Dear Hotchkiss Families,
It was delightful to see and speak with so many of you during the Opening Days. I write to you at the end of a busy week here in Lakeville, a week in which 521 students returned to campus in person, 27 will be attending as day students, and 63 Bearcats will be learning remotely. Knowing that families have been busy helping to pack, transport, and send a student (or students) off, I recognize these have been busy days for you, as well.
While the work leading up to this week has been intense, it is grounded in the School's commitment to inspiring students with an exceptional educational experience while keeping every member of the community safe. On behalf of the faculty and staff, we thank you -- now more than ever -- for trusting us with the care and education of your children.
As you know from communications throughout the summer, the protocols we have put in place for the safe opening of School are rigorous and comprehensive. All returning students provided a recent negative test result for the SARS CoV-2 virus when they returned to campus. Upon arrival they began a 14-day quarantine period during which close interaction with others beyond their pod is restricted.
We began testing students yesterday, and all students will have been tested by Monday. We expect to receive the results of these tests by next Thursday. In the event of a positive test, we will immediately follow the protocol we have established for the care of the student as well as the protection of the community.
Our expectations of every member of the Hotchkiss community are clear. Each of us must follow the safety guidelines in order to assure the health of the entire School. As I said to new students during their Orientation, our fate rests in one another's hands. It is our shared responsibility to create and sustain a safe and healthy campus for all.
While this is unlike any opening of School in living memory, students are rising to the occasion. Orientation leaders and proctors are immersing themselves in getting to know new students and helping them feel welcome and connected. In parallel, new students are engaging in virtual and physical activities with enthusiasm, even as returning students catch-up with friends and teachers and look forward to the year ahead. We will formally welcome everyone at the Convocation ceremony (live streamed from Elfers Hall to students' computers) tomorrow evening. Classes will begin on Monday and will be remote during the quarantine period.
