COVID-19 Information
August 31, 2021
It is our full intention to offer transparency with regard to the impact Covid-19 is having on the health, safety, and education of our students. Daily updates can be found on the Covid-19 Dashboard above.
August 16, 2021
If you have a student or an employee that has been identified as a “household” contact, these individuals are expected to follow current CDC guidelines regarding quarantine. For absences to be excused, a doctor’s note is required.
Current CDC guidelines for quarantining are
10 days (return on Day 11) from exposure if no symptoms are present (testing not required).
7 Days (return on Day 8) from exposure if no symptoms are present and negative COVID test has been collected after day 5
If symptoms develop: Isolate and obtain a test
August 9, 2021
2021-2022 Back to School COVID Guidelines
Our School System recognizes the ongoing, ever-changing dynamics of COVID and/or its new variant(s). In addition, the CDC has communicated concern over children’s vulnerability to COVID and/or its new variant(s). While it is recommended, masks are not required. As a district, we will continue to monitor local health department and state guideline updates to make changes to district protocols/procedures when appropriate. For the beginning of the school year, we will follow the procedures below:
Students with COVID
● Principal and/or School Nurse are to be notified
● Isolation begins on positive diagnosis
● A doctor’s note is to be provided to School Secretary
● COVID verified absences will be excused
Student with close contact of another student or adult
● Principal and/or School Nurse shall notify the parents/guardians of students deemed to be “close contact” (within 6 ft for 15 minutes) via phone call or letter
● Identified “close contacts” should watch for symptoms
● If symptoms occur, seek medical attention and begin COVID protocol (if advised).
● If no symptoms occur, student may report to school.
● If symptoms occur, students should stay home for 5 days or until no symptoms have been present for 3days.
Quarantine options:
• 10 days (return on Day 11) from exposure if no symptoms present (COVID test collected not required for return)
• 7 days (return on Day 8) from exposure if no symptoms present and negative COVID test collected after day 5
No quarantine needed IF:
• COVID-19 diagnosis within 90 days of exposure OR
• Fully vaccinated AND
• No symptoms of COVID-19
Exposure is defined as within 6 feet of a case for a cumulative total >15 minutes over a 24-hour period.
August 4, 2021
For the 2021-22 school year, Grundy County Schools will offer in-person learning across all grade bands. Recognizing the benefits of in-person learning, we look forward to the first full day of school on Monday, August 9th.
During the 2020-21 school year, our teachers, staff members, families, and students worked diligently to ensure last year was an overwhelming success. With our 1:1 initiative in place and quality educators at the helm, we are prepared to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students.
With the new school year approaching, GCS will utilize the updated CDC school guidelines to help modify COVID-19 practices throughout the year. With this, a few updates are listed below:
• While encouraged, masks will be optional for all students, employees, and visitors on our campuses.
• Students, teachers, visitors, and staff members are encouraged to continue proper handwashing and sanitizing.
• Temperature checks (for employees, guests, and students entering our facilities) will not be continued for the 2021-22 school year.
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will continue to take place.
Grundy County Schools encourages students, staff members, and teachers to stay at home when sick, and the district encourages the use of outdoor classrooms/spaces for learning and exercise.
Additionally, these guidelines may be changed based on local transmission rates or guideline updates from the CDC. District communication will be provided throughout the year.