Coronavirus Information

“The most important role that parents and caregivers can provide for children and young people is to reassure them that the adults are taking the lead to establish and maintain their overall safety. We may not have all the answers immediately, but we are sorting out options and taking care of their needs. Similarly, we may all have questions and fears, but we can support one another to get answers and cope with our different feelings.”

Coronavirus Response

Below are a list of FAQs about Parker's response to the Coronavirus along with a dashboard that tracks the school's metrics from testing and mitigation efforts.

Contact Us

Report COVID-19 symptoms, positive case or exposure to a positive case to the Nurses’ Office at nurse@fwparker.org.

If you have questions about your family’s health, please contact the Nurses’ Office at nurse@fwparker.org.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 Screening Packets or Drop Off, please contact Margaret Dailey in the Principal’s Office at mdailey@fwparker.org.

COVID-19 Status at Parker

Terms

Active Cases: The number of individuals who remain in isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test. 

Recovered Cases: The number of individuals who previously received a positive COVID-19 test. 

Identified through COVID-19 saliva screener: The number of individuals who were referred to a CLIA certified lab for diagnostic testing. 

Personal Responsibility

The school has created a scientifically-informed set of “Layers of safety measures” in school operations. Among these layers is the core principle of personal responsibility. Every member of our community has a personal responsibility as a Parker citizen to act in complete and rigorous compliance with the health and safety protocols outlined by the school and endorsed by public health officials both on and off campus. We all share in the bonds that unite us through this “social contract.” Together, both personal acts of responsibility within this system of layered precautions will lower the risk of infection.

The safety of our community requires a renewed commitment to work together for the best interests of all.

Click here to review the Community Social Contract.

COVID-19 FAQ

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  • Dow Do I Know What Diagnostic Test to Use?

    There are a growing number of diagnostic laboratory and at home tests available for COVID. A molecular COVID test, such as a PCR, is the most reliable option.
     
    Our goal is to keep the community safe and our students in school as much as possible.
     
    Parents should assume their child will need a molecular test unless specifically instructed otherwise by the Nurses' Office.
     
    For more information on the different types of testing available: click here.

  • What is Coronavirus?

    Coronavirus is a virus spread by contact or through the air. It can cause anything from no symptoms to life threatening symptoms. These include: shortness or breath, fever or loss of taste and smell. We can help prevent the spread of this virus by washing our hands, wearing a mask, staying home, avoiding non-essential travel and social distancing.

  • What is Parker’s Travel Policy?

    To protect in-person education, Parker has the following requirements when traveling:
     
    Any domestic travel:
     
    We are following the City of Chicago’s Travel Guidelines:
     
    Any international travel:
     
    The guidelines for International travel are the same as the CDC guidelines:
     
    Vaccinated travelers are currently not required to quarantine, although they should test on day five (5) after travel.
     
    *Quarantine begins the day after you have returned (Ex: Return on a Sunday, Day 1 of quarantine is Monday)*
     
    *If getting tested before returning to school, FWP requires a molecular test, such as a PCR test, (not rapid antigen)*
     
    *If fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine after domestic travel. International travel requires that you get tested on day 5 after travel. You do not, however, need to quarantine.
     

  • When Do I Contact the Nurse's Office?

    • Notify of child’s absence
    • Notify of travel
    • Notify of positive case in household
    • Notify of/question regarding potential exposure
    • ANY questions regarding coronavirus

  • When Does My Child Complete the Saliva Screen?

    Please refer to the Parker Portal calendar for the most up to date information on screening requirements. For other screening questions, please click here.

  • When Should I Keep My Child Home?

    Please keep your child home if they (or one of their siblings) have any of the below symptoms:
    • Fever (temperature over 100.4) or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body ache
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea

Helpful Documents & Resources

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330 West Webster Avenue | Chicago, Illinois 60614 | 773.353.3000
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.