Dear Menaul School Parents and Guardians,
Amid the international and national news about the continuing spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, we want to proactively communicate our thinking and planning.
Following news that COVID-19 is spreading through Europe and the Middle East, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a statement that suggests the virus is likely to spread throughout the United States. As of today, there are no reported cases of the virus in New Mexico.
Given this update, we are actively preparing for how we will respond if the virus reaches New Mexico. First and foremost, we will be continually reminding students about how to maintain healthy hygiene during flu season. The best thing everyone can do is practice routine flu prevention techniques: wash hands, cough into elbow/tissue, get the flu vaccine, get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals, exercise, and stay home if you have flu symptoms. Please help us be partners in these efforts at home. For more information about coronavirus, please click here. Listening to NPR this morning an expert reported that this flu is only making children mildly ill which is both good and bad. The good is that our young people are not severely affected but if it comes to New Mexico, it could easily be spread because of lack of symptoms.
We don’t expect a temporary school closure, but we are proactively working to prepare for one if we determine that it would be in the best interest of the health of our community. We are therefore actively exploring models of remote learning and how we could use some of our current technology (including Canvas, Microsoft Office, and Zoom) if needed. We have been supporting our partner school in China, Menaul School Qingdao, as they have been doing on-line class since February, so we know some of the important issues to address.
This great NPR presentation oriented toward students would be great to share with your children. Frankly I found it quite engaging. Click here.
Thank you for trusting Menaul School as a safe space for your children and for being such important members of our community. We are doing everything we can to stay abreast of the situation and will continue to utilize the guidance of our local health department to determine any necessary steps. As the situation changes, please know we will be back in touch.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Wishing Good Health,
Lindsey R. Gilbert, Jr.
President and Head of School