August 13, 2021
Dear St. Mark’s Families,
As we head into the last weeks of summer, I write to provide a final update on the 2021-2022 academic year before students return in September. Throughout the summer, the St. Mark’s Health and Safety Task Force has been monitoring the Delta variant and considering its potential impact on the School. After conversations with our consultants at Environmental Health & Engineering (EH&E), we have decided to make the following changes to our protocols. At this time, these are the only modifications we are making, although we continue to monitor trends and will make adjustments as needed throughout the year.
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Due to the number of students receiving the vaccine from the St. Mark’s Health Services team after arrival on campus, as well as the increased risks associated with the Delta variant, our entire community will wear masks when indoors to help mitigate the risk of transmission of the virus. Masks will be worn by students, faculty, and staff when indoors, regardless of whether or not they are vaccinated. Students, faculty, and staff will also wear masks while traveling on buses to athletic competitions and other events. After consultation with EH&E, the School has determined that masks will not be required while eating in the Dining Hall or while students are in their residential houses. We will reassess the need for this protocol at the beginning of October.
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All students, faculty, and staff will have an initial PCR test after they arrive on campus. This test will be administered beginning the week of September 7 by St. Mark’s Health Services staff. There will not be a quarantine period while waiting for test results.
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Seated Meal will not be held until at least mid-October, by which time we anticipate that most of our students will be fully vaccinated. We will assess the feasibility of Seated Meal for the remainder of the fall in October.
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After consulting with EH&E, the School has determined that Chapel services will be held in the Putnam Family Arts Center’s Class of ’45 Hall for, in all likelihood, the entire 2021-2022 academic year. The Class of ‘45 Hall offers a greater number of air exchanges per hour and mechanical ventilation with bipolar ionization, which mitigates the risk of virus transmission.
Other Important Updates and Reminders
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Finally, please remember to take a look at the Getting Ready website, which includes helpful information as students prepare for the school year.
I am aware that there may be additional questions and concerns about the School’s policies and protocols regarding COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Please know that the Health and Safety Task Force is meeting regularly to address and anticipate questions and concerns as they arise.
All of us at St. Mark’s are excited to welcome our students in September. I look forward to seeing many of you on campus soon.
