Rockford Public Schools: RPS 205 Students, Staff & Families Encouraged To Get Vaccinated

Press release from Rockford Public Schools:

July 27, 2021

RPS 205 families and staff,

Our students and families have missed out on a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the COVID-19 vaccine is not required for students or staff for the upcoming school year, we’re encouraging students, staff and families again to get vaccinated if they’re able.

Here’s why: Students have just experienced an incredibly challenging year. We want to start the 2021-22 school year strong, without the risk of closures or cancellations. That includes not only teaching and learning, but practices, rehearsals, games, performances, and fun activities with their friends. We want our students to have a safe, normal school experience.

We’ve heard from local, state and national medical experts that the vaccine is the best defense we have against COVID-19, virus variants and further interruptions and distractions for our students. Fully vaccinated students are not only the best protected from COVID-19, they will also not need to quarantine if they are in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Ehren Jarrett
Superintendent 
Rockford Public Schools

Update on Mask Requirements

According to the Winnebago County Health Department, the benefits of in-person teaching and learning outweigh the risks of COVID-19 when key health and safety measures are in place. We are working through those measures now – including whether masks will be required – and we will share more information in the coming weeks.

We will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health and the WCHD.   

Sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available for anyone 12 and older. RPS 205 is working with the Winnebago County Health Department to host vaccine clinics in the coming months.

When a vaccine is approved for children who are younger than 12, RPS 205 will host additional clinics. Learn more and sign up for a vaccination clinic: wchd.org/covid-19

SPANISH

ARABIC

This press release was produced by Rockford Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.