As a response to the spread of coronavirus to the Commonwealth of Virginia, many schools are making decisions about closure. While the evidence suggests that the virus is typically mild in children, we want to take whatever precautions we can to prevent it spreading to our family, friends, and neighbors who may be elderly or immuno-compromised.
As a result, the Office of Catholic Schools has decided that on Monday, March 16, all schools across the diocese will be closed for a Teacher Work Day in order to prepare. After Monday, schools will follow the lead of our local public school district. St. Benedict is in the Richmond City district. Richmond Public Schools are currently closed at least through March 27, so St. Benedict will be closed for that time period, as well.
All extra-curricular activities are also canceled during that time. There will be flag football games this Saturday, but they will be cancelled during the period of school closure. Please read the
attached letter
from the Office of Catholic Schools for more information.
At the end of the school day today, we asked students to bring home all school books.
If your child was absent today, please come during school hours on Monday to pick them up.
On Monday, you will receive our plan for continuing education while the school building is closed.
As soon as we have communication from HR on the COVID policies we will let you know. They are in the process of finalizing them right now.
This is new territory for all of us, but working together as a team for our students, we will navigate the days ahead well. Should you have any questions, please email me at scruess@saintbenedictschool.org.
Please don't forget to keep in prayer all of those struggling with health issues, whether it be coronavirus or other illnesses. As a school community, we put our trust in God and in His loving care.
Here is a reminder from Psalm 121:
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
