March 14, 2020
Dear Gould Families,
I write to you today to share important information regarding the next steps we are taking as a community in response to the COVID-19 virus. A team of administrators meets daily to monitor this continuously evolving situation. Taking into consideration the information we have at this time and acknowledging that this is a very fluid situation, we will continue to act with an abundance of caution and provide regular updates.
March Break
March break will be extended until Monday, April 6, 2020, at which time we will begin a remote program. This additional week of break will provide a time for our faculty to adjust their curriculums for virtual learning. We are fortunate to have an excellent technology infrastructure and faculty and students who are already comfortable with remote learning.
Academic Classes
Pending any significant changes to local, state or federal recommendations, vacation will end on Sunday, April 5, 2020, and we will begin our
spring term remotely starting Monday, April 6, 2020, and will plan on a virtual learning program at least until Monday, April 20. We will provide an update on the potential continuation of the remote program on Monday, April 13. We are committed to helping students access their coursework through distance learning. Students who do not have access to Canvas, Google, or high-speed internet during the period of remote learning should send an email to Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning
Brad Clarke
.
On-Campus Events
Our athletic program, including all On Snow activities, is suspended until further notice. Also, all events on campus held by outside organizations have been canceled. We will not be conducting any on-campus admissions visits, and our admissions team will host a virtual Revisit Day. Spring Family Weekend will also be conducted virtually. I will provide a further update regarding other campus events on Monday, April 13.
Dormitories
Students who are still on campus and choose to leave before April 6 should be aware that decisions beyond the school’s control may affect their ability to return if or when classes do resume.
Key Dates
- March Break: Extended until Monday, April 6, 2020
- Remote Learning: We will begin the spring term with remote learning on Monday, April 6, that will continue until at least Monday, April 20.
- Update Regarding Remote Learning Program: We will provide an update regarding the potential extension of the remote learning program on Monday, April 13.
Helpful Resources
I continue to encourage you to rely on healthcare experts and local, state, and federal agencies for your information. Below please find some helpful resources
Within all challenges there are opportunities
It is upsetting anytime the regular course of events in our lives is changed in ways beyond our control. In response to COVID-19, we are all experiencing many difficult changes. Having said that, these times can often provide us with unforeseen opportunities. I encourage you to search for the opportunities that these challenges present. Perhaps you have more time to read a book you have not been able to get to.
If you have not read Amor Towels’
A Gentleman in Moscow
or Delia Owens’
Where the Crawdads Sing,
I highly recommend both books. It might be fun to listen to them on Audible with family and friends and discuss them. I personally will be reading
Don’t Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Time
s by Irshad Manji. Maybe you now have the time to play an old-fashioned board game (Monopoly and Rummikub are two Gorycki family favorites) or watch those TED Talks you haven’t had the time to view (
https://www.ted.com/playlists/171/the_most_popular_talks_of_all
).
And remember, social isolation does not require you to stay indoors all day. Try to find time for a walk or a hike and get some fresh air. While I don’t want to appear insensitive to the anxiety that we are all feeling, I do want to encourage all of us to get some enjoyment out of each and every day.
In closing, I want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to continue to provide a safe, enjoyable world-class educational experience for our students. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any medical or health issues, please feel free to contact our Director of the Student Health Center, Olivia Hendry, RN, BSN. If you have any questions relating to our policies and procedures, please feel free to contact me directly.
All the best,
