A message from Superintendent Dr. Lawrence

October 28, 2020

Dear Washington Junior High Staff and Families,

This letter is to inform you that an individual at Washington Junior High tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Rock Island County Health Department to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual to prevent further spread within our school and community.

To prevent further spread of the virus, we are placing staff members and students who are identified as having prolonged close contact to the COVID-19 case in quarantine for 14 days. Close contacts will also receive a separate notification from the Rock Island County Health Department. If a Contact Tracer from the Rock Island County Health Department reaches out to you via phone call, please cooperate as it is an important step to controlling COVID-19 infection rates.

At this time, local public health officials tell RIMSD #41 that students can continue to safely attend classes and Washington Jr. High will remain open. The spread of the virus will be monitored closely in the coming days and we will follow recommendations of public health officials in response to any changes in the status of the virus which could affect our schools and Community. If there are any further updates, RIMSD #41 will communicate immediately via Remind, robo-call, and posting a notice on the website www.rimsd41.org.

The health and safety of students and staff is our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The Rock Island-Milan School district follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Rock Island County Health Department.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families from the COVID-19 virus outbreak.

Sincerely,

Dr. Reginald Lawrence II