August 25, 2021 – Decatur Public Schools is closing American Dreamer STEM Academy, starting Thursday, August 26, 2021, through Labor Day, due to the number of students identified as close contacts to COVID cases.
American Dreamer students will learn virtually from home while the school is closed. Students will be sent home with their devices at the end of the school day on Wednesday, August 25, and will be expected to sign into Google Classroom or Seesaw daily for live instruction. Students will return to school in person on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. The school building will also be thoroughly cleaned while students are learning virtually, following protocols outlined in the DPS 2021-22 COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols handbook. Breakfasts and lunch packages will be provided for pick up at American Dreamer STEM Academy from Noon to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 27, and Tuesday, August 31.
DPS61 sent out a press release explaining the closure and their plans moving forward:
“We continue to monitor COVID numbers in all of our schools and will keep our community updated. We hear the concerns from our families and will continue monitoring and making decisions to protect the health and safety of all our students and our entire community. DPS is taking this measure out of an abundance of caution. We’re asking families of American Dreamer students to please stay home as much as possible during this school closure to help contain the potential spread of the COVID virus. We continue to encourage all eligible students and adults to get vaccinated. We also ask that all families continue to watch for the primary symptoms of COVID, which include shortness of breath, coughing, and fever or chills. Other symptoms include congestion, sore throat, diarrhea, abdominal pain, body aches, headaches, and loss of taste or smell. If you or your child begins to experience symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider and notify the school office as soon as possible. It’s vital that you inform the school if your student has symptoms or tests positive for COVID. As always, thank you to our school community for patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this challenging situation.”
