Superintendent Update Aug. 6, 2021

The 2021-2022 school year is almost here, and students will return to school before we know it. We are thrilled to be opening our doors and welcoming students back into classrooms! This summer, we worked hard to reengage students through our transition programs and Jump Start to get our youth back into classrooms early. As we start the school year, we want to ensure every student has the support and opportunities needed to recoup learning, so we can address gaps that the pandemic has exacerbated. As you and your family find opportunities to spend time together over the coming weeks, this letter has good conversation starters, in addition to guidelines you expect to receive.

The State of Illinois has adopted the CDC’s updated guidance regarding COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools for all public and nonpublic schools in Illinois. The updated federal guidance is currently in effect. This week, Governor Pritzker issued an Executive Order that requires masks to be worn indoors in schools. The masking requirement is inclusive of youth sports and activities, with masks now required for all indoor extracurriculars and sports. Masks are not required for activities outdoors, which also follows the CDC guidance.

The Governor’s announcement is in line with our health and safety measures. Our back-to-school plans support safe in-person learning and require that masks be worn indoors by all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. We believe that consistent and correct mask use is the simplest, most effective way to keep students safely in school, where they can learn and grow to their fullest potential.

The CDC’s guidance is meant to help districts and local health officials select appropriate, layered prevention strategies in order to keep in-person learning environments safe for students and staff during times of fluctuating transmission. Urbana School District is committed to our students returning to full-time in-person learning in the fall with the following layered prevention strategies in place:

• Continue Universal Masking

• Social Distancing of 3ft. to 6 ft.

• Surveillance Testing for students & staff

• Symptom Testing

• Several Upcoming Vaccine Clinics

• Prevention Measures (i.e., hand and respiratory etiquette, ventilation, cleaning, and disinfection)

• Communication and messaging - If you are sick, stay home!

Every Urbana student deserves a high-quality education in a healthy and safe learning environment. As always, we will continue to monitor our community metrics and update you on any changes in guidance or developments.

Thank you for your support of our students and staff, and I look forward to a new school year!

Be safe and stay well,

Dr. Ivory-Tatum