July 30, 2020

Dear Oakwood Community, 

I hope this email finds you well and having an enjoyable summer. I have been busy on campus making sure we are ready for the start of the 2020-21 school year. I am writing this email to inform you on where Oakwood stands as of today in regards to our plan for reopening. As always, please keep in mind this is an ever evolving plan. 

The Daily Reflector published a great article on private schools reopening for the fall. If you would like to check out an excerpt where I am quoted, please do so here.

Our current plan is that we will be opening in  Scenario 2 - Yellow - On Campus with Social Distancing and Hygiene Restrictions in Place. An updated copy of the plan can be viewed here.  Oakwood is fortunate that our large campus size and ample facilities relative to our student population will allow us to observe social distancing with everyone on campus every day under most circumstances. Please note that we have determined that masks will be required for Pre-K through 12th grade students and all faculty and staff members   with few exceptions, such as for documented medical conditions, during certain strenuous activities, and while eating or drinking. Oakwood will provide several cloth masks for each student and employee. Families are encouraged to use whatever masks they feel most comfortable with as long as Oakwood deems them appropriate. Face shields may be worn in addition to masks, but not as a substitute.  Each morning, students will be screened before entering the building for the symptoms of COVID-19 listed in the plan document. In addition to the safety measures originally listed in our plan, we will have the following:
  • More outdoor space and seating, including a large event tent to provide outdoor classroom space. 
  • Small class sizes and modified indoor traffic flow designed for social distancing
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting throughout the school
  • 5 outdoor hand washing stations donated by WIMCO and the Rawls family 
  • Desk and chair spots marked on floor to keep appropriate distance 
  • Individual desks replacing most shared classroom tables to allow for better social distancing
  • Velcro arrows to mark hallway directions and six feet of separation 
  • Plexiglass installed in reception areas 
  • Unnecessary furniture moved out of classrooms to give more space for students to observe social distancing 
We will also have an online option for  any families who choose to keep their children at home while Oakwood is holding in-person classes. A summary is attached here. Please contact your Division Coordinator for additional information as that option will look different in each division to ensure developmental appropriateness. Be on the lookout for a communication from your Division Coordinator in early August with additional start-of-school details. 

Dr. Linda Uveges, LS (Pre-K-3) and LMS (4-5) Coordinator
Extension 1102

Anita Rish-Hodgkins, UMS (6-7) Coordinator
Extension 1207

Jennifer Smith, (8-12) US Coordinator
Extension 2134

I want to thank all of you for your continued support during these difficult times. We are working tirelessly to give your children the best education possible in as safe and supportive an environment as we can provide under the circumstances. We realize that, now more than ever, each family's situation is unique. With that in mind, we want to work with you to make sure we meet your individual family's needs to the best of our ability. Together, we are Oakwood Strong!


Please be well and stay safe, 


Dan Quesnel
Head of School

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