Dear parents:
Although we only recently celebrated the 100th day of in person learning - a truly remarkable achievement - the coronavirus is now getting too close to home to let our vigilance down.
According to the New York Times, an average of 62 cases per day were reported in Ulster County, a 51 percent increase from the average two weeks ago!
Calling all Mountain Laurel Families to stay alert and keep safe
For the first time since opening day in September, we are closing classes due to CoVid infection. The 6th grade class went on quarantine and remote learning 2 weeks ago when a student in the class was reported to be infected. Thankfully no further infections were reported in the class and the students have safely returned to school last week.
This week, we are closing the Mountain Dandelion class as 2 Nursery staff members, who were last in school on 3/19, have tested positive for CoVid.
Unfortunately, we also had to close the Mountain Rose Kindergarten today, as we are unable to staff the class safely since both, the Lead and Assistant teachers have had exposure to a faculty member in the Nursery who tested positive for Covid-19 on 3/19 and are therefore considered a "close contact" needing to quarantine for 10 days.
A person is considered a close contact if they have had contact with the covid positive individual during their infectious period (two days prior to symptom onset or two days prior to test date if asymptomatic), meaning persons that were within six feet for ten minutes or more cumulatively over a 24-hour period. It is still considered close contact if masks are worn.
As we are writing this communication, we have just been informed that a student in the Mountain Rose Kindergarten has tested positive for CoVid. All students in the class now also need to quarantine.
Quarantine means staying home and away from others for 10 days
Parents/individuals may pursue their own quarantine releases by either directly calling (845) 443-8888, communicating with their contact tracer or filling out the following forms.
As stipulated in our Fall Reopening Plans, to make up for the lost week, the school calendar has been extended by 1 week for the affected early childhood classes.
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is currently implementing its COVID-19 Action Plan: implementing track and trace procedures, whilst taking advice from the Ulster County Department of Health.
It is essential that we continue to abide by our health and safety protocols, and remain mindful of the realities of CoVid-19. Its 3-to-10 day incubation period and asymptomatic carriers are still potent threats to the health of our community. Though the vaccine is becoming more plentiful, remember that vaccinated individuals may still carry the virus.
Let’s all do our part and remain vigilant,
In solidarity,
The Administration
