Dear Community Members,

On January 31, I wrote to you about the ongoing concerns regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand that news about any serious and contagious illness is concerning, especially one that is receiving the public attention and concern like this one. I assure you that the health and safety of each child remains our highest priority. Please take a moment to read more about the measures we are taking to address the spread of this virus and other viruses, including influenza.

MPH continues to monitor the Coronavirus and other illnesses in our community, and we are following professional guidelines provided to us by global, national, state, and local authorities. If you are interested in up-to-date information about current public health issues, I recommend the following sources:

At school we continue to take steps to ensure good health. We are supplementing good handwashing practices by placing hand sanitizer in various locations throughout our campus. We are working closely with our cleaning service staff to ensure that special attention is paid to disinfecting high-traffic areas, such as doorknobs, water fountains, and tables, using products effective against common disease-causing organisms. Our maintenance staff is enhancing these efforts by sanitizing classroom surfaces, as needed, and regularly disinfecting the surfaces on MPH-operated vehicles, including buses and vans.

Thank you for closely monitoring your child’s health. If you notice common illness symptoms in your child, including a body temperature of 100 degrees or higher, please keep him/her home. Our nurse, Ms. Civello, continues to work closely with staff, students, and families, and she is available to assist in any way possible.

To encourage our collective engagement in fostering the health and well-being of the entire MPH community, please be reminded of the following precautions to minimize the spread of germs:
  • Wash hands, with soap and water, frequently and for a duration of at least 20 seconds. Handwashing is extremely effective if done correctly.
  • Use hand sanitizer gel (dispensers are available throughout our campus) when soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects you frequently touch (e.g., cell phones, laptops, keyboards, ear buds, etc.).
  • Avoid close contact with people exhibiting symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, etc.).
  • Stay home if you exhibit symptoms or have a fever greater than 100 degrees, and remain at home until fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Wash your hands after coughing and/or sneezing.

We recognize that the complete clinical picture with regard to the Coronavirus is not fully understood and that this is a rapidly evolving situation. Please understand that we will communicate additional information, as it becomes available.

Toward our shared commitment to good health and well-being, let’s continue to focus on the importance of getting plenty of sleep, exercising, staying hydrated, practicing proper hygiene, and maintaining good nutrition.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Dave McCusker
Head of School