March 13, 2020

 

Dear Oakridge Family,

 

I hope your Spring Break is going well and that you are enjoying a slower than normal pace.

 

In previous emails on February 27 and March 6, I noted expanded news coverage of coronavirus (COVID-19) and gave assurance that The Oakridge School was monitoring the situation closely. Since then, we have kept a keen eye on what is now a pandemic and have continued to partner with local, regional, and national resources. While the recent news has been unsettling, Oakridge leadership remains committed to staying deliberately well-informed and unmistakably calm.

 

At this time, no Oakridge student, faculty, or staff member has reported direct exposure to COVID-19. Many Owls, however, did travel over Spring Break. Additionally, others who visit our campus on any given day (parents, grandparents, community members, vendors, etc.) may have unknowingly been exposed to COVID-19. This, coupled with the precautionary measures being taken all around us, leads us to necessary action to keep our students, faculty, staff and community safe.  

 

1. Spring Break will be extended through March 20. This will allow faculty and staff to continue to prepare for distance learning, an endeavor that began in earnest before the break.
2. Distance learning – or virtual schooling – will begin on Monday, March 23. This plan will be in effect at least through Friday, March 27. We will continue to communicate with you regularly. Division Heads will email plans by the end of next week. Note: distance learning cannot replicate the normal school experience, but is our good-faith effort to provide learning and engagement while the campus is closed.
3. All school activities and events will cease (athletics, fine arts, community events, etc.) until further notice. The Upper School choir trip to New York has also been cancelled. More details will be communicated about this to choir parents soon.
4. We will stay in contact with public health officials, medical experts, and others in our network to monitor the situation and determine the appropriate timing for a return to normal operations.
5. We are in the process of creating a COVID-19 section on our website and will let you know when this is available.

As we all work together to remain healthy and decrease the risk for serious illness in vulnerable populations (older adults, people with lung disease, diabetes, and other serious chronic medical conditions), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us to wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, keep hands away from eyes/noses/mouths, and to stay away from others who are ill. Those recommendations may be found on the CDC website.

 

Our young people learn from us not only in formal teaching environments, like classrooms, but also by observing the way we respond to life's everyday challenges. They will certainly be watching the adults in their lives over the next several weeks. Please join me and our team as we strive to teach positivity, flexibility, determination, and resilience. By working hard and treating each other with respect, we will get through this difficult and unprecedented time.

 

I realize that the decision to alter the school schedule and normal routine is disruptive, and I am grateful for your understanding. Together, we will navigate this challenge...calmly and courageously. Thank you for your continued support and valued partnership.

 

Sincerely, 

Jon Kellam

 

PS--In whatever way is comfortable for you and your family, please keep those around the world who are sick and those who have loved ones who have died from the virus in your thoughts and prayers.