Dear Worcester Preparatory School Community,
The Mallard Strong Task Force has worked extremely hard to create a safe and healthy learning environment that will allow students to return to campus. The desk dividers, six-foot teacher dividers, air scrubbers, foggers, electrostatic sanitizers, rubber gloves and hand sanitizers all provide layers of protection for our faculty, staff and students. Facial coverings are another layer designed to keep all of us safe, especially when we are not able to social distance.
The protocol currently developed by the Task Force requires all those on campus to wear facial coverings until CDC recommendations are changed and more flexible. Facial coverings must be worn at all times in the following areas:
- Entering and leaving campus and school buildings
- In the hallways and common areas
- Standing or moving within the classroom
- While seated at the student’s desk
Facial coverings can be removed when:
- Eating lunch
- Outside with Social Distancing
- Scheduled facial covering breaks determined by division
The Task force will continue to monitor CDC and Worcester County Health Department guidelines and adjust our protocol accordingly, especially if the landscape becomes less restrictive. We realize this is not an easy thing to ask of staff, students and parents, but we are trying to incorporate as many protective layers as possible. It is critical for all to follow our protocol, not only for personal safety, but for the safety of others. We as a community must be responsible and support each other in this effort.
Attached to this letter are links to some resources to help you discuss the importance of wearing a facial covering with your child. We also have included a link on how to properly put on and wear a facial covering that you can also share with your child.
We appreciate your support and understanding in this matter.
Thank you. Stay informed, stay safe and stay Mallard Strong!
Dr. John C. McDonald Jr.
