November 10, 2020

Dear Members of the Sacred Heart School Community,
During the past 12 weeks of school, it has been such a joy to be on campus and actively engaged in the dynamic process of teaching and learning together. The social, emotional, and spiritual dimension of community is notably enhanced in relief against the demanding environment of health and safety related to the on-going reality of COVID. Yes, this persistent and deadly virus has influenced our lives as a community, but it has not altered our love and care for one another. My writing to you today is related to this ethos of care which has always characterized our school in such personal and deep ways.
Experiencing the prolonged impacts of a contagious disease, Sacred Heart has remained proactive in measured ways to secure an environment where in-person teaching and learning can continue for our students. For our parents, we have formed a strong partnership in offering continuity of services. Our collaboration has required sacrifices and generosity from us all.

At this time, our school – consistent with others in the area – is experiencing a notable spike in the number of children who have been exposed to COVID outside of school. Due to the close contact guidelines, a growing number of students have been required to quarantine. Several factors are contributing to the number of students being affected and out of school:

  1. Coming to school when not feeling well. In this time of heightened concern about a contagious disease, no one—student or adult—should come to school when not feeling well. Please take time to conduct a personal assessment each morning prior to coming to school for any reason, and please do that with your children. If you are not feeling well, this is a time for self-care, and the care of others.
  2. Carpooling, whether with our youngest or oldest students. When carpooling, we run the risk of cross contamination. When it occurs, whole cohorts/sections of students are affected.
  3. Sleepovers, dances, and other similar activities. Due to proximity, these activities remain inevitably high-risk environments for contagion. They should still be avoided.
  4. College-age siblings. Young people returning home from school for periods of time can put households at a greater risk due to their socializing behaviors. Families in this situation should take extra precautions.
  5. Activities at home that include members of different households. These activities promote contamination across groups. Even small gatherings are a risk, especially when we let our guard down.

Two other presenting factors raise the additional need for awareness and action. First, with the arrival of the fall season, we also say “hello” to the flu season. This time of a welcomed change in weather presents an even greater challenge this year due to the symptoms that so closely mimic those of COVID-19. Second, November marks the arrival of the holiday season. This time is celebrated with special gatherings of friends and family; and however safely planned, these occasions do present additional risk.

These complex times invite us to maintain constant regard for a disease that is spiking across our country and our world. And, despite so many efforts on multiple levels, we continue to see its dramatic toll on our families and our lifestyles. It is understandable that we are all fatigued by the sustained costs and impacts of this persistent virus. At the same time, we must continue to commit to the path we have been on as a community—a path that has led us to remaining open and to enjoy some—not all—of the joys of teaching and learning at school. To that end, I ask us all to remain vigilant about our individual choices at this time. Doing so will contribute – person by person, family-by family - to the collective health and safety of our school community.
As a school, in an on-going manner, we review our protocols and adjust based on the regulations and guidance provided to us by national, civic and health authorities. We hope to complete this semester for our students, adult, and parent community safely and enjoyably. To this end, please continue to safeguard your personal health as well as that of our school by practicing the mainstays of personal safety: frequent handwashing, mask-wearing, social distancing, staying home when sick and refraining from large gatherings.

As always, this note comes to each of you with gratitude: gratitude for your enormous largess of spirit that has supported the growth of each child in our school during this challenging time. I look forward with hope and joy to the days when we remember these times as a part of things that we lived through together—in the past—and did so with strength, compassion, and care for one another.
Sr. Melanie A. Guste, RSCJ
Headmistress