Covid-19 Information

Good afternoon PCD families,

I trust that by now you’ve received our phone communication that the entire school will be virtual tomorrow, Monday, November 16th. Given the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in our local area, RIDOH has been inundated with cases over the last two weeks, thus making contact tracing a time consuming endeavor. We want to make sure we are handling our first case with the utmost level of caution. 

To allow our amazing facilities team the opportunity to do a deep clean of the entire campus, and to give RIDOH ample opportunity to initiate thorough contact tracing, we thought the best next step was to conduct school remotely for tomorrow. Once we get further direction from RIDOH we will communicate with you on the status of learning for Tuesday and the balance of the week. 

This is the virtual schedule we will be utilizing: 

• Tomorrow remains a “T” day. 

• We will hold a full-school morning meeting at 9:30am during community time (https://zoom.us/j/373840462). 

• Students should email teachers if they would like to meet with them on Zoom during Office Hours (between 8:15-8:45am, and again from 1:15-3:00pm).

A list of zoom links for all teachers is available here: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zlKc8ciHz5NQ5tjtNuWl8PukcexgSNcqmK-TQbR1ako/edit?usp=sharing

(Please note that this file is only available to students and faculty.)

Students are also reminded that they can view their own personal virtual schedule on PlusPortals. A screenshot with instructions on how to find that is attached. 

General information about PCD's Safety Policies and Procedures related to COVID-19 is available on our COVID-19 webpage: https://www.providencecountryday.org/about-pcd/covid19. Should you have any questions about testing protocol, or if your child is symptomatic, please contact our School Nurse, Lisa-Mae Costa (costa@providencecountryday.org).

Director of Technology, Mr. King, sent out a technology survey last week. Students are requested to fill out this survey as soon as possible so that Mr. King can ascertain needs.

In light of this sudden schedule shift, we will wait on sending out the typical “Sunday email” until we better understand what this week looks like. 

I will be sending out an update tomorrow afternoon. 

Thank you,

Kevin Folan
Head of School

Good Afternoon PCD Community,

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and is feeling healthy and refreshed. I want to thank the community for cooperation and compliance with the new safety protocols, specifically keeping students who are ill home and communicating symptoms with me. We truly have a great community and it is wonderful to see us all working together to keep it safe. Below are a few updates and reminders from my office that I would like to share. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Our annual Flu Clinic will be held this Friday, October 2, 2020 - by appointment 2:30pm-5:30pm. I encourage everyone to consider the Flu vaccine to protect your health and the health of the community this season more than ever.  Please sign up for a time slot using the link below. 

You must register online at schoolflu.com to schedule an appointment.
• Walk-ins will NOT be allowed.
• Registration closes at noon Thursday, October 1, 2020.
• Insurance information will be collected, but the vaccine is FREE whether you have insurance or not.  

Rapid testing is available for any K-12 student who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Information on how to schedule a test can be found below. Please refer to COVID-19 Information for Families for information on symptoms and exclusion time from school.

• All students who receive a negative rapid test are required to continue to stay home and quarantine until PCR test is confirmed negative.
• Return After Illness Attestation Form must be completed and return to the health office once the student is cleared to return. 

Rhode Island Department of Health
COVID-19 K-12 Testing for Students and Staff
To schedule a test call: (844) 857 - 1814
7 Days a Week: 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM
https://health.ri.gov/covid/testing/k-12/  

Travel: If you are traveling back to Rhode Island from one of the states listed here with a positivity rate of COVID-19 greater than 5%, you are required to quarantine for 14 days after arrival while in Rhode Island. As an exception, you may provide proof of a negative test for COVID-19 that was taken within 72 hours before arriving in Rhode Island. If you receive a test during your quarantine in Rhode Island and get a negative test result, you can stop quarantining. However, you still need to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after arrival, wear a mask in public, and follow physical distancing guidelines. You also must quarantine while waiting for a negative test result.

Quarantining for 14 days is always preferred over relying on a negative test result as quarantining is the best way to limit the possibility of spreading COVID-19. Learn more about RI travel restrictions. 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. 

Thank you,
Lisa-Mae
--
Lisa-Mae Costa BSN, RN
School Nurse
Providence Country Day School
660 Waterman Ave.
East Providence, RI  02914
www.providencecountryday.org
costa@providencecountryday.org
401.438.5170 ext. 153

Dear PCD Families,

Everyone at PCD is very excited to get started with the new school year and we look forward to seeing our students again! We have a host of schedules and new procedures to share with you. I do apologize for throwing so much information at you all at once, but there is so much to share!

First, as our planning continues to evolve, we would like to gain information about your child’s plans for the first month of school. Consistency is important, and we want to make sure students are not deciding on a day-to-day basis if they will be in person or remote. Please complete this survey: https://forms.gle/a9equ4XBPWr2rJ557.

