COVID Update & Procedures

Dear FCS Families,

As we find ourselves mid-way through the first quarter, we want to take a moment to make you aware of procedures that we will be following from this point forward regarding COVID-19. As we have said from the beginning, we will be following the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines at school. Part of those guidelines include protocols for students and staff who present COVID symptoms, as well as, those who test positive for COVID-19. Attached to this letter, you will find our “Faith Christian School COVID Flow Chart.” The information on this chart was taken from the most current “Decision Tree for Symptomatic Individuals in Pre-K, K-12 Schools and Day Care Programs” published by IDPH. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Flow Chart and information found on the document.

Also, we will be implementing a new symptom-screening procedure during morning drop-off. Staff members who are taking temps will simply ask if any of your students have been exhibiting any COVID symptoms. This will also be in place for any visitors/volunteers wanting to enter the school building. Another facet of the IDPH health code is that, as a school, we are required to report to our local health department, students who stay home (or who are sent home) with COVID symptoms. This information is used to help monitor symptoms and to help prevent the spread of the virus within our school and community.

We continue to follow IDPH guidelines regarding face masks, social distancing, sanitizing and hand washing. We remind students to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes. We are grateful to you and your children for the cooperation and support as we have implemented these new procedures throughout the school day. Thank you!

As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay home if they develop symptoms. We strongly encourage sick persons to contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, please keep the child at home and notify your primary healthcare provider, Faith Christian School, and your local health department.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we move forward in the school year. We will continue to monitor IDPH guidelines and will keep you informed of any changes in policies and procedures. We are committed at FCS to provide our students and staff with a safe, nurturing environment…a place where they can grow and learn, becoming who God created them to be!

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Jon Marx
Linda Foster
Carrie Worrell