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COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Updates 6/30/20 through 2/13/20

COVID-19 Update 6/18/2020

Dear Parents,

Shortly after we received the notice that our campuses would not reopen this spring, we began meeting about what we would need to do to return to campus in August. Committees were set up to consider all aspects of school life and operations. We tracked directives from the CDC, state, and local organizations. We followed news reports, read listservs for fellow school administrators, listened to Podcasts, and attended Zoom conferences. More recently, we shared information, sought parent input, and challenged our thinking and recommendations. We now have a plan for our return to campus on August 18 we wish to share with you.


Please note that this is only an initial plan. It is based upon the best information available to us at this time. Aspects may change in the coming weeks that will allow or require us to make adjustments to the protocols we have or will put into place for August. We will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis regarding any developments in the environment and corresponding changes to this plan.

Acceptance of and commitment to the protocols described in the reopening guide are of paramount importance. In August and for the foreseeable future, the threat of COVID-19 will still be with us. The risks will not be eliminated. To minimize them, we will all have to respect the threat, and, more importantly, show respect for every member of the community by following protocols consistently. Some of the protocols may seem awkward; they will require adjustments to practices and routines we all were comfortable with in the past. For now, we have to make creating the healthiest environment a priority over our personal comfort. If we can all do that, we will once again be able to enjoy the energy and spirit of being together on campus for our work and play.

Related to the reopening and important to all, I do want to share a Board of Trustees decision regarding the tuition structure for our remote learning environment. As I noted above, our goal is to have everyone back on campus. For those who cannot be on campus, we will offer a remote program as a bridging solution that will vary by grade. Given the inherent differences in children’s developmental readiness to handle the virtual classroom environment and what can be offered, we have made adjustments to offerings and tuition structure for WOW through Grade Two. Students who are enrolled in Remote Learning will have an On-Campus space held for them, and they may join the On-Campus program on designated re-entry dates. Additionally, should we face another campus closing and return to school-wide remote learning, we will discount the daily on-campus tuition rates 10% for each day we are remote, beyond a cumulative 10 class days.

All families must complete this re-entry form to indicate enrollment in the On-Campus or Remote Learning Program for the 2020-2021 school year. This form must be submitted by all families by July 10, 2020.

To close, let me reiterate that this plan and these decisions are based upon the present environment and the best information available to us. It will undoubtedly lead to questions; we have tried to anticipate some in the FAQS section of this guide. Given that the “what ifs” are virtually limitless, we know there will be more. We will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments to the protocols and practices we presently have outlined and keep you informed. As opening day approaches, we will have a series of Zoom community meetings for conversations and clarification of any and all aspects of what is sure to be the most anticipated reopening in many years- perhaps ever! 

Thank you,
Thomas J. Reid
Interim Head of School
A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.
 
After hours emergency contact:
Leslie Downs/Chief Operating Officer
Ph:  561.657.0075 or 561.747.0585