Dear Creighton Prep Community,
I am writing to follow up on our announcement yesterday that our school is currently closed to all students, classes, activities, and athletics until further notice. We prayerfully and thoughtfully made this decision as a precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus as everyone returns from spring break. Currently, there are no known cases of COVID-19 within the Creighton Prep community, nor are we aware of any members of our community who are under medical investigation for COVID-19. However, we recognize that the spread of this virus within the Omaha community is inevitable. Therefore, in addition to using this time to ensure community well-being, faculty and staff will also be working over these next several days to prepare for instructional continuity via online learning that may last for weeks or even months.
You are strongly encouraged to watch minutes 3:40 through 17:30 of this address from Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt for detailed information about how the state will determine when K-12 schools should close for the sake of public health. Their guidance will serve as the basis for our future decisions as to how we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. In his address, Governor Ricketts informed everyone that in the event of two instances of community spread of COVID-19 within a region, they will instruct impacted schools to close for a period of 6-8 weeks.
At this time, all surrounding school districts have determined that, while there are no known cases of community spread in our region, it is only prudent to invest time and resources into preparing for this reality. A brief description of these preparations is what I would like to present to you today. Please keep in mind that the circumstances we are facing are both unprecedented and very fluid. As such, they will require patience, flexibility, ingenuity, and a lot of teamwork from the faculty as well as our students.
What is Cancelled?
Classes will not be held on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17. All school-sponsored activities, including athletics and co-curriculars, are suspended until further notice. Depending on the circumstances, some things may be rescheduled and others canceled entirely. Parent-Teacher Conferences are postponed until further notice. Parents who have specific concerns they would like to address with teachers, counselors or the administration are welcome to communicate as needed via email.
Online Learning Orientation for Students Begins Wednesday, March 18
Students will be asked to participate in an online orientation with counselors and the administration on Wednesday to introduce them to the essential elements of online learning. Prior to Wednesday, students need to check their Prep email for updates on readiness and they should continue to check their email daily. Click here for information that is being shared with students about readiness for online learning.
On Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, we will start our first A Day and B Day of online learning classes for all students. These two days will be used primarily for practice, troubleshooting, and reconnecting with teachers. Instructional materials will be delivered with Canvas as the foundation. Those students who don't have reliable internet access can come to school to access their online learning classes.
Is the Building Closed to Students?
Because there are no known cases of community spread at this time and because the building has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, we are allowing entry into the building by faculty, staff, or students for the time being. Students can come in to get books, supplies, and other resources they might need from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the west entrance. We are, however, prohibiting the gathering of groups of students on campus. Please do not let your son come to campus if he feels sick or lives with others who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Illness, COVID-19 Exposure and Travel
If your student or any family members have recently traveled to high-risk areas, we ask that your family follow all health protocols outlined by the CDC. In circumstances where any student or family member needs to self-quarantine or has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact our Dean of Students, Sterling Brown.
Future Communication
As things change, we will update parents with an email or through our emergency alert system. Although we will not send the weekly Parent Pulse today, we will continue to communicate via the weekly e-newsletter, website, Twitter and Facebook.
I appreciate your patience as we endeavor to maintain continuity of education for our students while ensuring the health and well-being of our entire Prep community. Let's continue to care and pray for one another as we confront these trying times together in a spirit of hope.
Sincerely,
Jim Bopp
Head of School