Dear Miss Hall’s School Community,
 
I write to let you know that I learned today of an MHS community member who has tested positive for the coronavirus/COVID-19. This is the first confirmed case that we are aware of since we reopened school and resumed on-campus programming in September. I am grateful to the community member for notifying me immediately, and I share this information with you as part of our ongoing efforts to keep our community healthy and safe.
 
Understandably, there will be concern regarding potential exposure, but we will not share information about the community member’s identity or condition, out of a respect for privacy and adherence to HIPAA and ADA privacy laws. We can share that they are quarantining off campus and have not had close contact with any other member of our community since Wednesday, November 18. In keeping with our positive case protocols, the MHS Incident Response Team (IRT) has been activated and will cooperate with local health officials around the contact tracing process. Should there be developments that affect specific community members or the health of the community as a whole, we will provide additional information right away. The IRT continues to pay close attention to local, state, and federal advisories and updates, while we monitor the health and wellbeing of all in the community. The MHS Health Services team is also checking in regularly with the students who remain on campus, and all are doing well.
 
I recognize this news may be disconcerting. At the same time, I assure you that we are doing all we can to protect the health of our students, faculty, and staff. This is a good moment to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining healthy habits, particularly as local positivity numbers rise and as we enter the holiday season. We expect all community members to follow the MHS Common Good Guidelines, whether on campus, off-campus, or at home. By taking these steps and asking others to do the same, we can all help to protect the health of our friends and family around the world. Our individual and collective decisions make a huge difference in preventing the spread of the virus and contributing to the common good. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
 
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns.

Best,
Julia Heaton
Head of School

Contacts and Resources


For health questions and concerns:  Christie Puz, R.N., Director of Health Services, 413-395-7074, cpuz@misshalls.org  
 
For travel arrangements: Mary Bazanchuk, Asst. Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life, 413-395-7045, mbazanchuk@misshalls.org

For questions about counseling resources: Teresa Gentile, School Counselor, 413-395-7073, tgentile@misshalls.org
 
For academics questions: Lisa Alberti, Dean of Academics and Faculty, 413-395-7108, lalberti@misshalls.org