Second, our plan and schedule for Wednesday, September 2nd is as follows:

Students will come to campus at designated times on this day. While on campus they will have their individual photos taken for school IDs and the yearbook, say hello to their teachers, tour the new set-up inside the academic buildings, and spend time with their advisory group. Please wear special occasion dress for this day along with your face mask. The schedule will be:

8:00-9:00am: 9th grade and 6th grade on campus

9:00-10:30am: 12th grade and 8th grade on campus

10:30am-12:00noon: 10th grade and 7th grade on campus

12:00-1:30pm: 11th grade on campus

*After 1:30 PM: there will be some time for students who are remaining remote to come to campus by appointment for photos and to speak with teachers. To make an appointment, contact either Mrs. Jen Caletri (for Middle School students) or Mrs. Kelly Hutchinson (for Upper School students). 

Third, our schedule for both Thursday, September 3rd and Friday, September 4th will be a “K” day, with half of the school attending each day. Our new “KNIGHTS” daily schedule is available here: https://www.providencecountryday.org/about-pcd/covid19/schedule 

9/3/2020: On Thursday, September 3rd, students with the last names A through K will attend in person for a full day of classes. Students with the last names A through K, who are starting the year remotely, will attend these classes via the Zoom platform. 

(Students with last names L through Z will not attend classes on this day and will have the day off.)

9/4/2020: On Friday, September 4th, we will reverse. Students with last names L through Z will attend school on campus and in person. Students with the last names L through Z, who are starting the year remotely, will attend these classes via the Zoom platform. 

(Students with last names A through K will not attend classes on this day and will have the day off.) 

Fourth, we have several upcoming meetings we invite you to attend:

Tuesday, August 25 at 6pm: Virtual parent forum on Athletics 

Thursday, August 27 at 4pm: Virtual meeting with all Middle School students 

Thursday, August 27 at 5pm: Virtual meeting with all Upper School students 

Parents may attend these student meetings as well if they wish. These meetings are all via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/373840462.

Fifth, community members should keep this information in mind, and refer to these documents as needed for further details and information:

• Students are reminded to wear a mask at all times, maintain six feet of separation between people, and follow the guides for one-way traffic in the hallways. 

• A daily self-attestation must be completed. More information will be coming regarding downloading and using the SchoolPass app.

• Reminder: all medical forms must be completed prior to the start of school. Students will not be permitted on campus without completed 2020-2021 Medical Forms.

• Please refer to the following documents as needed:

  • PCD’s Safety & Response Sick Policy 

  • PCD’s COVID-19 Parent and Student Handbook Addendum

  • FAQS for Re-entry and Health & Safety Procedures 

  • Dress Code 2020-2021

Finally, regarding athletics: during the first two weeks of school, 9/2-9/11, there will be no sports for the Middle or Upper Schools. The school day will end at 3pm for both divisions. Beginning on September 14th, sports will resume as normal for both the Middle and Upper Schools. Middle School practices will begin at 2:30pm and end at 3:45pm, while the Upper School will begin at 3:45pm and end at 5:30pm. More information and details are forthcoming. 

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to maintain a healthy and effective start of the school year. Our partnership this year will be critical to our success. As always, should you wish to discuss this situation at greater length do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you, 

Kevin Folan

Head of School

Dear PCD community,

I hope that everyone enjoyed the much needed cooler weather this weekend. It already feels like fall is in the air! 

As promised, I write to you today with an update from my call with Angelica Infante-Green, Commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), who helped clarify private school decision-making following Governor Raimondo’s announcement last week. RIDE made it clear that independent schools do not need to follow the revised public school calendar, however that we are bound by regulations from the Department of Health.

Timely and efficient COVID-19 testing continues to be a problem here in Rhode Island, although progress is being made. Having the ability to consistently get test results within 48-72 hours is incredibly important for our reopening plan. Governor Raimondo and Commissioner Infante-Green are confident that this standard will be met for our return to campus the week of August 31st. 

I am pleased to announce that in-person learning will start on September 2nd in a staggered reopening. In order to help our students, faculty, and staff learn PCD’s new policies and procedures, doing so with a smaller population will help ensure a safe and healthy start. Our first few days will focus on building relationships, developing our community, setting high academic expectations, and practicing our new health and safety protocols. 

On Wednesday, September 2nd, all students will attend school on a drop-in schedule for a variety of activities. A schedule with specific times will be forthcoming. 

On Thursday, September 3rd, students with the last names A through K will attend in person for a full day of classes. Students with last names L through Z will not attend school on this day. 

On Friday, September 4th, we will reverse. Students with last names L through Z will attend school on campus and in person. Last names A to K will stay home. 

Presuming these first three days go smoothly, our entire student body will be back on campus on Tuesday, September 8th for full day instruction. 

For families who are choosing to start the year remotely, we will provide instructions for your child to attend these advisory meetings and classes virtually. 

I am sure you have many questions. Know that my team and I are here to help and to make this transition as smooth as possible. This Thursday, August 20th, I will be hosting virtual “Coffee with Kevin” (https://zoom.us/j/373840462) sessions at both 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. so we can walk through any questions or concerns you may have about our reopening plan. 

