August 7, 2020
Dear Congressional School Families,
After much planning, deliberation and investigation guided by recommendations from the CDC and State and local public health agencies, we have made the decision to open the 2020-2021 school year with On-Campus Learning Five Days a Week beginning September 2, 2020. View Reopening Schedule**
For Kindergarten-8th Grade students who must remain out of school temporarily due to COVID-related concerns or whose families aren’t comfortable with returning to campus for personal reasons, we will offer the Bi-modal Learning Plan option. This option includes two separate modes of education that are offered simultaneously with some students learning at home while others are in the classroom.
In making this decision, we are fortunate to benefit from a 40 acre campus, combined with our small class sizes, which allow us to employ physical distancing within our classrooms and other learning spaces. We will also enforce numerous precautionary measures, from mandatory face masks for K-8 students and all employees to a home health screening app, to keep our students and staff safe throughout the school buildings and on our campus. Review Health and Safety Policies
Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to ensure a slow, safe and responsible start to the school year, we will begin the first week of school using a phased re-entry approach—-whereby we will restrict the number of students on campus and in classrooms on any given day. See September 2-4, 2020 Phased Reopening Schedule for details.
The plan is the culmination of intensive work by Congressional School’s COVID Incident Response Team made up of six planning groups of more than 50 faculty, staff, and parents. Working under the guidance of local, state, and national government agencies and organizations, the planning groups have formulated a meticulous and prudent return to school plan that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.
I encourage you to read the plan thoroughly as it contains important information and new protocols for the school year. After you read the plan, you are invited to take a very short Return to School Survey in which you can provide feedback, ask questions, and make suggestions.
You are also invited to attend a town hall meeting in which we will discuss our plans, and address your questions and suggestions.
Back to School Town Hall for Parents (All Grades)
Thursday, August 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Google Meet information:
Join by phone:
(US)+1 857-242-6913
PIN: 144 188 603#
In these uncertain times, the importance of our work to educate tomorrow’s leaders resonates more than ever. After many months apart, we are eagerly anticipating the start of a new and productive school year. We appreciate your support and commitment and look forward to building on our strong partnership as we navigate our way to a successful 2020-2021 school year.
With gratitude,
