December 15, 2020
Dear Members of the WRA Community,
As we enter the last week in our Temporary Distance Learning Model, I trust that you are staying safe and are beginning to feel the spirit of the holiday season in your homes and in your hearts. Although it should be of no surprise to me, as we as a community have shown our resilience in so many ways during this challenging year, I do continue to be amazed by the energy and enthusiasm of our Pioneers as they engage virtually.
We all know that nothing replaces our in-person learning and we are so looking forward to the return of so many of our students in January. With numbers of COVID-19 cases continuing to be high and hospitals being pushed to the brink of capacity, we remain committed to doing all that we reasonably can to create as safe an environment as possible. We are proud of the relatively low numbers of cases that we had on campus this fall and the even smaller number that actually initiated through on-campus spread. This is a testament to both our protocols and the diligence of all of our community members. Thank you for your help in modeling good behaviors.
Today, I share with you some additional steps that we will be taking as we prepare for our January return. Please know that these steps were developed in conjunction with advice from our own medical team as well as the Centers for Disease Control, Ohio Department of Health, Summit County Public Health and BowTie Medical.
TESTING:
Western Reserve Academy has partnered with BowTie Medical to conduct a baseline test for all students and employees that will be administered upon return to campus on January 3 and 4. This testing process will include a rapid test that will be given during specific times on one of these two dates. The following is some key information related to this testing:
SYMPTOM TRACKER:
Beginning in January, a new symptom checker utilizing Boardingware will replace the current BioIQ symptom tracker. All students and employees will be required to complete the tracker daily. A link will be sent via email at 5:30 a.m. each morning to complete the symptom checker prior to arriving at school or class. Students will be required to show the all clear confirmation message to their first period teacher.
ATHLETICS:
Out of an abundance of caution, and following the advice provided by medical and athletic professionals, WRA will not participate in any athletic competitions during the entire month of January. Teams may practice while following all safety guidelines and taking all precautions to limit the risk of exposure. This will include, but not be limited to, following all mask recommendations for specific sports and the WRA fitness center.
During the suspension of WRA competitions, students will not be permitted to participate in group athletic competitions, showcases and practices off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, club sports.
In the third week of January, WRA will assess COVID-19 data and health partner recommendations to explore the commencement of winter sport competitions scheduled for February. We fully understand the importance that athletics plays in the physical and mental well-being of our students. We also note that competition and visibility can be essential for some college placement opportunities. WRA will make every effort to provide safe engagement and participation for all students. We also aspire to provide some level of competition during the winter season should it be feasible to do so. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work toward this goal.
CAMPUS EXPECTATIONS:
Summit County is currently at a Level Purple on the Health Advisory System. This suggests that all activities and interactions should be limited. Recommendations are applicable to the entire community including our employees and students. We respectfully request that all individuals and families follow the guidelines as listed in the Public Health Recommendations for School Administrators, Staff, Parents and Students (December 7, 2020).
During the projected escalation of COVID-19 cases in January, we ask day students to limit their campus activity to the hours of classes and athletics during the weekdays. We also reiterate the importance of limiting exposure to contagion by refraining from engagement in off campus gatherings and the procurement of non-essential items. Protocols that are practiced on campus should also be followed while off-campus. For boarding students, activity should be restricted to campus to the extent possible. Trips into Hudson should be limited to only the procurement of essential items. Weekend leaves should only be requested if extenuating circumstances require that students leave campus. If you perceive challenge in meeting these expectations, WRA invites you to explore the availability of options in our online "Piofar" program. Please contact Director of Enrollment Management Jenni Biehn in the Admission Office for more information.
WRA is committed to providing a robust and exciting campus experience for all of our students. The Student Life Office, along with the other members of our residential program, is working diligently to create programs that will allow for socially distanced fun, community building and stress prevention.
As always, our medical professionals in both our Health Center and our Office of Counseling and Psychological Services are prepared to help any student navigate these challenging times. They, along with all of us here on campus, are so grateful for your partnership in helping to keep everyone safe and allowing for our in-person learning to begin again soon.
WRA will continue to monitor, assess and adjust our protocols as needed and we will be in regular communication with you. You may continue to visit our recently updated COVID FAQ page at www.wra.net/coronavirus. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Health Center at healthcenter@wra.net.
Sending wishes of health, peace, comfort and most of all … JOY!
With the warmest of wishes,
Mrs. Suzanne Walker Buck Head of School Western Reserve Academy
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