By the week of August 24th, we will need to hear your schooling plans for your child (in-person or remote) that we expect you will commit to for the month of September.

Your patience, support, and encouragement these last several months has been invaluable. I continue to believe that PCD’s small size will afford us the ability to remain flexible and nimble as the situation evolves. As always, should you wish to have a specific conversation about your child please reach out to me directly. 

Sincerely,

Kevin Folan
Head of School

Dear PCD community,

As you may have seen, this afternoon Governor Raimondo announced her decision to push back public school openings in Rhode Island until September 14th. This decision comes after Rhode Island’s teachers unions sent a letter to Raimondo and State Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green requesting a delay in reopening due to concerns over safety and school preparedness. Additionally, Governor Raimondo also expressed concerns about the state’s current ability to quickly test Rhode Islanders.

PCD is able to meet these safety requirements, as well as state mandated guidelines for reopening. Our full reopening plan, which addresses these and other issues, can be found here. 

Although PCD is able to meet these reopening guidelines, I am working with peer independent schools to discern the best next step for our community. RIDE and RIDOH are hosting a call with area private school Heads this friday to discuss the situation in further detail.  

Please know that regardless of whether or not we will be able to hold classes on campus, PCD will be commencing the fall trimester on September 2nd. 

Our guiding and organizing principles remain:

• Keep the health and safety of all PCD constituents, particularly our students, employees, and parents, as our #1 priority

• Reopen our campus for 2020-2021 in a healthy, responsible way that will include new policies and protocols

• Stay true to the PCD mission by providing high-quality programming and cultivating a sense of community

• Take advantage of our beautiful campus by maximizing outdoor time 

• Maximize technological preparedness to provide solutions for community members with individual health concerns

• Prepare for a number of different scenarios based on the most updated information on the spread of COVID-19.

Fortunately, one of our primary planning drivers has been flexibility. My team has designed our school year to respond quickly to new information to provide for the safest and most effective learning experience for all of our community members. I will plan to send an updated email this upcoming Monday, August 17th.

Thank you, 

Kevin Folan
Head of School

Good evening PCD families,

Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding nearly all aspects of life this summer, the PCD campus has been abuzz with activity throughout the month of July. The PCD Summer Camp wraps up a successful five week program tomorrow, Metcalf Hall is being transformed before our very eyes, and our new turf field and Dickerman Diamond has hosted a variety of soccer and baseball matches. 

While all of these signs point to a return to normalcy, as we look at various parts of our country we recognize that COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc. A big thank you goes out to 145 families who completed our parent survey. Our partnership in exchanging ideas and sharing thoughts is so vital to our planning process. Our Re-Entry Task Force has shifted to weekly meetings so that we can do everything possible to re-open our campus safely and responsibly. Please find an updated version of our Reopening Plan here.

Earlier this week I was interviewed about our planning process and thoughts on school reopenings on GoLocalProv. You may find the interview interesting as it provides additional thoughts about our planning process. 

In other news, beloved PCD teacher Sharon Hanover has notified us of her retirement and that she will not be returning to PCD this fall. Sharon has been a stalwart educator at PCD for twenty-five years, impacting nearly every facet of school life. Former Middle School Dean of Students, role model and mentor to decades of PCD students, grandmother to three PCD alums, mother of a former faculty member, and classroom teacher extraordinaire encapsulates just a few of the many hats Sharon wore during her illustrious career. Please join me in congratulating Sharon on an outstanding career. 

For our Virtual Town Hall next week, we will hear from our nurse, Lisa-Mae Costa, about our health and safety protocols; Jen Aitken and Jen Caletri will review some scheduling changes for the fall; we will then open to a Q and A with our community. The town hall link is: https://zoom.us/j/373840462

Parents are encouraged to complete the annual registration and medical forms. The registration section of the website contains these forms, along with a variety of information about textbook ordering, student summer assignments, and the school calendar. Everything is available here: https://www.providencecountryday.org/parents/registration

Thank you to PCD’s Parent Association: in addition to numerous projects throughout the year, they are currently building an online textbook swap spreadsheet where you will be able to see if any of next year’s books are available from a fellow PCD family. That link will be coming next week. 

Please know that as our knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 continues to evolve, our policies and plans will be updated as appropriate and as more information becomes available. This is a dynamic plan, not a static one. 

If you’ve driven by PCD in the last few months, you’ve seen our large banner, “Community is more important than ever.” I truly believe that our connections, especially now, are so vital. I invite you to join Rachel and me this evening on campus for our Parent Art Night. If tonight doesn’t work, I hope you will join us for some other events in the next few weeks. These events, along with other important dates, are as follows:

July 30th (TONIGHT!) - Parent Art Night at 7 p.m. behind Metcalf Hall.

August 5th - PCD Virtual Town Hall, 4 p.m. - PCD’s Re-Entry Task Force will provide updates on the Reopening Plan and will answer questions or concerns.

