COVID-19 Update 3/16/2020

Dear Benjamin Community,

I hope that in the near future I can write to you about something unrelated to COVID-19, but for now, in newspaper parlance, it leads. I want to give you some additional information related to our closing.

We are in the process of reviewing April events and activities. We will keep you informed of decisions. I also am certain many Upper School students and families are concerned about AP exams. We are having internal conversations related to our calendar and program as related to College Board decisions and potential rescheduling of exams. Mr. Carr and Mrs. Wright will be in touch with specifics as we determine the best course for our students.

On a brighter note, despite the cancellation of the BASH party, the online auction was a great success. I thank you all for your generous participation in this important fundraising event. I was most touched by the response to the Call from the Heart. The money raised will certainly support our efforts to reward, retain, and recruit the best possible faculty to ensure the Benjamin scholastic heritage. 

Those who purchased or won BASH items may pick them up at the Lower/Middle School Business Office between 8:00 and 3:00. You will receive a separate email on the date of the BASH “Fire Sale” in the coming days. 

Below is the schedule for school offices during the suspension of on-campus classes. We want to be available to you, but, at the same time, I ask that you limit campus visits as much as possible. 

 

• Week of March 16
  The following offices will be open (8:00am-3:00pm)
    -  Head of School
    -  Admission
    -  Business
    -  Divisional offices
    -  Technology
    -  Athletics
    -  Maintenance 

On behalf of our Student Services staff, I want to add that we recognize that having your children “attend school” at home under your care is a new experience and may present challenges. In addition to the teachers, please do not hesitate to be in touch with any of the Student Services staff for advice and support as we navigate through these coming days. Dr. Taylor will provide more details in an email tomorrow.

These are certainly unusual times, and we are dealing with many unknowns. At the end of the day on Friday, I was speaking with a group of seniors who had many questions, mostly around end-of-year senior events, but also broader issues. I could provide only a few answers and mostly had to suggest a wait and see approach. It was frustrating for them and for me. Beneath the questions, was also a sense of “Why us, why our senior year?” I sympathize. I also  sympathize with all in our community; this disruption is unsettling. Beyond that, all I can say is that we will keep tuned to developments, make decisions as quickly as is responsible, and communicate them to you as clearly and definitively as we can.

May you all remain healthy,