply to schools in Illinois per the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education. It is expected this will be a topic that will continue to be discussed over the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, Rochester CUSD #3a protocols for positive cases remain the same as the first semester.
As we return to in-person learning this week, your continued patience and support are appreciated. We all know that Covid numbers are very high throughout Illinois, however, we continue to believe we can mitigate issues at school if we all work together. I also want to reiterate that we are committed to safely remaining in person, and keeping our activities going for our students. To help us accomplish this goal the greatest tools we have available to us this year that we did not in the past are testing and vaccination.
You can help by keeping your child home if he or she has symptoms. If someone in your home has symptoms or has COVID please talk with your medical provider or a school nurse and follow the advised protocols. And when in doubt, always err on the side of caution.
The pandemic along with the regulations and mitigations that come with it have been taxing for us all. Please continue to exhibit continued kindness to our teachers, principals, and nurses as they try to navigate everything that comes our way while keeping our students safe, healthy, and in school.
As we move forward into 2022, I am confident that we will continue to rise to the challenges that lie ahead. I’m looking forward to an incredible second semester together! Thank you for your continued support, patience, and grace.
It’s a great day to be a Rocket!!!
Be the Difference,
Dan W. Cox, Superintendent