March 10, 2020
 
 
Dear Memorial Community:
 
I know you are being inundated with information about the Coronavirus.  We continue to monitor CDC guidance and communicate with other schools about the best way to adapt to the COVID-19.  This is not intended to alarm you but to talk frankly about the virus and our plans to minimize its effect on our community. 
 
Having said that, we fully expect the virus to make its way to Fresno.  As you know it is now in many communities within our state.  We cannot prevent it spreading to Fresno nor likely to our community.  We can however take actions individually and collectively to minimize the effects of the virus on our fellow community members.  I am asking you to show love for your fellow families by being vigilant and responsible.  Our responsible actions would include:
 
Personal Hygiene
 
Coronaviruses spread from person to person in much the same way the flu and other respiratory viruses spread.  We ask that you help us keep our community safe by continuing to maintain healthy habits as we do during any cold and flu season.  These are the same steps that we should be taking daily.  Steps you can take to prevent the spread of the flu and common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:
 
  • Wash hands often with soap and water
  • If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home while you are sick
  • Avoid close contact with others
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
Self-Quarantine
 
Any faculty, staff, students or parents who are traveling to/from CDC Level 2 and Level 3 areas, must self-quarantine and not return to school until a 14-day period has elapsed following their return to the United States. 
 
We cannot begin to stress how important it is to keep your child home if they are sick.  This is the way we show care for each other.  In the event that your child is sick and might possibly miss multiple days from school, they will not be penalized for their absence. 
 
  
Plans for Possible School Disruption
  
In the event campus must close, our team has been working to ensure learning will continue.  Policies and plans are in development to continue virtual learning for all students.  These plans are dependent upon Internet access.  If access to the Internet will be a problem for your family please contact the school. 
 
School contacts for reporting Illness or Exposure:
 
Gema Lopez, Attendance  glopez@sjmhs.org
Michele Sani, Asst. Head of School for Academics, msani@sjmhs.org
Anthony Goston, Asst. Head of School for Student Affairs, agoston@sjmhs.org
Michael Burke, Head of School, mburke@sjmhs.org
 
This is an evolving situation.  We are investing considerable time and resources to ensure that we keep our community as safe as possible while continuing learning with our students.  Let us show our love for each other by acting in ways that serve the welfare of our community.  We will continue to monitor and prepare for this virus. 
 
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any member of the administration. 

 
Yours in Christ,
 
Michael C Burke
Head of School