Dear Hotchkiss Families,

We are working every day to create a safe and healthy spring semester in-person at Hotchkiss. However, just as the pandemic continues to change, our plans will be dynamic and may adapt as conditions evolve and public health considerations require. Infection rates are much higher now than they were in August, and so it is that much more essential that students and families adhere to safe practices as we approach the start of the spring semester.

We will host a webinar on January 27 for families regarding the return to campus and second semester in which we will share the state of our planning and expected safety protocols. A link to register and pre-submit questions is provided toward the end of this email.

As mentioned in the January 11 email regarding the spring return to campus, we need some information from students and families to help us plan for a safe and smooth re-entry process.

ACTION REQUIRED: Student sign-up for February arrival slot (must be completed by the student from their Hotchkiss account)
An email was sent today to all students asking them to sign up for arrival slots and provide transportation information for the arrival days (February 21-23). Please work with your student to ensure that the transportation and arrival information they enter is correct. Arrivals on campus will be carefully staged to allow for proper distancing and to manage the number of students entering a dorm at one time. Students must complete this step by February 1. 
 
Students should make every effort to arrive on campus in their entry slot. If their arrival will be delayed beyond this timeframe or they have siblings scheduled for different arrival days, please contact Amber Jordan in the Deans' Office at (860) 435-3739.

ACTION REQUIRED: Parent/guardian to indicate intent to return to campus and update proxy information
We also wish to update our contact and proxy information for all students returning to campus. To help with our tracking, we are asking all parents/guardians to complete the survey linked below by February 1 to indicate whether students are returning to campus for the spring semester, and to re-submit or update adult proxy contact information if so. 

Why do students need local proxy caregivers? 
In case of an infection or outbreak on campus, affected students will need to comply with isolation or quarantine protocols, and it will be safer for our community, and probably more comfortable for those students, if they spend this time off-campus. We must partner together and will need a commitment that you will either be able to pick your student up from campus on short notice or provide the name of a proxy adult who will do so on your behalf.  Click here to complete the form.

We will continue to work with families, particularly those who live a long distance away or outside the U.S., who are challenged by this requirement. If you find yourself in this situation, please be sure to note this as you complete the form.
Upcoming webinar: Spring 2021 Return to Campus
On January 27 we will host a webinar to provide additional information on the state of our spring plans and to answer your questions. 
 
Event details:
Wednesday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. EST
The session will also be recorded and made available for future reference. 

Register and submit your questions in advance.  An event link will be sent to all registrants the day of the event.

Additional information about returning to campus will be provided in the coming weeks as second semester plans are finalized. Stay tuned for further updates. As a reminder, we encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information.
 
Sincerely,
 
Steve McKibben P'22
Dean of Community Life
 
Richard Davis
Associate Dean of Faculty
COVID-19 Coordinator
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The Hotchkiss School, 11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, CT 06039-2141, (860) 435-2591