A hybrid model for
return to school under Phase 4
has been selected for the reasons listed. A hybrid model
- Is supported by 80% of our parents and students.
- Allows for the return to school in a controlled manner as we closely monitor local COVID-19 infection trends.
- Reduces student infectious exposures when 6' social distancing measures are in place.
- Employs advanced Mercy technology, infrastructure, resources, and staff skills to implement a model that supports academic excellence.
- Encourages ill students to stay home, thus reducing the risk of exposure to others.
- Includes reduced class sizes to help with enforcing hygiene and health standards while accommodating a complicated high school program and schedule.
- Includes social distancing protocols which increase our chances of maintaining a healthy instructional staff for continuity of learning.
As a result, we are committed to a
hybrid model for Phase 4, with plans to
resume full return to school in Phase 5. Any families who prefer a remote model will be accommodated and may
indicate interest here.
Contingency plans are ready should the need arise to employ remote instruction (Phases 1-3).
The safety, mental wellness and learning needs of our Mercy family is of highest priority. Through adherence to stringent COVID-19 prevention protocols, we commit to providing the excellence of a Mercy education for each of the possible return to school Phases. Working together, we can lessen the risks associated with virus transmission to maximize the possibility of resumption and continuity of full in-person instruction as soon as possible.
Please expect an invitation for a
Parent Back to School Webinar on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:00pm, and a
Student Back to School Webinar on Thursday, August 6 at 6:00pm to answer any further questions you may have. An FAQ document is being developed and will be shared on the
Mercy website.
We take seriously our responsibility as educators to do all that we can to help our students continue to grow academically, spiritually and socially through this challenging time. As we all know, there is no substitute for the attention and engagement that is only possible with in-person learning. We ask your support for the proposed plan as we move toward that goal.
Thank you for your support as we work in partnership to navigate these extraordinary circumstances.
In Mercy,
Mercy Administrative Team
Dr. Cheryl Delaney Kreger '66, President
Patricia Sattler, Principal
Colleen McMaster '81, Associate Principal
Eleasha Mercer Tarplin '94, Dean of Student Affairs
Nancy Malinowski, Athletic Director
