July 3, 2020
Dear Students and Families,
I write today to share an important update about the plans for our residential life program as we look to reopen school this fall. Based on extensive consultation and planning, and contingent upon Allegheny county remaining in either the Green or Yellow phase (as defined by the Process to Reopen Pennsylvania restrictions) we are confident that we can welcome our boarding community back to campus for the start to our school year. The boarding experience will necessarily look and feel quite different than in the past, but with a shared commitment to individual and community health, we believe that we can provide a safe environment for this essential component of our larger school community.
At the end of this month, the entire Shady Side Academy community will receive more detailed information about the modifications and steps that we will take in order to reopen school in August. We will be teaching, learning, living, and working in new ways. In the residential realm, for example, meals, dorm activities, off campus travel, study hall, and check-ins will be different when we begin the year. We recognize that returning to campus may not be possible for all students, and may be unworkable or unadvisable for others. Rest assured that students who are not on campus will have the opportunity to participate in school and community life remotely.
I also want to emphasize that however thorough and carefully laid our plans are, we must be prepared to adapt our policies and practices, or even to change course, if and as the public health situation requires. We are keeping a close eye on developments related to the pandemic in the state of Pennsylvania, nationally, and globally. I appreciate the understanding and flexibility of our students and their families and the entire Shady Side Academy community.
HEALTH & SAFETY Paramount in our planning is our responsibility to protect the health and safety of our students and local communities. Given that it will likely be a number of months, if not longer, before an effective vaccine against COVID-19 is broadly available, the question we face is not if we can open the boarding program, but how we can do so in a manner that is as safe as possible. We believe that by employing layers of mitigation we achieve this goal.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW We will communicate the specific policies and practices that we will employ to mitigate the risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 in the coming weeks. For now, here are a few important highlights:
NEXT STEPS As indicated above, you will receive more detailed information regarding the Residential Life plan for this fall and for the Senior School as a whole at the end of July. In the coming weeks, we will host two "Residential Life Town Halls" via Zoom - one for domestic students and families and one for international students and families. Please stay tuned for specific information and links for these gatherings. In meantime, please be sure to identify a host/guardian location and to share this information via this FORM by Friday, July 17, 2020.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we construct the best possible plan for reopening our residential community. We realize that the impact of this pandemic is unique and unpredictable for all of us and we remain committed to working with individual families to find solutions that meet our collective needs. Perhaps more than any other year, I look forward to welcoming everyone to campus this fall, and am confident that our community will rise to the occasion with characteristic fortitude and grace. Be well!
Most sincerely,
Chad A. Green Dean of Student & Residential Life
************************************************** Think Expansively. Act Ethically. Lead Responsibly.
Chad A. Green Dean of Student & Residential Life Shady Side Academy 423 Fox Chapel Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 P| 412.968.3087 F| 412.447.2207 E| cgreen@shadysideacademy.org
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