August 17th - Community Social Hour, 7 p.m. - Head of School will spend a few minutes updating the community on the Reopening Plan. Location (virtual or in-person, TBD) 

August 17th - 29th - Preseason Athletics (postponed)

September 1st - New Student Orientation

September 2nd - First Day of Classes

Thank you,

Kevin Folan
Head of School

Dear PCD families,

During its 97 year history, the Providence Country Day School has endured and subsequently triumphed over a myriad of challenges.  The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the strength of the PCD community and highlighted the resourcefulness of the faculty and staff, the resilience of the students, and partnership with our families.  There is no question that PCD is a stronger institution now than it was just six months ago.  

Providence Country Day School’s policies and protocols for reopening our campus for the Fall of 2020 will be rooted in safety for our constituents, remaining flexible and nimble so we can respond to this evolving situation, and communicating in a proactive and transparent manner so that all parties stay informed.

Our guiding and organizing principles:

• Keep the health and safety of all PCD constituents, particularly our students, employees, and parents, as our #1 priority

• Reopen our campus for 2020-2021 in a healthy, responsible way that will include new policies and protocols

• Stay true to the PCD mission by providing high-quality programming and cultivating a sense of community

• Take advantage of our beautiful campus by maximizing outdoor time 

• Maximize technological preparedness to provide solutions for community members with individual health concerns

• Prepare for a number of different scenarios based on the most updated information on the spread of COVID-19.

Our reopening plan will be aligned and consistent with local orders and ordinances of the State of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Department of Health, and the Rhode Island Department of Education. We will also follow recommendations from the federal government (Opening Guidelines), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and adopt best practices from international schools that have already reopened. 

Earlier this afternoon we held an all-community virtual meeting to review our decision-making process and our Re-Entry Task Force’s plan for the opening of school this fall. A recording of the meeting is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hbat0ZT9GSigybTwtszBrJDLwmvuWXFt/view?usp=sharing

Attached to this email is a PDF containing our plans for the fall. These plans are in the form of FAQs, and are in two-parts. [PDF LINK]

We invite families to participate in a survey regarding your attitude involving school this fall. That survey is available here: https://forms.gle/3M4Qy9PtczLK7trW6

Please know that as our knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 continues to evolve, our policies and plans will be updated as appropriate and as more information becomes available. This a dynamic plan, not a static one. 

Lastly, I invite you to continue building our community at some of our upcoming events. These events, along with other important dates, are as follows:

July 30th - Parent Art Night at 7 p.m. and an updated Reopening Plan will be sent via email to the PCD community. 

August 5th - PCD Virtual Town Hall, 4 p.m. - PCD’s Re-Entry Task Force will provide updates on the Reopening Plan and will answer questions or concerns.

August 17th - Community Social Hour, 7 p.m. - Head of School will spend a few minutes updating the community on the Reopening Plan. 

August 17th - 29th - Preseason athletics 

September 1st - New Student Orientation

September 2nd - First Day of Classes

Thank you,

Kevin Folan

Head of School

Dear PCD community,

Belated Happy Father’s Day to all the PCD dads out there! I trust that this email finds you and your loved ones doing well and that your children are enjoying the first few weeks of summer break. For me, I am still riding the high of our Commencement and Stepping Up Day ceremonies from two weeks ago.

I write to you today to provide updates on our planning process for our fall opening. Governor Raimondo has held two recent press conferences that outlined the State’s commitment to open school this Fall and provided schools with guidelines necessary to open school on time and safely. While we remain optimistic that our students and teachers will be back on campus this fall, we continue to prepare for multiple scenarios.  

To help you better understand the work of PCD’s Re-Entry Task Force, please find the following guiding and organizing principles that outline our priorities. 

Guiding and organizing principles:

• Keep the health and safety of all PCD constituents, particularly our students, employees, and parents, as our #1 priority

• Reopen our campus for 2020-2021 in a healthy, responsible way that will include new policies and protocols

• Stay true to the PCD mission by providing high-quality programming and cultivating a sense of community

• Take advantage of our beautiful campus by maximizing outdoor time 

• Maximize technological preparedness to provide solutions for community members with individual health concerns

• Prepare for a number of different scenarios based on the most updated information on the spread of COVID-19.

We hope this graphic will help you to conceptualize our decision-making process. Our Re-Entry Task Force meets again tomorrow, June 23rd, and we will have an updated, more detailed plan for our Virtual Town Hall on July 14th at 4 p.m. 

The PCD Team continues to work with local, national, and international experts to ensure we have the most accurate information possible. Given that health experts learn more about COVID-19 on a daily basis and we are still nine weeks away from the opening of school, we do anticipate that things may shift. 

Earlier today I was interviewed about our planning process on GoLocalProv. You may find the interview interesting as it provides additional thoughts about our planning process. https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=289523038864509

 

As always, should you wish to discuss this situation at greater length do not hesitate to contact me. I hope that some of you will be able to join the Folan family Thursday evening for our Trivia Night (the link will be emailed tomorrow).

