Letter from the Head of School February 12, 2021
Dear Perkiomen Students and Families,
February can sometimes feel very long, even though it is the shortest month. Darker days and winter weather tend to slow us down, but I'm sensing hopeful energy this February. There are good things on the horizon – celebrations for the Lunar New Year, exciting Purple and Gold competition, seniors receiving good news from colleges, and the Zoom release of the winter musical. And although we've had fun with the two recent snowstorms here in Pennsylvania, we are all looking ahead to the warmth of spring and the well-earned respite of Spring Break.
Spring Break begins: Thursday, March 4, following classes Faculty and Staff Virtual In-Service: Monday, March 22 Classes Resume/Term 6 begins: Tuesday, March 23
We are planning to return from the break and resume in-person classes on March 23.
We recently learned that Montgomery County is no longer in the "red" zone for coronavirus outbreak severity, according to the latest report by the White House Coronavirus Task Force. We expect that trend will continue, but we will make adjustments to our learning model should numbers change or if we feel there is too great a risk in remaining in-person. We do not anticipate large gatherings at this time of the year, like during the winter holidays, limiting the potential for spreading the virus. The weather will be improving and daylight hours are longer – all contributing to our decision to continue in-person instruction. The virtual option for Term 6 will still be available for students.
While making Spring Break plans, please note, if students are planning to travel out of Pennsylvania, in order to return to campus, current state regulations require you to:
If students choose to test on campus, there is a fee of $50. Pool testing will be used. The lab, a preferred vendor of the Philadelphia Area Independent School Business Officers Association (PAISBOA), follows CLIA standards, and results are available in 24 to 48 hours. If the pool comes back negative, the five individuals in the pool are confirmed negative. If the pool comes back positive, an individual test is run for the five pooled participants with the original sample. Both the pool and individual are PCR tests. Parents must submit a consent form, linked HERE, for pool testing. Please contact Health Center Director Diana Poole at dpoole@perkiomen.org to schedule an appointment and to submit the consent form.
As we learn more about the virus, we may adapt our protocols to be sure we are implementing the most effective strategies to stop the spread of COVID-19. This week, the CDC shared new information on effective mask wearing, including the following points:
We are recommending that our school community follow this new guidance while on campus.
I thank you for continuing to stay vigilant and for making safe choices. It is important that we stay in touch and communicate. Let's continue to prioritize the health and well-being of each other and keep our community strong.
Please reach out if you have any questions. Thank you. 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 |