Dear Latin Families, We continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are connected to city, state, and national health agencies. Yesterday, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Wake County, N.C. While distressing, it, unfortunately, was not unexpected, given the progression of the virus across the rest of the world. Since my communication last week, I've assembled a COVID-19 Team to assist with planning and decision making. The team includes: Chuck Baldecchi, Head of School – Team Leader Jean Asinger, School Nurse, MS and US – Prevention, Record Keeping, Mecklenburg County Health Department Contact, CDC Contact Todd Ballaban, Head of Middle School Susan Carpenter, Director of Marketing and Communications – Communications Bill Freitas, Chief Technology Officer – Academic Continuity Major Dale Greene, Director of Safety & Security – Crisis Response and Safety Fletcher Gregory, Associate Head of School, Director of Finance – Legal and Facilities Beth Lucas, Director of Human Resources Mark Tayloe, Head of Lower School Sonja Taylor, Director of Diversity & Inclusion Lawrence Wall, Head of Upper School Kelly Willis, Director of Global Studies We are currently working on an Academic Continuity Plan, Global Studies summer trips, how to handle international travel over Spring Break, cleaning and disinfecting, and related issues. I will keep you informed of decisions and major topics of discussion. We are in uncharted territory with COVID-19. Our aim is to keep you informed and as prepared as possible. UPDATES
Supporting our Teachers
We have shared resources and talking points with teachers, so that they may knowledgeably answer questions from students.
Talking to MS and US Students about COVID-19
Jean Asinger, MS and US Nurse, is talking with MS students about COVID-19 in P.E./health class this week and next and is talking to all US students on Thursday during Activity Period. She will reinforce what we all can do to stay healthy. These Stay Healthy Tips are listed at the end of this message.
Talking with LS Students about COVID-19
With LS students, we ask parents to partner with us, and take time to talk with your child/ren about the importance of the Stay Healthy Tips.
I recommend a great 3-minute podcast and graphic from NPR explaining COVID-19 and what we can do to stay healthy. Please, if you have any questions or concerns about talking with your children about COVID-19, reach out to Dawn Hull, LS Nurse, or Jean Asinger, MS / US Nurse, for assistance. Additional resources on how to talk with your children are listed at the end of this message.
Cleaning & Disinfecting
Every night the cleaning crew uses Buckeye Lemon Quat, a cleaning solution designed for use in hospitals, medical facilities, schools, daycare facilities, etc. that effectively kills a wide range of viruses. All desks and tables are cleaned, as are doorknobs, handles, and any community surfaces.
Our nurses provide antibacterial wipes to all classrooms.
We are making sure that all soap and hand sanitizer dispensers are full.
FLIK
Compass Group, FLIK's parent company, is working on an action plan. We expect to receive it shortly. FLIK adheres to best practice health and safety for all of its workers — every day.
Global Studies International Travel
The 13 visitors from our sister school in Argentina have returned home.
The group of students from our sister school in France, scheduled to visit at the end of April, has canceled its visit.
Regarding summer trips, we continue to monitor the situation and will share decisions as they are made. If you have any questions regarding our Global Studies program, please do not hesitate to contact Kelly Willis, Director.
Webpage
We have created a new webpage with more information about COVID-19. Look here for up-to-date information and good resources on the virus and related topics. We also have COVID-19 information on MyLatin. Stay Healthy Tips - Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Get handwashing how-to from the World Health Organization.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Keep your hands away from your face: info for adults | info for children.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow or tissue (then throw the tissue away).
- Get a flu shot.
How to Talk with Your Children The SAIS website is a comprehensive source of excellent, useful information. The COVID-19 Team and I continue to closely monitor the progression of COVID-19. I will keep you updated on developments and decisions regarding the safety and health of our students and community. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely, Chuck Baldecchi Head of School |