Greetings Urbana Family and Friends, 

In an effort to make sure you are well informed regarding news and new initiatives, I have extended this week’s update. I realize I have shared a lot of information in the past two days, but please take a few minutes to read the Weekly Update – Part 2.  There is essential information included regarding a change in guidance for those previously considered fully vaccinated, excused absences, and meals for families impacted by COVID.  

Student Drive-Thru Testing on Monday, January 10

At the beginning of this week, we administered an additional 600 COVID tests over and above our regular weekly testing. The morning student drive-thru was so successful that we will offer it again on Mon., Jan. 10, from 7-8 a.m. at the former Central Office, 205 N. Race St. This will provide students returning from quarantine or those wanting to test another opportunity to do so following the weekend. We will be closing the line promptly at 8 a.m. so the team can support testing in the buildings. 

Meals for Families impacted by COVID

We are excited to announce that we will be offering meals to our students who cannot attend school in person due to COVID reasons.  We currently have students isolating or quarantining at home who would otherwise be eating breakfast and lunch at school. To reserve meals, please contact Jonathan Schmit at jschmit@usd116.org or  217-384-3501 on Mon., Jan. 10 to reserve your meals for the week. On Tues., Jan. 11, meals for the week will be available for pickup at Urbana Middle School between 8:30-10 a.m.  This meal pickup service will also be available for any students from classrooms, grade levels, or schools that may have to “pause” in-person learning for COVID reasons. Families will need to share their child’s name and school for verification purposes.

Please see the flyers for more info:

• Students not in school meals – English
• Students not in school meals – Spanish
• Students not in school meals – French

Please share this with families who would benefit from this support!

Excused Absences Continued

We will continue to allow families one additional week to excuse their students waiting to be tested, trying to schedule doctor’s appointments, at home following travel, etc. Excused absences will be allowed for the week of Jan. 10-13 only. Families should still follow your school’s attendance procedures and contact the office as needed.

Fully Vaccinated Close Contacts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has changed the definition of fully vaccinated; being considered fully vaccinated now includes a booster dose, if eligible (i.e., available for 12 years and older). This means staff and students that are eligible for the booster but have not received it are no longer considered fully vaccinated. Therefore, unvaccinated students and not boosted staff members who are close contacts are now required to quarantine for 5 days.  Please click here to see if you are up to date on your vaccine or eligible for a booster. Booster Shot- ENG  Booster Shot – SP  Booster Shot – FR

If you are eligible and interested and want more information about where to get a booster shot, click here for locations: Vaccine/Booster Finder and Vaccine Finder for Pharmacies: CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, CampusTown Urgent Care, Meijer, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco. 

What is quarantine? 

The CDC defines quarantine as staying home for at least 5 days after exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19. This is because someone can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 but may not show symptoms. Even though someone may not show symptoms, they can still spread the virus.

The CDC has determined that quarantine is different from isolation. Isolation is used by someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they don’t have symptoms. Isolation helps prevent the transmission of the virus by separating people infected with the virus from those who are not infected.

Updated Guidance for Schools from the CDC

We are aware of the updated guidance issued today from the CDC for schools for isolation and quarantine protocols.  Although Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (C-UPHD) has approved this updated guidance, Districts have not been given the full go-ahead to implement these changes.  

ISBE shared this statement today from Dr. Iyala, State Superintendent, “the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) plan to align with CDC guidance on shortening isolation and quarantine periods for COVID-19 for schools.  ISBE and IDPH will release updated guidance as soon as possible.  In the meantime, please review the IDPH Health Alert for details on key changes that will take effect soon.”  

We will message our implementation plan when we receive the go-ahead and additional guidance from ISBE.  We understand the uncertainty and stress this may be causing many staff members and families; however, we cannot move forward prematurely without more information from the State Board of Education.  

Please know that we appreciate our USD116 staff for your continued questions, emails, and inquiries.  We also ask for your patience while we navigate these constant changes in guidance. We will continue to do our best to keep you informed while also providing whatever support we can to help us get through these challenging times together. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stay safe, healthy, and well, 

Dr. Ivory-Tatum,
Superintendent