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Covid-19 Information & Resources

Reopening Update

David Padilla
Dear Members of the CCES Community:

I’ll begin once again by thanking all members of the community who have worked so hard to prepare for the successful reopening of CCES for the new school year. As we enter the final stages of preparation, it has been incredibly gratifying to weave together the various threads that we’ve been spinning over the past months.

Based on the feedback we’ve received, you—the community we serve—have recognized the work we’ve done and have expressed appreciation for the efforts. You’ve also been very understanding that our preparations are necessarily fluid.

As a reflection of that fluidity, I wanted to address a few items that have emerged or shifted since my last communication (a mere ten days ago!). 

  1. Reminder: As I shared in an earlier communication, we are asking all parents, students, faculty and staff to partner with us in keeping the community safe and healthy. In particular, I want to remind everyone of how important it is that you commit to a partnership in making our reopening a success. To that end, you are asked to complete the #CavsUnite Pledge on the OCC prior to the start of school. The division directors provided links to the pledge and some additional forms in their communication last week, but please let them know if you need any additional guidance on this front.
  2. Testing: We understand that there are a variety of complications surrounding coronavirus testing. Availability, referral requirements, insurance hoops, turnaround time, and cost all mean that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can be as anxiety-inducing as wondering whether you or someone you care for might be positive for COVID-19. In an effort to help simplify the process should a test be desired or required, we have researched a variety of local options. While any of the options is available, I wanted to let you know that the school has decided to provide testing services for all CCES employees at our expense with Premier Medical Laboratory Services. They also have a “drive-thru” option that is available to others in the CCES community should your family wish to use them as well. 
  3. Masking: A recent study by Duke University provided a sort of rating system for various face coverings. Since we are requiring universal masking while indoors at CCES, this study drew our particular attention. N-95 masks, disposable masks, and cloth masks rated relatively high in terms of effectiveness; however, the study also indicated that some types of gaiters appear not to provide adequate protection. Based on this new information, we would recommend that students wear one of the higher-performing masking options. If you have purchased a gaiter for yourself or your student, we’d ask that you be patient as we consult with medical professionals to determine how best to move forward with gaiters and that you go ahead and make alternate plans for your student(s) for the start of school. 
  4. Intake Process for School: As part of the partnership we’ve entered together, we are asking faculty/staff, parents, and students to self-assess and to answer some helpful questions prior to coming on campus. Adults and students alike must answer “No” to the questions, or they should plan on staying off campus. In addition to answering in the negative, we—with a host of volunteer faculty and staff—will be using non-contact infrared thermometers scanners to check each student upon arrival at school. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed on campus. Our goal with this process is to do all we can to minimize students or adults who may be infected from spreading any germs.
  5. Symptom Flowchart: Finally, we have put together this guide to help everyone in the community to more readily navigate some decision-making processes. Our hope is that this piece will provide some clarity for you all. Please know that the nurses, division directions, assistant directors, and others stand ready to help you talk through next steps should you need additional guidance. 
I know that the above is a lot to digest, but I’m hopeful that this layer of communication can and will be helpful. As always, should you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to ask.

With only one week before we welcome larger groups of students and faculty/staff back to campus, the reality of reopening is upon us. Despite the challenges, we remain confident that our plans, policies, and procedures are solid and that we’ve done all we can to ensure a successful and sustainable start to the year. And with your continued support as partners in these efforts, we will make the 2020-2021 school year memorable for all the right reasons.

Sincerely,

David Padilla
Head of School
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Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.