March 23, 2020
 
CRMS Families, Faculty and Staff,
 
We are now beginning the second week of our spring break, and this morning, faculty participated in an in-service on distance learning.  At this point, we remain scheduled to return to classes on April 20, per the Governor’s mandate that no in-person learning takes place before this date (boarding students can return to campus Friday, April 17 at the earliest). If that changes, we will let you know; over the last few weeks, the situation has become increasingly more complex due to our own stringent expectations around student health and well-being, health regulations, travel restrictions, and the like.
 
On behalf of the 18 boarding students who remained on campus this break, I want to express my gratitude to the many members of our immediate and extended community who took it upon themselves to provide such a positive experience for the students. While this was not their first option for how to spend their vacation days, they have had a wonderful attitude, and each has taken a positive approach in the face of adversity.
 
In the weeks ahead, there will be many ways for all of us to be engaged in supporting our emergency efforts as we respond to these unique circumstances, as well as assisting with our eventual return to the intellectual and community life that we cherish.  I am grateful to all the faculty and staff who have already invested an enormous amount of time in developing a distance learning program during what would normally have been a time to take a break prior to the end of the year push. Their commitment to your student’s growth and well-being is both inspirational and impressive and is the founding reason why we are a successful school. 
 
On Friday, April 3, after the first week of distance learning, your student will receive a survey from us as a way for us to check in on the progress we are making, the student’s workload, and allow students to offer insights on how we might deliver the curriculum in an effective manner.  We will send this to students and parents, so please be on the look-out for this survey link.
 
We have placed on the parent section of the CRMS website a COVID-19 communication hub that contains frequently asked questions, valuable resources, and prior CRMS communications. We will update this page as needed.
 
Our delayed return and attention to the off-campus learning model does have some consequences to the scheduled program beyond the suspension of all in-person learning:
  • Spring Trip will not be able to go as traditionally planned because we could not successfully organize an outdoor trip with only a two-week turnaround. Right now, Darryl is monitoring decisions being made within the outdoor industry (e.g. NOLS and Outward Bound) and considering alternative models, but at this point he is forced to contemplate a wide-breadth of options and ideas with few specifics. In short: until we know more about the viral trends both locally and nationally, it is difficult to make alternative plans.

  • CHSAA has informed us that competitive teams – such as soccer – cannot practice/compete until at least April 18. 
 
Other considerations to keep in mind:
  • The change in schedule does not currently impact senior projects.  We are asking seniors to reexamine their senior project plans in light of current coronavirus information to assess whether an adjustment is required at this time.

  • The College Board has canceled the May SAT date and the ACT has been moved from April 4th to June 13th.  For those planning to take AP exams, the College Board will provide an online 45-minute free-response exam that students will complete from home.

  • The prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people would keep us from having a traditional graduation ceremony, and there may be other legitimate reasons beyond this that will impact the ceremony being held on June 6 and in our traditional format.  We understand the importance of making travel plans and will communicate any adjustments as early as possible. 

We understand, particularly at this time, the importance of everyone’s social and emotional well-being. To that end, Ashley Smith, CRMS Director of Counseling would like everyone to know that she will be available for students and their families for counseling sessions over the Zoom platform. Please reach out to her directly if you feel this could be of value.
 
In closing, I am providing a zoom meeting link for Thursday’s 12:00 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time) meeting for any who would like to attend. If you prefer to call in please use either +1-346-248-7799 or +1-646-876-9923. The meeting ID is: 835 270 414.
Please email me any questions that you have in advance of this meeting.
 
My best,

Jeff
 
P.S. Click here for the questions and answers to last Thursday’s zoom meeting.  At the request of parents, we will record this Thursday’s meeting.