Sincerely,

Kevin Folan

Good afternoon PCD families,

While many of us were expecting Governor Raimondo’s announcement today, I am writing to inform you that Providence Country Day School will extend its distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Although the remote learning has been going quite smoothly, nothing can replace the face-to-face teaching and mentorship we do on campus. I am saddened and disappointed by this news, but know that the PCD team remains motivated. 

Closing campus for the remainder of the school year means that we need to either cancel or reimagine tried and true PCD traditions. In conjunction with Governor Raimondo, the RIIL has officially cancelled all spring athletic seasons. As a credit to our incredible team at PCD, Grandparents Day and Field Day will still take place, but in a virtual format to be unveiled at a later time. One specific calendar update is that there will be no school on Monday, May 4th. Given the enormous amount of prep work required by our teachers for distance learning, the faculty and staff will take May 4th as a Professional Development Day.

Typically, springtime is particularly special for our senior class. Know that the PCD faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees remains committed to having a graduation ceremony, in person, for our senior class and a “stepping up” day for our 8th graders. While we cannot yet commit to a specific date, know that this is our continued plan.

As we will continue with virtual learning for the remainder of the school year, PCD will issue a prorated refund of the meal plan based on the tuition your family pays. We will credit your FACTS account in April. Should you have specific questions about this please contact our Business Office.

I am excited to “see” everyone tomorrow at our Virtual Town Hall at 3pm. We will be joined by two guests, Michele Cloutier and Jason Cloutier, who will talk about distance learning and Pass/Fail grading as pertains to college applications. Michele is the Vice President of Enrollment Management at Bryant University and Jason is the Regional Admissions Director at Xavier University. We will also review the feedback from last week’s survey and then open the discussion to questions and answers. 

There are many decisions that still need to be made in the coming days, weeks, and months. Know that the health and wellbeing of our students, parents, and teachers remain at the forefront of our planning. Should you wish to connect about anything outlined in this letter please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you again for all your support and patience as we all learn and grow from these extraordinary times. We are stronger together as one PCD.

Sincerely,

Kevin Folan
Head of School

Dear PCD community,

Let me start with a thank you and an apology. 

First, thank you to the many students, parents, teachers, and alumni who attended our first Virtual Town Hall Meeting. I was inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, and optimism on display. Second, I apologize to the many PCD constituents who were locked out for the first 20 minutes because of the 100 participant cap. We had contacted Zoom earlier this week to raise our participant threshold to 500, but it did not go into effect until Mr. King gave the company another nudge today. I am sorry to those of you who could not join us, however, there will be many more opportunities for us to engage and to share information. As promised, here is the link to today's recording for anyone who could not attend: https://youtu.be/eAsKat27ujA 

Below are a few reminders on upcoming events you should be aware of:

Need to pick up books or other school supplies on campus? You can meet me outside Murray House on Monday, March 30th from 4-5pm and Tuesday, March 31st from 12-1pm.

March 30th, 3pm - Advisory meetings. Zoom links will be sent to student emails.

Do you still have some lingering questions or are you just eager to connect? 

Coffee w/ Kevin, Monday, March 30th at 7am, Link - https://zoom.us/j/280762719?pwd=cFBWdzJwRHVqSWxWTk05TDlLZWVjQT09

Fun w/ the Folans, Tuesday, March 31st at 8pm Link - https://zoom.us/j/679365823?pwd=SDMvOVo5TzErMHk0ek9MOGVRMnN2QT09

Although this is not the way I had envisioned kicking off our spring trimester, I could not be more excited and eager to welcome your kids back from spring break. Know that we will get through this together as one PCD. 

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Have a great weekend.

Gratefully,

Kevin

-- 

Kevin Folan
Head of School
401.438.5170 x228

​​Dear PCD Families, 

Thank you all for your support and patience over the last few weeks! As we are preparing for distance learning, I created a short video greeting for our community: 
https://www.facebook.com/ProvidenceCountryDay/videos/2783363421754768/

Tomorrow (Friday, March 27th) at 1pm we will be holding our first ever PCD Virtual Town Hall Meeting. The PCD leadership team and I will be available to answer questions that you may have. This meeting is open to all students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Our agenda is as follows:

1. Welcome
2. Virtual learning plan and schedule
3. Teacher prep
4. Advisory Zoom check-ins Monday at 3pm
5. What if I forgot something on campus?
6. Access to Kevin and other staff / Upcoming Virtual Events
7. Upcoming decisions 
8. Technology Support
9. Resources: www.providencecountryday.org/covid19
10. Q&A

The Zoom Meeting link is: https://zoom.us/j/9881984511. To dial in, call 1-646-558-8656, and use this meeting ID: 988 198 4511. 

I am excited to see everyone tomorrow afternoon! In the meantime, please visit the resources page at www.providencecountryday.org/covid19, and in particular, please review the technology section and make sure you have access to all of the sites and equipment your child will need to access distance learning next week. 

