Dear SSFS Families,
We are writing to families again this week to keep you informed about the SSFS response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. In this email, we have no specific decisions to communicate to you. However, we are receiving some questions from families asking us about summer plans, anticipating school in the fall, etc. This communication seeks to give you a sense of what we are thinking about, anticipating, and planning for as a school.
Our Sources: We are operating under recommendations from the CDC, the WHO, and the federal government, as well as independent school associations including the National Association of Independent Schools, the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools, and The Association of Boarding Schools. The mandates (so far) that apply to us come from the State of Maryland and local public health officials.
From these sources, we are using the federal "Opening Up America" and the State of Maryland "Maryland Strong Roadmap to Recovery" plans to anticipate what a return to "normal operations" might look like. The Maryland plan references the three phases of the federal plan as well as guidance from authoritative public health institutions (Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, for example). Currently, both plans are short on specific guidance for schools, but they do map out some broad parameters for planning.
In addition, the CDC has released some more detailed guidance for schools and childcare facilities about preventive measures, interpreting "social distancing" in a school setting, and other hygiene recommendations. None of this information provides schools with a narrow and clearly defined path, but they help us better understand the many factors we will need to consider in planning for returning to campus.
Three Phases: The federal plan outlines three phases, which all begin once there are declining/improving statistics for COVID cases, improved hospital response, and more accessible testing in place. Under Phase 1, schools remain closed. Under Phase 2, schools can reopen but with significant restrictions related to gatherings, social distancing, hygiene, and sanitization. With Phase 3, most normal school operations can resume, with heightened attention to hygiene and sanitization. SSFS is in the process of planning for what school will look like on our campus under each of these phases. We also anticipate that, at some point, the State of Maryland and local public health officials will provide additional detailed guidance or requirements for schools that we will incorporate into our plans.
Based on this guidance, SSFS has created an administrative planning structure focused on the three key elements of reopening the campus: facilities and operations, academic and activities programs, and financial sustainability. These three administrative planning groups are mapping out the necessary steps to prioritize the safety of students, faculty, and staff as we emerge from the pandemic-caused physical isolation.
Reading the Tea Leaves: For September, we are still unable to predict the conditions under which the new school year will start. We currently anticipate, and are planning for, a broad spectrum that includes, on one hand, all virtual learning with a campus that remains closed, and on the other hand, the ability to resume full normal operations. We think the likely scenario is somewhere in between: starting school on campus but with significant alterations to operations, schedules, etc. As we have greater clarity, we will communicate to families our understanding of how the school day and student experience may be impacted. In the meantime, we are conducting the necessary planning needed to accommodate a school day that involves strict social distancing measures, such as no gatherings larger than 10 people (classes with 9 students and a teacher), maintaining social distancing of 6 feet or more, and alterations to school elements that include but are not limited to: transportation, daily schedules, drop-off and pick-up, lunch, passing times, gathering spaces, the boarding program, athletics and PE, and classes or activities that involve large gatherings (performance activities, Meeting for Worship, parent meetings, etc.). It is premature to release any details about such plans and alterations, but please know that this work is part of the current administrative agenda and will remain so until Sandy Spring Friends School returns to unrestricted operations.
End of This School Year: We are still in planning discussions regarding end of year events, including Graduation, 5th Grade Recognition, and 8th Grade Recognition. We will share details as soon as possible.
Summer Programs: Similarly, we cannot yet predict what our summer program (summer camp, summer academic offerings) may look like. We are anticipating that, for at least part of the summer, the campus cannot be open for in-person programs. We are developing an alternative virtual summer camp program to assist families who are seeking resources for their at-home children this summer. We are also seeking to develop academic programs that can meet the needs of families (beyond just SSFS families) who are concerned about their child's academic preparation this summer, heading into next school year. More details about alternative summer programs will be provided in the next several weeks.
The Long View: Health professionals continue to say that the "permanent fix" for COVID-19 rests with the development of an effective vaccine, and/or the eventual development of natural herd immunity due to the exposure of the vast majority of the population to this virus. These developments are many months away, at least a year according to most sources. If school is to reopen sometime this fall, it will be in an environment where exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, will be a risk in any situation where we are not under strict isolation. We want to be transparent with families that, while we plan to take every reasonable measure to reduce the risk of exposure for students, families, faculty, and staff, this risk will be a reality in our lives for some time to come.
Any of us on the SSFS administrative team are here to address any questions you may have regarding SSFS planning and programs. Please do not hesitate to engage us.
If you have not seen it yet, please check out this video from the Lower School teachers. It will make you dance!
In peace and health,
David Hickson
Assistant Head of School