Letter from the Head of School May 8, 2020 Dear Perkiomen Community, To remain consistent with our safety protocols, reduce risk, and focus our energies into re-opening our campus in the fall for the 2020-2021 Academic Year, we sadly must announce our decision to cancel Perkiomen's on-campus Summer Programs and Camps. We recognize that families count on these camps for enrichment and engagement, but as we enter into the summer with still so many unknowns, we are focused on a single goal -- to safely open campus in September and deliver the excellent, experiential learning experience that defines Perkiomen. We must protect our community and focus on our primary mission. As we saw the spread of COVID-19, and even prior to the pandemic declaration, Perkiomen School made decisions based on federal, state and local directives, while keeping the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and families as our main focus. We acted quickly and made tough decisions to close dormitories and restrict travel, all with the end goal of doing our part to prevent the spread and to keep our campus safe. As of today, we are grateful to say that remains true – our campus has remained safe and free of the COVID-19 virus. We applaud the cooperation of our faculty and staff and our Perkiomen families. We are hopeful, and as Perkiomen is developing a plan for next steps, we will continue to work within the guidelines of the commonwealth. Under the direction of Governor Wolf, Pennsylvania is applying a three-phase matrix to determine when counties and/or regions are ready to begin easing some restrictions on work, gatherings, and social interactions. Twenty-four counties, encompassing the northwest and northcentral regions, moved into the second phase on Friday, May 8. An additional 13 counties, in the southwest, will move to the second phase on Friday, May 15. Perkiomen School is located in Montgomery County, which is positioned toward the southeastern portion of Pennsylvania. Until further notice, we remain under the most restricted phase with stay-at-home orders extended to June 4. Regardless of the reopening phases, all school campuses in Pennsylvania will remain closed through the end of the academic year. This summer, we will introduce new international students to Perkiomen School with a virtual program, Conversation & Culture: ESL Summer Intensive, focusing on English language skills and cultural immersion that will run for two weeks in August. We will include a commitment for individual language session practice and will be asking some members of our school community to assist in those conversations and connect with our newest students virtually prior to their campus arrival. We appreciate your continued understanding and support through this difficult time. You are our family – and we will continue to put you first. Sincerely, Mark A. Devey Head of School Confidentiality Notice: This communication and any accompanying documents are confidential and privileged. They are intended for the sole use of the addressee. If you receive this transmission in error, you are advised that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action in reliance upon the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact me using the above contact information. Perkiomen School 200 Seminary Street • Pennsburg, PA 18073 • 215-679-9511 • perkiomen.org |