Thank you!

Kevin Folan
Head of School
 

Dear PCD Families,

 

I write to you today to provide an update on Governor Raimondo’s announcement earlier today and PCD’s continued response to this rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. As expected, Governor Raimondo declared that all Rhode Island schools, K-12, will be conducting instruction remotely until April 3. Furthermore, in conjunction with other RI Independent School Heads, we are extending that timeline an additional week and will continue distance learning through Monday, April 13. While we are conducting remote learning, all after-school activities are postponed, including athletics. 

 

Since the PCD team has been preparing for this possibility for several weeks, our teachers are set to execute virtual classes starting Wednesday, April 1. I want to give our faculty two full days of professional development to ensure a fluid launch of our remote learning. This will build on planning begun before our current March break. As a fellow parent, I am sure your mind is racing with a bevy of questions and thoughts. I invite you to join me for a PCD Virtual Town Hall on Friday, March 27th at 1 p.m. so we can lay out in detail our instructional plan and answer any questions to help minimize any concerns. You will receive a conference link next Friday with login details.

 

I have been moved by the outpouring of support and gratitude from a number of you. Despite the many challenges we face not only as a school, but also as Americans and global citizens, our strength will come from our collective efforts to work through this together.

 

I have every confidence that the PCD team is more than prepared to meet this significant challenge. Know that I am always a phone call, email, or video conference link away should you wish to have a conversation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kevin Folan

Head of School

Dear PCD families,

 

So much for hearing from me on March 23rd…

 

As you may have heard, Governor Raimondo and Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott just announced the closure of all schools in Rhode Island for the week of March 16th. Although we are already on break, this decision has further confirmed the importance of our diligent preparation for virtual instruction.  

 

In an effort to contain the virus from spreading further, all K-12 public schools in the state will shift their anticipated April break to next week---effectively closing for one week---and thereafter they will adopt a week-by-week approach in terms of deciding whether to hold school in person or through distance learning. The Governor also asked all people who can work from home to consider doing so next week and banned visitation to nursing homes.

 

Dr. Alexander-Scott emphasized that, as a tool for combating the spread of infectious disease, school closure works best when there is unified action. In support of this statewide effort, all PCD athletic practices are canceled next week. We hope that athletic practices can begin the following week, and we will update the community no later than next Friday, March 20.

 

The Governor also announced that, by authority of an executive order, any Rhode Islander who has traveled anywhere outside the mainland United States within the preceding 14 days must undergo a 14-day self-quarantine before returning to work or school.

 

As I indicated yesterday, if you plan to travel internationally please contact our nurse, Lisa-Mae Costa immediately at costa@providencecountryday.org. 

 

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work to maintain the health and safety of the PCD community. As always, should you wish to discuss this situation at greater length do not hesitate to contact me.

 

We wish everyone a happy and healthy Spring Break.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kevin

Head of School

Dear PCD families,

 

In the continued spirit of transparency and proactive communication during this unprecedented public health crisis, I write to you this afternoon to provide an update on the Coronavirus, PCD’s continued response and preparation, and proactive measures currently underway as we head into our two week spring break. 

 

The number of colleges and universities that have chosen to close school for the remainder of the year has been startling. Just last night, the National Basketball Association (N.B.A.) suspended the remainder of its season. I urge everyone in the coming days and weeks to join me in monitoring local, national, and global news during the break. Governor Raimondo’s press conference yesterday afternoon was helpful and informative. A few of the important highlights are:

 

• The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Education do not recommend the closure of schools unless there is a widespread illness or a documented case in the school. For the majority of students, school is the safest place for kids.

• Students, individuals under the age of 60, and those without compromised immune or respiratory systems are not at high risk for the illness.

• RIDOH and RIDE recommend the cancellation or postponement of events that include 250 or more visitors to the schools for at least the next two weeks. For our Middle School play this evening, we are asking each family to limit attendance to two guests to help ensure we stay under the 250 person threshold.

• RIDOH advises that someone twice removed from a COVID-19 patient (referred to as a Contact of a Contact) does not need to be quarantined from work or school, as long as the direct Contact is not symptomatic. 

 

In addition to the many travel advisories that emerged over the last several weeks, last night President Trump issued a travel ban to Europe for 30 days. On the basis of these warnings, and out of an abundance of caution, PCD is asking all families that travel internationally, or that have contact with someone who has traveled internationally, to notify our nurse, Lisa-Mae Costa, immediately at costa@providencecountryday.org. In following the guidance of health officials, and in consultation with medical experts, visits to PCD’s campus by those who have travelled outside the United States may be restricted on a case-by-case basis. We will need everyone’s cooperation with these policies in order to maintain a healthy school environment.

 

What are we doing at PCD? Here are a few highlights:

 

• Asking all students to bring home textbooks, notebooks, and classroom materials over the break.

