August 31, 2020

Good afternoon, students and families,

I write to you today with what I am referring to as my “we mean business” letter.

As registration days and student arrivals are almost upon us, the realities and excitement of joining together on our beautiful campus are keeping us all very busy.  We have waited six months for this upcoming week and are looking very forward to greeting and meeting all of you.

We are also sobered by the number of schools that are struggling with their reopenings.  Spikes in COVID positive cases, quarantines due to exposures, and disciplinary actions are featured in the news.  It doesn’t take much to undo months of painstaking planning and precaution.

You’ve received many communications over the summer from us; all can be found in the Forms and Information sections of our website for your review.  One of the most important documents requiring your signature is The Marvelwood Compact.  Adherence to this Compact is a pledge among all community members. Please read it carefully before you sign and submit it.  Honesty and responsibility are among our most important core values, and are the ethical basis for how we commit to protecting and caring for each other with this Compact.

Other important highlights for you to review as a family:

• There will be no inter-dorm visitation at all.  You may only go inside the dorm that you live in.  This includes the foyer.  No exceptions.
• Indoors, masks are to be worn at all times.  The only exceptions are your own room with no guests, or in the dining hall when you are seated and distanced.  Outdoors, masks are to be worn if a six-foot distance is not achievable.
• Daily breakfast check-in for all students -- day or boarding -- is mandatory during the following times: Monday - Friday 7:45 - 8:30 am / Saturday 8:15 - 9 am / Sunday 10:30 am - 12 pm.

All students, staff and faculty will be required to submit a daily health and temperature check digitally each morning via Boardingware..  Day students and off-campus employees are required to check in at Health Services as their first stop on campus in the morning, before entering any campus buildings.  Boarding students and on-campus faculty may perform their own temp check and submit it from their room or home before starting their day.

Do not test the resolve of the administration to take swift action to prioritize the health and well-being of our community.

We have one shot to get this right.  We must all commit to keeping each other safe as a community.  Many of the precautions we have implemented may feel frustrating, chafing,  or unnecessary.  We are all tired of living this way.  We understand all of those elements.  However, if we are to succeed in our endeavors and ensure that we can stay together here on campus, it is imperative that we think, choose, and act responsibly, maturely, and with an understanding of the consequences if we let down our guard or become complacent about the weight of responsibility that each of us bears in these challenging times.  

Best,

Heather Hastings
CPC Task Force Coordinator
Dean for Parents
Dean of Students