Dear Friends,
These weeks leading up to spring break are likely to be marked by growing concerns about the expanding footprint of the COVID-19 virus. This morning, Los Angeles County announced that increased testing in L.A. County has led to the identification of additional cases, although none involve "community spread."
Here at school we continue to follow the lead of those responsible for community health. Based on the recommendations of both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Los Angeles County Department of Health, we continue to proceed as we normally would, emphasizing that all members of our community should:
Earlier today, we communicated with involved students our decision to cancel the International Community Involvement (ICI) trip to Guatemala and Belize. The ICI trip to Nepal had been canceled several weeks ago. Though it is disappointing to have to cancel these trips, our students' experiences and well-being are our main priority.
In the meantime, middle and upper school students have been on outdoor education trips this week, according to schedule. A final decision has not yet been made regarding the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. Trip organizers continue to evaluate based on the latest news and public health guidance.
As we head toward spring break, please pay special attention to travel guidelines on the CDC and Los Angeles County Department of Health websites. Depending on the destination, it is possible that families who have traveled to high alert countries may be asked to keep their children home for two weeks, as recommended by these agencies.
As of this writing, I am aware of no authorities—the CDC, the Los Angeles County Department of Health, or others—that are recommending limiting contact with people because of recent travel, unless they have been to mainland China. Similarly, authorities have specifically warned against avoiding contact with others based on national origin, race, or ethnicity.
We are following, and will continue to follow, the directives from agencies responsible for public health. Should you have any questions about how best to make decisions related to your own family's health, preventative measures, or travel, I'd encourage you to refer to the same resources, checking the CDC or L.A. County Department of Health websites linked above. The CDC currently recommends avoiding travel to China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy, with less severe warnings for travel to Japan and Hong Kong.
Recognizing the changing nature of this situation, academic leaders and our technology coaches on both campuses are reviewing existing protocols, training, and resources that would be used to structure support for both faculty and students should Wildwood School be instructed to close for any period of time. Although we are hopeful such a disruptive action will prove unnecessary, we are prepared. The primary tool to be used would be the school's Learning Management System, already in place. Wildwood School families without internet access at home should contact director of technology, Sean Daniels at sdaniels@wildwood.org.
Should there be any significant updates to share in the coming weeks, I'll write again. For now, you have all my good wishes.
Warmly,
Landis Green Head of School Wildwood School |