11-12-20
Dear East Moline School District Families:
The entire East Moline School District will move to full-time remote learning for at least three weeks starting Monday, November 16. All instruction for East Moline School District students will move to full-time remote learning until at least Tuesday, December 8. Before that date, we plan to review local public health information and consult with the Rock Island County Health Department before we return for in-person hybrid learning.
According to the NY Times, the Quad Cities currently have the eighth highest increase (adjusted for population) of all metropolitan areas in the United States over the past week. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is now recommending Illinoians stay home as much as possible for the next three weeks, leaving home only for essential activities. While the IDPH has not shut schools down, it is evident Rock Island County and the Quad Cities are in a public health crisis. Currently, the 7-day rolling average of case positivity in Rock Island County is 20%. Anything over 8% is considered to be very high and leads to greater community spread. Our school district is not immune with a growing number of employees and students currently excluded from in-person learning due to a potential exposure, symptoms and positive tests for COVID-19. The safety of our students and employees is and will always be our first priority.
During the closure, all district schools and busses will receive enhanced cleaning procedures and be sanitized for the return of our students and employees. If you would like to follow how COVID-19 is impacting the East Moline School District, you can see our daily averages each week by visiting our website and clicking on the banner at the top or going directly to https://www.emsd37.org/about/covid-rates
This is a worrisome time for all Quad Citians. We are strongly encouraging everyone to follow the IDPH and local guidelines and stay home as much as possible. Please remember to socially distance, wash your hands, and wear a mask. Watch for further communication by Wednesday, December 2.
Yours for kids,
Dr. Kristin Humphries, Superintendent