• Consistent communication with local health officials, fellow peer educators, and internal administration.

• Doing a more thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the campus over the spring break.

• Continuing to prepare for moving to a virtual school operation in the event of a closure.

• Encouraging basic health hygiene, including proper hand washing, staying home if sick, using hand sanitizer, etc.

 

PCD is carefully considering the best course of action during this rapidly changing situation, and continues to be guided by the recommendations of the CDC and the World Health Organization, as well as participating in weekly calls with the Rhode Island Department of Health and peer independent school leadership. I will plan to send out another communication on March 23rd, if not sooner.

 

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work to maintain the health and safety of the PCD community. As always, should you wish to discuss this situation at greater length do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Thank you,

 

Kevin Folan

Head of School

Good Afternoon PCD families,

In the spirit of transparency and proactive communication, I write to you this afternoon to provide an update on the Coronavirus and PCD’s continued response and preparation. Following the first confirmed COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island earlier this week, PCD took a number of steps to ensure student, employee, and parent well-being:

• Met with all students and employees Monday morning to discuss the situation and answer any questions.
• Increased the availability of hand sanitizers and provided disinfectant wipes in classrooms and throughout classrooms.
• Dining staff is distributing food during lunch to minimize transmission of germs.
• Daily administration check-ins to update and share information.

March Break Travel

With March break comes an increase in domestic and international travel, and we are urging individuals to stay informed about the latest advisories. Of particular help as you prepare to travel—or, perhaps, determine whether you will still travel—is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s “Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel” page. This resource provides both a global interactive risk assessment map, offering country-specific travel health information about COVID-19, and detailed information regarding the Risk Assessment Level designations issued for countries around the world.

As of March 5, China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran are Level 3 designations, which means all non-essential travel should be avoided and that entry of foreign nationals from China and Iran has been suspended. Japan is currently a designated Level 2 country, which means older adults or those who have chronic medical conditions should consider postponing travel.

 

Returning to PCD After March Break
Providence Country Day is asking that all families, faculty, and staff engage in careful contemplation and ask themselves the following:

• Have I traveled to or from a destination to which the CDC has assigned an elevated risk?
• Have I been in close contact with anyone who has recently traveled to or from a destination to which the CDC has assigned an elevated risk?
• Am I, or someone in my household, exhibiting symptoms—such as fever, shortness of breath, and/or coughing—that could indicate infection and have not yet seen a medical professional?

If the answer to any of these is YES, we ask you to observe a 14-day self-quarantine period at home—commencing the day after departure from the Level 3 or 2 country—before re-entering PCD. Individuals should carefully follow health officials' policies and procedures, and call their doctors if they have further questions.

Virtual Learning
PCD school leaders are working on plans for remote learning in the event of school disruption, and we will work with local schools and health officials on this front for their guidance. Should those plans become realized, we will communicate with you directly.

COVID-19 Hotline
Yesterday in a press conference, the Rhode Island Department of Health instituted a COVID-19 hotline to answer health-specific questions, which you can access by calling 401-222-8022.

PCD is carefully considering the best course of action during this rapidly changing situation, and continues to be guided by the recommendations of the CDC and the World Health Organization, as well as participating in weekly calls with the Rhode Island Department of Health and peer independent school leadership.

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work to maintain the health and safety of the PCD community. As always, should you wish to discuss this situation at greater length do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

 

Kevin Folan

Head of School

Good Morning Families, 

 

This is just a brief note to let you know that we held an all-school assembly this morning. We updated the student body regarding the current happenings in the state, and we reviewed sanitizing procedures that we are enacting in the school.

 

We also opened the assembly to student questions, which our nurse, Lisa-Mae Costa, and I answered to the best of our abilities. Our goals continue to include transparency with students and parents, along with encouraging the prevention of rumor spreading and overreacting. 

 

There were two very important facts stressed during the assembly:

 

1. The primary way to catch the coronavirus is to be exposed to someone who is displaying symptoms. 

2. Students and staff should stay home if they are sick, regardless of symptoms. 

 

We will continue to update families as information develops. 

 

Thank you, 

 

Kevin Folan

Head of School

Good afternoon PCD community,

 

The safety of our students, parents, and employees is our highest priority and I want to be sure that everyone is sufficiently informed. I know that I just wrote to our community on Friday, but there have been further developments on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) today. This morning, Governor Raimondo announced that a case of coronavirus has been identified in Rhode Island. 

 

1. Our playoff hockey game scheduled for this evening has been cancelled. As you may know our team is comprised of a co-op with Saint Raphael Academy (St. Ray’s) and Wheeler School. It has been confirmed that a member of the St. Ray’s community has tested positive for Coronavirus. I share this information with you simply to provide as much transparency as possible as this situation continues to unfold.

