Health Update: COVID-19
During what may be a challenging and confusing time, I am reaching out to provide a status update on developments related to coronavirus (COVID-19) and to share some additional details about the actions we are planning to protect our school community. I am also providing you with two resources which may be useful as you help your children to understand the situation.
The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is our priority. While the total number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. remains relatively small, experts expect this number to grow as testing increases and more individuals seek care. We are continuously monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for guidance, and we will be in touch with state and local health departments as needed.
Currently, the key recommendations from public health agencies to prevent the spread of coronavirus are regular, thorough, handwashing and that symptomatic individuals remain home rather than going to work or school. We echo this recommendation and ask that students with any signs of respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms be kept home. We are also strongly encouraging employees to stay home if they are not feeling well. We will not share any information about the health status of any individual.
Today, San Diego County officials said today at a press conference that social distancing (i.e. canceling group gatherings or closing school) was not necessary at this time. If this changes, please know that our administration and faculty are discussing how student learning can continue should our school be closed temporarily. We are developing strategies for providing age-appropriate, remote lessons to students, taking accessibility into consideration, as well as tools for staying connected as a community. We will communicate more details around what this will look like if it becomes necessary.
In regard to travel, we are currently reviewing all approaching field trips and will provide updates as needed. Should your family be planning to travel for spring break, please follow the guidelines outlined by the CDC.
I have been struck by the patience, support, and resilience I’ve already seen in our community as we tackle these challenges. You are our greatest resource. Should the situation change quickly, we will notify you directly via Special Notice or through our Alert Now text/call/email service.
Be well,
Alison Fleming, Head of School
Resources
