Dear Families,
This afternoon, Governor Raimondo announced that the previously scheduled April Break will be moved up to next week for all K-12 public schools in an effort to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
This means, while there have been no known cases at BVP, all schools will be closed Monday, March 16–Friday, March 20, 2020. The return date of Monday, March 23 is subject to change based on any new developments that may arise. Eliminating in-person classroom instruction is an important step to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Here are further details about the closure and how you can best support your scholar:
- Packets are being sent home this afternoon with every K-8 scholar. Please make sure your scholar works on the packet daily. A cover page with lists of resources (organized by content area) will provide additional information.
- High School scholars will receive assignments directly from their mentor and teachers.
- Ensure your scholar reads and works on Khan Academy daily
- We will use the upcoming week to finalize our Virtual Learning Plan, should an extended closure become necessary.
- Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. If you need support, view the CDC’s recommendations for coping during COVID-19 or reach out to your doctor or child’s pediatrician for support.
We understand the inconvenience and hardship this imposes on many of our families. We will continue to assess the rapidly changing developments of COVID-19 with a singular focus on the well-being and safety of our scholars, staff, and families, and will continue to provide regular updates as needed. I am continually amazed and impressed by how our school community comes together in difficult times, and we will get through this.
In the interim, please continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations on preventing respiratory illnesses:
- Avoid large groups.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
We will continue to provide regular updates as they become available.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Chiappetta
Chief Executive Officer
