Friends,
I am writing with an update to my
recent letter
about Aspen Country Day School’s plans and preparations regarding COVID-19. First, let me reassure you that our top priorities continue to be the health of our community and the educational experience for our students. Here are some steps we have taken to prepare, followed by thoughts on what the next few months may bring.
With a deliberate, proactive approach, we have reached out to ensure even more direct lines of communication with
Pitkin County public health
. This department, which takes direction from the CDC via the state health department, is our main point of contact for health-related policy decisions. We are also collaborating with the Association of Colorado Independent Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, and other organizations to share ideas, and it has been interesting to monitor responses from other parts of the country and the world.
In my
last letter
I asked families to report any travel plans that might include countries on the
CDC travel alert list
to me or to Brian. Faculty and staff will also be asked to report travel. All travel matters will remain confidential, and please refrain from speculation about others’ plans or destinations. All health information will be treated in accordance with health privacy laws. If travel does take you to any areas that have been on the
CDC alert list
when school resumes after spring break (Monday, March 30), you may be asked to self-quarantine if advised by public health officials.
In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, some schools in areas with outbreaks are being closed. If public health officials were to mandate a temporary closure of area schools, Aspen Country Day School would be included. However, learning would continue via other means. Brian Davies has assembled a team of faculty who are exploring ideas, options, and implementation. Parents and students would receive instructions about using various tools to continue with the curriculum for each grade. If the school were to suspend operations on campus, outdoor education trips would also be suspended for the duration of the closure.
In thinking about other events coming up at school, we have reluctantly made the decision to cancel Grandparents & Special Friends Day this year. It was originally scheduled for Friday, May 8. However, given the concerns about travel and gatherings, and knowing how far in advance families need to plan for this event, we are cancelling now in hopes that early notice is more convenient for families than a last-minute decision. The Lower School Shakespeare Festival will continue as scheduled May 5-7, and of course grandparents and special friends are warmly invited to campus for these performances or any other events of interest.
Preparations continue for the Seventh Graders’ trip to Peru in June, but a go/no-go decision on this trip will be made in early April. If the trip is unable to depart as scheduled, we will explore alternative dates or locations for this meaningful partnership with World Leadership School.
All other activities scheduled for the spring will continue as planned at this time.
Any health issue raises concerns and anxiety levels. We ask all teachers and parents to model a sense of calm for the children in our care. We are grateful for the support and engagement of all parents in our partnership to challenge and nurture children as they build confidence, resilience, and joy in learning.
Josh
