9/30/21
Dear York Prep Family,
As we get closer to the end of the first 9 weeks of our school year, we wanted to take a minute to thank you for your partnership, efforts, patience, and love as we navigate another school year affected by the pandemic and resulting conditions. I saw a graphic the other day that hit home for me. This year's freshman class had their last unaffected "normal" year of school as 6th graders. That is crazy to me. Through it all, our focus remains fixed on individual student growth while trying to keep students, staff, and families as safe as possible.
Quarantines Affecting Student Progress:
In a recent look at the progress of individual students we determined that the biggest obstacle we are facing to their success has been the amount of school time that they are each missing as a result of quarantines, sickness, and related matters. Just during the current school year, students at York Prep have missed 38,000 hours of instructional time due to quarantine alone.
Mask Status in South Carolina:
As you may know, the situation in our state has changed somewhat in the last few days regarding prevention measures that can be taken to reduce the amount of time missed for quarantine. Guidelines from health officials tell us that, in the event of a positive COVID case at school, if all students and staff were wearing masks, the resulting quarantine would only affect the person testing positive. This means that, by masking up, our students and staff would be able to remain at school instead of being sent home.
Mask Policy Change Beginning Monday, 10/4/21:
Beginning Monday, October 4, 2021, all students, staff, and visitors at York Preparatory Academy will be required to wear masks while indoors. In the few cases of students with disabilities or documented medical conditions that would prevent the safe wearing of a mask, we will be able to work with you to find an acceptable solution. Please contact us if this applies to you.
Increased Student Attendance = Increased Student Success:
As we mentioned, we are committed to doing all we can to help our students succeed academically. For us, that means overcoming the constant need to send students out on quarantine. By requiring all students and staff to wear masks, the result will be less time out of school for our students.
Again, thank you for your on going assistance and partnership as we strive to help each child successfully progress towards their chosen post HS pursuits and life. If you have any concerns please contact Mr. Myrup or Mr. Adamson at the Student Union. Have a great day.
Thank you,
York Prep Admin Team
