Dear Bishop Kelly Community,
We wanted to inform our entire community that Bishop Kelly will remain closed through
Monday,
April 20th
and we will continue with our virtual learning through that time. This decision is in line with the March 23rd directive from the Idaho State Board of Education that all school districts and charter schools implement a soft closure through Monday, April 20th. Regarding activities, no decision has been announced as the IHSAA Board meets next Tuesday. However, they are most likely going to move the activities closure date to April 20 also.
This decision is in line with two of the five objectives we set for this uncertain time we are in:
- Prioritize the health and well being of our faculty, staff, students, and greater community
- Continue to provide a great education for all students via virtual learning
While we are well prepared for virtual learning through this period - or longer - and this decision is not unexpected by us or our community, it will be challenging for families, students, and faculty and staff. We will be looking at ways to lessen the burdens on all BK community members and we must always remember the most powerful enemy of this COVID-19 virus is prayer. T
omorrow is the feast of the Annunciation. Pope Francis is calling for all Christians to pray the Our Father tomorrow at Noon. Let’s have the BK community join all of our brothers and sisters around the world.
We must also reemphasize to our entire community the importance of social distancing, healthy habits such as handwashing, and not gathering in groups. This is particularly challenging with young people, many of whom do not see this as their issue. Treasure Valley students, including I am sure BK kids, are still congregating in close quarters at area parks and in other common areas. While spending time outside is healthy, particularly in our current situation, the circumstances by which the kids are spending time together is not.
I
nstead of hanging at the park where hundreds of people may be, go for a run/walk/hike with one or two friends on a trail. They can also utilize
technology to stay connected i.e. Skype, Zoom, etc. Netflix has also rolled out a way to “watch movies together as a virtual group”.
And they should not be out at all if they have any of the following conditions - fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, loose stools, or loss of smell or taste.
As we know from information from China, Italy, and here in the US, kids and young people in their 20’s can be infected with COVID-19, can be hospitalized, and, in very rare situations, can die from this disease. This is on top of the fact that young people, even if not significantly ill, can spread the disease to those who are even more vulnerable. Those groups are not just the “very old”, they are individuals in their 30s on up, both with and without underlying medical conditions. Thanks to each of you for your support in this area to minimize the community spread and keep our children and our families healthy.
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments. We will send another Just in Time communication on Friday, March 27th, with more details and reminders on virtual learning and we hope to be able to answer any additional questions you may have.
Kind Regards