MUST READ: New March 16 School Closure and Coronavirus Planning Update
Dear St. Michael’s Families,
There has been a lot in the news about the spread of the flu, as well as the best ways to safeguard against the possible spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). While the number of cases in the U.S. is small, I want to reassure you that we are following developments closely and preparing contingency plans.
We also have important news to share below regarding a change in the Spring Break Calendar as classes are NOW CANCELED for Monday, March 16.
ILLNESS PREVENTION
Experts have shared that the best way to protect against the flu and other viruses is to wash your hands often. St. Michael’s continues to promote and implement strategies to reduce disease transmission while students are at school. The School is maintaining our cleaning and disinfecting best practices with extra vigilance, which along with daily custodial cleaning, includes having children wash their hands before eating and wiping down desks, chairs, computers, handrails/doorknobs and more with sanitizing wipes.
With Spring Break approaching, we are mindful that many of our families have long-scheduled travel plans. Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking St. Michael’s families, faculty, and staff who are traveling outside of Virginia or outside of the United States to self-report your travel itineraries to the School by 10 a.m on FRIDAY, MARCH 6, via this GOOGLE FORM.
PLANNING AHEAD
Currently, there are no known CONFIRMED cases at this time of COVID-19 in Richmond or in Virginia. That said, the CDC has encouraged schools to plan ahead should remote learning become necessary for any length of time and accordingly, St. Michael’s is developing contingency plans to address this. Please note the following:
- We will instruct students to bring home all binders, books, and needed school materials when they depart for Spring Break at noon on Friday, March 6, in the advent that they may be needed at home post-break. All Middle School students will also bring home their St M supplied Chromebooks. Please have your child bring in an extra bag on Friday to help with this.
- We are asking that all students in grades 2-5 confirm that they are able to access IXL, an online learning site we use in the classroom and for summer homework. Students in first grade will receive an assignment so that they, too, may access IXL. They should complete the assignment before going on break. If your child is not able to access IXL, please contact your homeroom teacher.
- In preparation for virtual learning, please contact Merrill Geier if your student does not have access to high-speed internet or a home computer.
IMPORTANT SCHEDULE CHANGE: In order to train our teachers for virtual learning and test online learning sources, we have made the decision to CANCEL CLASSES for students on Monday, March 16, to use this day for Professional Development. Morning gym, as well as all after-school sports and enrichment activities, are also canceled.
- We recognize this is an inconvenience for some who need child care. Our Extended Day Program will be open from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. on March 16 for those who have full-year or seasonal Extended Day contracts. In order to staff appropriately, you must register your child via THIS FORM by 10 a.m. on FRIDAY, MARCH 6, if you need care on March 16.
SYMPTOMS OF THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
According to the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health, the coronavirus (COVID-19) makes people sick usually with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness, similar to a common cold. Its symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, and a fever that can last for several days. To date, reported cases of the COVID-19 virus in children have been mild.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please talk to your children about paying extra attention to personal care — especially washing hands often or using hand sanitizer, taking care not to touch the face, and covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing (current recommendation is to use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands when covering your nose and mouth). Also, avoid sharing food and drinks with others, including those who seem well in the moment.
To keep our school community healthy and safe, a reminder that if your child has a fever, severe cough or runny nose, vomiting, or gastroenteritis, he/she MUST REMAIN AT HOME until symptom-free without medicine for 24 hours before returning to class. Please don't send sick children to school. As well, please alert the School promptly if your child is ill.
Below are links to some additional fact sheets by the Center for Disease Control.
As always, you are your child’s best advocate; you can keep your child home if they do not feel well.
During this rapidly changing and unprecedented landscape, we ask that you stay tuned to your emails as we will send out any updates should the need arise. We thank you greatly for your support.
Sincerely,
Bob Gregg
Head of School