March 4, 2020
Dear BB&N Families,
Following up on my letter from Monday afternoon, I have updates to share re: impacts on our community related to COVID-19 precautions with respect to the health of our students, teachers, and families.
1)
Today we have canceled our four international trips that were scheduled to take place during Spring Break. We had been growing increasingly concerned as we monitored the situation this week and we finalized our decision following Governor Baker’s request today that all colleges and high schools suspend any international trips planned for March and April.
2)
Please note that this cancellation decision applies right now only to the international trips during March Break. We are continuing to stay in close touch with the CDC and Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH) as we closely monitor conditions pertaining to the domestic trips that are scheduled for various sports teams during Break. As of this moment, these domestic trips are still on as scheduled, but we will be sure to keep these team members and families updated over the days ahead.
3)
We have three Upper School students who have been studying in Italy this semester. Because Italy’s prime minister announced today the closure of all schools in their country, our students will be flying home this week. Like all travelers returning home from affected areas, our students will be screened carefully by CDC and Mass. DPH upon their arrival back in the United States, and they and their families will be counseled about whatever precautions the agencies deem appropriate. At a minimum, based on current Mass. DPH guidance, these students will be asked to go on a 14-day self-quarantine; other household members will have no restrictions. BB&N, of course, will align completely with whatever these protocols might entail. Please know that we are partnering with the school in Italy to ensure that these three students will be able to continue their educational program through online learning.
4)
Our families should also be aware that Governor Baker announced today that, until further notice, any travelers from Massachusetts who travel to a
Level 3 country
(currently China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran) will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entry back into the United States. If you are traveling internationally in the short term, please be sure to keep a very close watch on the CDC
Travelers’ Health
website.
As I expressed on Monday afternoon, the health and well-being of our students will always be our highest priority at BB&N. I know this is a very unsettled time and I want to let you know how grateful I am for the role you play in keeping our community safe and healthy. I will continue to keep you informed about important updates over the next week and a half as Spring Break approaches.
Best,
Dr. Jennifer Price
Head of School
