Dear Parents and Students,
I am sure that most of you have been following the news about the corona virus disease (COVID-19) and the numerous cancellations in our area and nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has indicated that the number of cases around the world is continuing to increase and the spread of the disease has widened to other countries including the United States, elevating the risk and leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare COVID-19 as a pandemic.
Our goal is to mitigate the risks posed by the corona virus to our students, faculty and staff while at the same time maintaining the quality and integrity of our school and its programs. To that end, we will continue to monitor information coming from the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, the Mississippi Department of Health, the Institutions of Higher Learning, and the Mississippi Department of Education, as well as corresponding agencies in neighboring states as we develop our plans for the coming weeks and months.
Keeping our students, faculty, and staff safe is our top priority. We will continue to use the CDC guide on pandemic flu for schools as a guiding principle for our policies and practices which includes:
- Monitoring and following CDC, WHO, and local health department recommendations and requirements for school closure, travel plans, and quarantine
- Incorporating distance learning through learning management systems (Canvas) and at-home assignments should the school be forced to close
- Assessing school travel, field trips and large group activities with a priority of student health and safety
The situation is evolving daily so the information changes daily. We need everyone to be vigilant and very careful, especially if you have traveled abroad or been around someone who has traveled abroad. If those circumstances apply to you or your child and either of you experiences a fever (>100.4 F), cough, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms, please remain at home and notify your physician and take appropriate action.
We will keep everyone updated with any pertinent information that we receive as the situation continues to evolve over the coming days. You can also follow updates on the CDC website. We appreciate your patience and understanding, and ask for your prayers for our community, state and nation, and our leaders.
Sincerely,
Marvin W. Lishman, Ph.D.
Head of School