I hope this email finds you doing well and enjoying your spring break. I am writing to you today to discuss the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Oakwood's response to it. I have been in close contact the last several weeks with other heads of school throughout the Southeast and with the presidents of both the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, all of whom have served as excellent resources. The ever-changing situation surrounding the virus has evolved quite a bit since I last wrote about it in my Q-Tips on March 4, and I want to share an update on the latest news and Oakwood's plans. Let me begin by stating that, at this point, I am not aware of any member of the Oakwood community who has tested positive for COVID-19.

As you likely know, this week our governor issued a state of emergency and has now asked that all events with more than 100 people be cancelled in order to slow the spread of the virus. This week ECU also announced that it was extending its spring break and transitioning to alternative course delivery for an undetermined amount of time. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 an official pandemic. Our state athletic association, NCISAA, announced Thursday that it is suspending all spring athletic games, scrimmages and/or contests indefinitely.  

What does this mean for our school?

While we recognize that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) guidance has not yet recommended pre-emptive suspensions of in-person classes at schools as a reaction to COVID-19, we do believe that the unique makeup of our very mobile community, the recent rapid spread of the virus across a variety of locations in the US and abroad, and our current spring break compels us to exercise an abundance of caution when it comes to the potential health risks of COVID-19.  

Therefore, I am writing to share that:

While public and private organizations have responded to COVID-19 in a variety of ways, slowing the spread of the virus has been central to these decisions. Doing so can help health organizations marshal resources for those who are most vulnerable - people over 65 or those suffering from heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems. While a great deal has been written about the virus over the last several months, two widely accepted approaches to helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 have emerged and are worth sharing again.

Personal Hygiene

Taking precautions with your own health is important. Regular hand washing and avoiding touching your face are always good reminders. In addition, you may wish to clean your phone and laptop keyboard more regularly.

Social Distancing 

At the core of the most recent responses to COVID-19 is the concept of social distancing, which means avoiding gathering in large groups or settings where there is a higher likelihood of coming in contact with somebody who is ill. This is not about panic but about an effort to keep the illness from spreading so fast that it overwhelms our hospitals and other health or community organizations. 

To be clear, social distancing does not mean that we stay in our rooms and avoid all human contact, but that we are (much) more cautious for a period of time when the virus is spreading rapidly. At this time, it is not rude to forgo a handshake or hug.

While there is no shortage of opinions on how to deal with this crisis, we believe that a community-wide effort aimed at social distancing is prudent considering our school's circumstances coming off spring break and the high likelihood of the continued spread of COVID-19 in the coming weeks. We also believe our actions are in alignment with other NC DHHS guidelines to minimize large gatherings and use teleworking technologies where possible.

What's Next for Students?

By the middle of next week, students and parents can expect communication from their divisions regarding schedules and protocols for online learning. We will also be communicating with Lower School families about getting classroom iPads to the students to use at home while classes are being taught online.  In the meantime:

Our campus will be open, but during this time we ask that you only come to campus individually and with previous permission to meet with tech support or an administrator. If you have been in a high-risk area as identified by the CDC or have had other potential exposure to COVID-19 (or a recent fever), we ask that all communication with the school happen electronically.

Talking to Children about COVID-19

It can sometimes be difficult to talk to children about complex matters like COVID-19, so here are several resources that you may find helpful:

The well-being of our students, families, faculty, and staff is our primary concern as we adjust to the uncertainty related to COVID-19. We are here to support you and your child in any way that we can. We are committed now as much as ever to our mission of instilling in our students the strength of character, the creativity, and the wisdom to make a difference in the world.

Thank you and be well,