December 30, 2021
Dear Summit Academy Families,

I trust this communication finds you healthy and well. We hope you had a joyous and relaxing holiday season and we wish you many blessings in the New Year! While the break is always nice, we are anxious for the return of students and teachers to campus.

As you are likely aware, this Monday (12/27/21) the CDC released its newest guidelines related to quarantine and isolation. Our policies have always reflected the recommendations of Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness, Kentucky Department of Health and the CDC. Any student who was vaccinated prior to July 1, 2021, has not yet received the booster and is exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for five days, after which they may return if they are asymptomatic.

We will maintain our mask policy at this time and even encourage you to begin using KN95/M95 style masks or double masking for the foreseeable future. Please note that this method of masking is a recommendation, not a mandate.
Per the CDC Newsroom announcement: Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.

Additionally, CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

Follow this link to further review the CDC announcement.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES AND VACCINES
We will begin to utilize the above guidelines upon return from Winter Break on January 4, 2022. Should the Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness take a position which differs from the CDC we will give that due consideration and announce any adjustments should such arise.

Many of our students are already vaccinated. We ask that should your child get vaccinated or receive the booster for COVID-19 you provide documentation to our Office Manager, Mrs. Allison Portale. We use this information when determining actions necessary for students who have been exposed to COVID-19. Any student who was fully vaccinated prior to July 1, 2021 will be affected by this policy adjustment.

OUTERWEAR AND DRESS CODE
We want to remind everyone that our teachers make every effort to continue outdoor recess for students. Please make certain that they are coming to school dressed appropriately for the weather. And, please make sure that your student is wearing Summit Academy approved clothing as outlined in the Student/Family Handbook. If your student is not dressed appropriately, you may be required to bring them clothing or pick them up for the day. We understand that there have been some delays with our uniform supplier. If you are having any issues with obtaining uniform pieces, please contact the school for guidance.

Thank you for your support and understanding over the past twenty-two months. Our school community has always strived to provide a transformative educational experience in a safe and caring environment. COVID-19 has taken this effort to an unprecedented level. We can’t thank our staff and our families enough for everyone’s effort to keep the community of Summit Academy both safe and healthy.
With gratitude,

Douglas L. Strothman
Head of School