November 6, 2020
Dear BBHS Families,
After recent weeks of tracking public health data, we have made the decision to continue with remote learning through the remainder of the first semester which ends on January 22, 2021.
An increasing trend in COVID-19 places King County in the “high activity” level of the school reopening framework provided by the Washington State Department of Health. We have made this decision to remain remote in keeping with this framework and in alignment with two of our core guiding principles in the BBHS Reopening Plan: to prioritize the health and safety of our students, staff and community and to ensure the continuity of student learning and growth.
We are announcing this decision now to provide clarity and to support planning for students, families, faculty and staff as we move through the holidays, enter the winter season, and complete our first semester courses.
As I have said before, I am keenly aware that this kind of announcement comes as a relief for some and a source of disappointment to others. We are all sacrificing so much in this time of COVID - our students especially. I deeply miss seeing our campus alive with the energy of our students and I know that this feeling is widely shared. My prayer is that we all come through this time safer, healthier, more resilient and more fully aware of our call to care for the most vulnerable - as Pope Francis expressed in his recent encyclical.
We enter these remaining weeks of the first semester focused on providing the best remote learning experience possible. The recent survey feedback from students, families, faculty and staff has helped us refine our program with an adjusted schedule and calendar in an attempt to address concerns about screen time and workloads. We will continue to review feedback and evaluate ways to make adjustments to support our students and their learning experience.
We were also encouraged by a significant number of survey comments from students and families acknowledging the incredible efforts of our teachers - and the comments from our teachers recognizing the consistent engagement and dedication of our students. This affirming feedback and the changes that were recommended are so helpful as we put our energies into finishing strong in this first semester.
We will continue to review trends in public health data throughout the weeks ahead and in to early January, and we will reassess if/when in-person, hybrid could begin in the second semester. In addition to King County public health data, we will also be tracking COVID-19 activity levels within the BBHS community, evaluating available data and research about transmission in schools, and we will continue to confer with the Archdiocese and officials at King County Public Health as we consider future plans.
In the meantime, our faculty will proceed with professional development in hybrid teaching/learning strategies while at the same time devoting themselves to engage and support our students in this remote environment. As we enter this season of giving thanks, please join me in sharing whatever appreciation you can to our faculty and staff who have been working so hard and feeling no small amount of stress and concern these days.
I know that burden and concern extends to your families and especially your students as well. I hope our schedule in the coming weeks, especially with the approaching holidays, will offer a respite and a connection within your families to what matters most - loving presence and deep care for one another.
As you talk with your students over this time and you surface concerns about their academics, mental health, or social engagement - please reach out to us right away. Though we are in remote learning, we have created support systems and opportunities to partner with you in care of your student’s needs. Continue to closely follow our weekly Wednesday Updates for programs and opportunities.
In a swirl of anxiety and in this time of uncertainty, my hope is that this message gives us focus on what we can do to love and serve one another - especially our students. I feel blessed to be going through these challenging times within this community. Thank you for your collective commitment to being true, kind and brave through it all.
Blessings,
Tony DeSapio
President
