January 12 COVID-19 Update
Dear Patriot Nation,
As we end our first week back from break, I wanted to give you a quick update on the Covid situation on campus. As expected, we have felt the impact of the Omicron surge, with nearly as many Covid cases reported in the past seven days as we experienced all last semester. According to our policy, we will continue our current measures, including masks indoors, physical distancing when possible, and the encouragement of proper hand hygiene. We also ask all families to adhere strictly to our sick day policy and to follow the updated guidance for isolation due to Covid or exposure. On our end, we will continue to monitor trends in cases and other community markers, and look forward to relaxing our mitigation protocols as we see a downward trend, while providing regular updates to the community along the way.
There is every indication that this dramatic increase in cases and the concurrent strain on community resources, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and doctors' offices it causes, will pass quickly and we will be able to return to a mask optional environment. I am also optimistic that the end of the crisis phase of this pandemic is near. We are actively working to develop a long-term Covid plan that recognizes the endemic nature of this virus.
I want to acknowledge that emotions about masks can run high in our community and everywhere. I have had many thoughtful conversations with parents with strong feelings both for and against masks. I also know in our area independent and public schools are following differing policies they set for their schools, as we are following ours.
If you are in disagreement with our policy, I ask for your patience. A hallmark of an IB education is a commitment to recognizing that people with differences of opinion can still work together productively and with common purpose. That is what I hope we can model for our kids in this moment--that even when we face a point of disagreement, our commitment to our shared vision and mission at CDS, to provide education with character and to prepare and inspire students to live lives of purpose, to better themselves and the world, keeps our community strong. At a certain point, we have to agree to disagree, but still move on respectfully together in our shared commitment to our students' education and future. I am asking for that point to be now.
Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to enjoying another successful semester with you and your students.