Coronavirus Update, RE: Extended School Closure, Remote Learning Begins March 24.
Dear Families,
Following continued consultation with health care professionals, fellow heads of school, the Board Chair,
Florida Council for Independent Schools (FCIS), and various government agencies,
we have made the decision to go into an extended school community closure and transition to remote learning following spring break, beginning Tuesday, March 24. We expect the school to remain closed to students through Sunday, March 29; however, that date could change, and we will keep you well informed. This decision is not being made in response to any specific cases being present in our community.
There are no reported cases of COVID-19 at St. John's, nor with anyone associated with our community.
Since this unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation began, we have followed and will continue to follow a decision-making process that is thoughtful, calm, rational, and which reflects the most current information available. As always, these decisions are not made lightly. We know that the decision to remain closed to students and transition to remote learning may be perceived as too extreme for some, and we are sorry for any inconvenience an extended closure may cause. We care deeply for each of you and your families, and our faculty and staff. We also take very seriously the common good of all people. With containment now the nation-wide strategy for combating this highly contagious virus, we believe St. John's is joining others in reducing the spread of COVID-19, especially among those in our midst who are most vulnerable.
As you know, we have been planning and preparing for the possibility of an extended closure, and our plans will now move into action. For the past several weeks, your children's teachers have been preparing. I have been inspired by and am immensely proud of my colleagues and the way they have embraced this challenge. I know just how deeply they care for and about your children. They will do their utmost to successfully navigate this uncharted territory and continue to provide the best possible education under constantly changing circumstances. Should this closure extend beyond March 29, school families will receive additional information highlighting on-going learning procedures for students. Flexibility and adaptability continue to be key moving forward.
We remain hopeful it will be possible for our campuses to reopen on March 30.
Accordingly, we have postponed the planned ERB testing for Grades 2-8. No new date has been set. The Parent Coffee scheduled for March 31 has been cancelled. As you can imagine, there are many decisions still to be made and plans to be determined; we will continue to communicate as appropriate. This challenge shall pass and we will emerge an even stronger school community, one I could not be prouder to be part of.