Letter from the Head of School November 17, 2020
Dear Perkiomen Students and Families,
Since the spring we have planned and developed scenarios to open campus for the 2020-2021 school year in accordance with appropriate health, safety, and local and national government guidelines. We implemented our protocols effectively, learning that our mitigation measures have been widely effective. Unfortunately, factors outside of our control are driving our decision to move to online learning beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, November 18, and continuing as the Montgomery County Office of Public Health has ordered until December 6.
Across Montgomery County COVID-19 testing response rates have significantly slowed. At this time, it is taking up to three or four days for test results to be confirmed. As we approach the holiday and travel season, in our county we are seeing more people getting tested, creating a back log. We made decisions to continue in-person learning when we had viable test results within 24 hours. Now that the quick-turnaround is not guaranteed, I am not willing to ask our community to take that risk of unknown exposure when the number of cases have recently spiked in our region.
We have also taken steps to consider testing alternatives. We recently contracted with a qualified medical laboratory to provide us with PCR tests, which we can administer on campus. They promise results within 24 hours. Just yesterday we ordered our first batch of tests which we expect to be available when we return to on-campus instruction. This will allow us to have more control over the process when we return in December.
Today, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine shared increased state-wide orders to slow the spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling to PA is required to present a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering or quarantine for 14 days upon entry. Secretary Levine also shared strong recommendations to not travel. The state also strengthened the existing masking order stating that masks are required both indoors and outdoors at all times when you are not with members of your household.
After-school activities and athletics will meet as planned today, but will be modified for safety and include socially-distant activities. However, any student who wants to leave after their last academic commitment may do so. Students should communicate that change to their activity supervisor.
Regardless of in-person or online learning, our dormitories will remain open for Boarding Students, now and throughout the breaks. If this decision impacts your family's plans for the upcoming break, please communicate any change to Assistant Head of School for Student Life Kevin Manferdini.
It is our goal to return to in-person learning. To that end, please continue to follow the CDC guidelines and frequently wash hands, wear face coverings, stay socially distant, and evaluate your travel plans and family gatherings. This is not a time to take steps backward, but be even more vigilant so we may return to campus on December 7. Students and families that cannot abide by these guidelines will not be able to experience in-person learning. Our community cannot take that risk.
Please look for my next communication later today, with details regarding classes during our shift to virtual learning. To be prepared, we are asking students to take all technology, books, and materials with them that they may need to complete Term 3 and begin Term 4.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. We commit to focusing on delivering the high-quality, personalized Perkiomen education we all value and ask for your faith in our decision-making. The pillars of Perkiomen – the personalized and transformative experience – will not change. The actions that we are taking, as outlined above, will ensure that we remain true to our values while our community remains safe and healthy. Sincerely yours, 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 |