Letter from the Head of School January 25, 2021
Dear Perkiomen Community,
One year ago, this week, I sent my first community-wide communication regarding the coronavirus. At that time, we could not imagine the ultimate impact of this health emergency, however, as a global community, our immediate concern was the well-being of our families around the world and the safety of those who had planned to travel. We pledged our commitment to our students and their families.
So much has changed since January 27, 2020, but what has never wavered is that commitment to keep our community safe. From the beginning, we followed expert advice and worked closely with our faculty, staff, students, and families to be a supportive, protective presence keeping physical and mental health at the forefront of our decision making. In those early days, I communicated that "ours is a community that prides itself on taking care of each other. It has always been that way, and it will continue to be as we navigate these concerns." That statement still rings true.
To date, there has been no evidence of community spread connected to the confirmed cases on campus. This means that our mitigation measures are working. Science tells us that masks, social distancing, and sanitizing areas work, and we have witnessed that on our campus. As a residential and day community, this setting is especially challenging, but because of your cooperation we have significantly limited the risk of spread to others. I thank you for your diligence.
There is positive news from our county. On Friday, Montgomery County reported that new COVID-19 cases were down by 20%. This does not mean we relax our mitigation, but it does show a trend in the right direction and another sign that mitigation measures are effective.
To have all our students back on campus remains our ultimate goal, and we continue to work hard to find a balance between risk and reward. We know we are better together – we share these updated protocols to help keep everyone safe.
Winter Athletics
Pool Testing
I am proud of Perkiomen School and the resilience we have shown in the span of one year. In any given moment, it is impossible to know what challenges may lie before us, but as I look back I know that our faith in one another and our collective strength is what has kept us moving forward.
As always, please reach out to us with any questions. Stay well. 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 |