July 16, 2021
Dear St. Mark’s Families,
I hope that you are enjoying these summer weeks. Here in Southborough, we are busy preparing for the 2021-2022 academic year. I am looking forward to welcoming both new and returning students to School as we return to the fully in-person educational experience that makes St. Mark’s such a special place.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Update
According to the evidence, people who are vaccinated are much less likely to get COVID-19. They are also less likely to become seriously ill or spread the illness to others if they do contract the virus. For these reasons, the sooner we can achieve near-universal vaccination, the sooner we will be able to return to a more normal environment for teaching and learning, and all other School activities, with full confidence that the health of the community is being protected.
Medical and religious exemptions to the vaccination requirement will be granted and reasonable accommodations provided under applicable law. For those who are exempt for medical or religious reasons, and for those who are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated, masking will be required while indoors on campus. The masking requirement follows current CDC guidance for unvaccinated individuals. As previously noted, in the fall the School will plan to continue with biweekly COVID-19 PCR testing for all unvaccinated individuals.
Other Important Updates and Reminders
I am pleased to report that the fall athletics schedule is now live on the St. Mark’s website. I join many of you in looking forward to watching our teams play in person this fall.
I will be in touch in August with additional news and updates as we reach the final stretch of summer before students arrive in September.