 

[Please note that out of an abundance of caution, St. Ray’s is closing tomorrow and Tuesday; we do not believe there is currently a threat to the PCD community. More information is available here: https://www.saintrays.org/virtual-days-march-2]

 

2. The Coronavirus has now been identified in more than 50 countries, including the United States, and this week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a warning that the virus is likely to continue spreading within the U.S. The risk to any particular individual remains low and the CDC is urging common preventive hygiene rather than alarm. Members of PCD’s administrative and health teams have been monitoring the situation closely and consulting with experts so that we are prepared to respond accordingly.

 

While I risk sounding like a “broken record”, I want to remind everyone that the best thing we can do to keep illness contained is to stay home if you are ill and follow these basic safety precautions:

• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way. 

• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. 

• When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow. 

• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. 

• Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs.
   

3. The CDC has issued a Level 3 warning (discouraging all non-essential travel) for China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran, and a Level 2 alert (recommending enhanced precautions) for Japan. On the basis of these advisories, and out of an abundance of caution, PCD is asking all families that travel to any of these countries, or that have contact with someone who has traveled there, to notify our nurse, Lisa-Mae Costa, immediately at costa@providencecountryday.org.

 

Those returning from these areas must follow the guidance of health officials, which could include quarantine, self-monitoring at home, or other protocols. Those returning from Level 3 countries will not be allowed on PCD’s campus until they have been symptom-free for 14 days from the date of last possible exposure. Those returning from Level 2 countries may also face restrictions depending on exact travel locations. PCD will make such decisions on a case-by-case basis in consultation with medical experts. We will need everyone’s cooperation with these policies in order to maintain a healthy school environment.

 

4. This past week, the CDC recommended that schools develop plans for continuity in teaching and learning in the event of disruption caused by the virus. If this were to occur, we would rely on digital and online resources to deliver our program and instruction. Plans are immediately underway to prepare for this scenario, however unlikely. All staff and faculty will meet tomorrow to review the situation.

 

Providence Country Day is following the current guidance of the Rhode Island Department of Health, the CDC, and the World Health Organization. These are all excellent sources of information if you have additional concerns about the novel coronavirus. I also want to recommend the following: from healthline: How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus; from Psychology Today: How to Talk to Your Anxious Child About the Coronavirus; and from NPR: Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus. 

 

We will, of course, keep PCD families informed as new information becomes available, particularly if developments might affect our ability to operate the school normally. It is important to remember that the general level of risk for Rhode Islanders is low. Please know that we will work hard to provide accurate and up to date information as this situation unfolds and caution all against relying on rumors or gossip posted on social media. 

 

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work to maintain the health and safety of the PCD community. As always, should you wish to discuss this situation at greater length do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kevin Folan

Head of School

Dear PCD families,

 

I wanted to follow up on a letter I sent on February 5th regarding the Coronavirus and Providence Country Day School’s corresponding actions. 

Again, the safety and health of our students, teachers, and parents is our number one priority. As we continue to monitor the Coronavirus (Coronavirus 2019-nCoV) outbreak, Providence Country Day School is taking steps to ensure the well-being of all of our students, employees, and families.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a strong warning that the Coronavirus is likely to spread in communities across the U.S. and that individuals, businesses, and schools should be taking steps to not only prevent, but also prepare for the potential spread of the virus.

PCD is following this rapidly evolving heath situation and will collaborate with state and local health departments to update emergency operations plans as this continues to unfold. Our School Nurse, Lisa-Mae Costa, is monitoring the CDC, WHO, and R.I. Department of Health updates. PCD Facilities Director, Brian Duarte, is ensuring that we thoroughly disinfect all surfaces throughout the school day and additional hand sanitizers have been placed at all tables in Chace Hall. Additionally, PCD will thoroughly clean all buildings over the upcoming vacation.

The basic precautions to help prevent colds and the flu are the most important steps we can take to protect our students and families against COVID-19. Please continue to:

• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way. 

• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. 

• When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow. 

• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. 

• Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your family's circumstances, please contact me. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience as we work together for the health and safety of our community. As the situation continues to unfold, I look forward to staying in touch on this matter.

 

Thank you, 

Kevin Folan

Head of School

Dear PCD families,

 

The safety and health of our students, teachers, and parents is our number one priority. As we continue to monitor the coronavirus (Coronavirus 2019-nCoV) outbreak, Providence Country Day School is taking steps out of an abundance of caution to ensure the well-being of all of our students, employees, and families. While we watch the updates from the Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.) and the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), we are following their guidance about all international travel and re-entry into school by all members of the PCD community.  

We encourage our community to continue everyday actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses including:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

For more specific information on ways to stay healthy, please visit this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/what-you-should-do.html

On a more personal level, this situation has impacted several of our families. There have been references made to the country where this virus was identified; we remind you that cultural inattentiveness and stereotypical assertions are insensitive to the emotional needs of some of our international students, students with international connections and affiliations, and faculty/staff with the same or similar dispositions.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your family's circumstances, please contact me. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience as we work together for the health and safety of our community. As the situation continues to unfold, I look forward to staying in touch on this matter.

 

Thank you, 

 

Kevin Folan

Head of School