Dear MBS Community,
Out of an abundance of caution and because of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in our county and in our School, we have decided to start the winter break at the end of TODAY, December 16, at 3:30 PM. School will be closed tomorrow, December 17.
We have made the decision to learn remotely for the week of January 3 - 7 following winter break and will test the entire School community as previously communicated on Tuesday, January 4. We will return to in-person learning on Monday, January 10.
This one-week remote learning period will give us time to conduct surveillance testing of the entire School community for COVID-19 to ensure a safe return to campus. Please note that this five-day period is not an extension of the winter break. We will be conducting full-day classes via Zoom according to the Distance Learning schedule. Students can find their teachers' Zoom link in their Google Classroom or by looking at their student portal under the heading of "My Schedule."
Test Collection Details & Distance Learning Schedule
Tuesday, January 4 (A Day)
7:45 am - 9:15 am Sample drop-off - Auxiliary Gym
9:45 am - 10:30 am Period 1 via Zoom
10:35 am - 11:20 am Period 2 via Zoom
11:25 am - 12:15 pm Period 3 via Zoom
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch
1:05 pm - 1:50 pm Period 4 via Zoom
1:55 pm - 2:40 pm Period 5 via Zoom
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Sample drop-off time - Auxiliary Gym
Test kits will be distributed to students on Senior Circle when they arrive on campus on Tuesday, January 4. They will fill the tube with saliva in their cars and then drop the sample off at the Auxiliary Gym.
Students who cannot make it to campus on Tuesday, January 4 can pick up a test kit today, December 16 in the Nurse's Office before school ends. If one is unable to drop the sample off on January 4, they can have a friend or family member drop off the sample at School. Please make sure the sample is clearly marked with the individual's name.
Students who miss the testing window
Students who do not submit a sample on Tuesday, January 4 will not be allowed to return to school until they provide a negative PCR test result.
Athletic practices and games
Practices and games for our winter athletic teams will continue as planned, as the teams have been tested regularly and they are a contained cohort.
Inclement weather
In case of inclement weather, we will use Wednesday, January 5 as an alternate collection date.
We are confident that this plan will allow us to optimize our time on campus while keeping our community safe and healthy. As has been the case with the pandemic, thank you for your understanding of our need to be flexible and responsive to an ever-changing landscape. I hope your children enjoy an additional day of vacation and that you have a healthy and happy holiday! I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Sincerely,
