In the Loop! The latest news for you

AUGUST 19, 2021 | Issue 1

From the Headmaster

In the Loop 2021-08-19

Attachments:

COVID-19 Protocol

CDC infographic

SCDHEC infographic

This week we are acknowledging and celebrating our students. The Upper School has gone to North Carolina for their annual trip where they have the opportunity to develop a strong sense of community and build friendships. They are making a college visit, doing team building games, enjoying some outdoor adventures, and devoting some time to worship. We pray that this time is a blessing to them and a joy for them.

Back at school we have had our first chapel services this week. Since we did not have the opportunity to gather for Opening Ceremonies on the first day of school, in our Lower School and our Middle School chapels yesterday we recognized each of our students by name to acknowledge them before God and their fellow students as they begin the 2021-2022 school year. This morning we celebrated the beginning of school for our PS, PK and K students at their chapel. In each chapel the students heard about how when Solomon became king he asked God for wisdom. In our messages to the students at these chapels, we encouraged them to learn from Solomon and choose wisdom and seek God’s guidance as they start a new school year.

King Solomon made his request to God for wisdom for the people of Israel, a faithful and selfless request. He believed in serving and caring for God’s people. As we go through a difficult time with the pandemic again with all of its impact on our physical health, emotional wellbeing and social and community life, may we too choose wisdom and like Solomon serve and care for one another which is God’s call to each of us.

May God bless Mead Hall and all of our students this school year.

In Christ,

Frank Sawyer

Weekly School Communications

In the Loop will be sent to you each Thursday afternoon by Terrie Lehi. In the Loop provides all school information and updates.

Division News will be sent to you each Friday afternoon by Terrie Lehi . These communications will provide important information and dates of upcoming events for Lower School (PS-4^th), Middle School (5^th-8^th) and Upper School (9^th-12^th)

In the Hoop, our athletic newsletter, will be sent by Coach Antonio Grant each Friday morning to highlight recent games and competitions as well as detail the athletic schedule for the coming week.

All of these newsletters will be available for your reference on the website here: https://www.meadhallschool.org/newsletters/

Smart Watches are Cell Phones now, so the same rules apply:

Technology is on the march, and over the past few years more and more people have cell phones right on their wrists – it is incredible. Many of our students now have these amazing mobile devices in addition to their mobile phones. Since smart watches have the capability of cell phones the same cell phone/mobile device policies apply to them. The policies for cell phones and smart watches differ for each division of the school, but in all cases cell phones and smart watches are not allowed in the classroom.

Technology can be a great challenge to us as parents. As a school we will do everything we can to provide information and help to our families in navigating the ever changing and developing world of technology. We look forward to providing you with more resources for technology and parenting.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

The COVID-19 Protocol: The COVID-19 Protocol is attached to this email and located on the homepage of the website. This protocol explains how to respond to a possible case of Covid-19 in your family. Please read it carefully and contact us quickly at the phone numbers on the protocol if anyone in your household is showing symptoms of Covid-19.

Announcements of COVID-19 Positive Cases: We will send out email communications to all parents when there is a COVID-19 positive case on campus in order to keep you informed. We will respect the privacy of Covid positive individuals in accordance with federal laws.

Vaccinations and Masks: We strongly recommend that students 12 years old and older are vaccinated and we strongly recommend that students wear masks to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 infections. We do not require vaccinations or face cover coverings.

Hairstyles and the Pandemic: Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Aiken County, we will not enforce hair length for boys. Hair for boys and girls must still be kept out of the face and be of a natural color.

Please do not hesitate to contact me, the division heads, or the director of student health with any questions or concerns that you have.