Information Regarding Social Distancing

Greetings, students,



(In case you would rather listen to this as a podcast, it's available here).



As our staff is working diligently on providing resources for students to stay connected to learning while home, I want to reiterate and underscore the message that students and families have heard articulated by Public Health officials, state government, and the federal government: it is critical that each of us does his or her part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting - or eliminating altogether - social interactions.



As inconvenient as it may be, please take seriously your role in keeping the most vulnerable members of our community healthy, by not spreading COVID-19 in your social circles, among your teammates, friends, neighbors, etc. There is not a person among us who does not know someone who could be in very real danger if exposed to this nefarious virus, and so following guidelines is very real and very important.



We have been working since Friday on developing resources to help students stay intellectually engaged in the coming weeks, with opportunities that will help us stay connected to each other and to school. In the meantime, please find ways to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy, while also keeping those around you safe as well. Some things to avoid:

• Avoid gathering in groups
• Maintain distance (approximately 6 feet) from others whenever possible
• Avoid trips to the store unless absolutely necessary
• No hugs, handshakes, high-fives
• Wash your hands (a lot!)
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow

There are still lots of things that you can do, like:

• Go outside: walk the dog, go for a hike, take a bike ride, etc.
• Check in with your friends using digital means
• Keep a journal of this time at home
• Listen to or make your own music
• Read a book
• Create something artistic
• Learn a new language
• Take a free online course
• Binge watch something new

There are many, many ways for you to find out more about the importance of social distancing, but this is one that, I think, does the best job of illustrating the point. For more information, check out “What Is Social Distancing and How Can It Slow the Spread of COVID-19” or  This is Not a Snow Day.



We are experiencing a generational challenge that impacts each one of us. How each of us responds will dictate how many of our friends and neighbors are impacted by the virus - or not, which is the ultimate goal. And it is definitely a unique challenge - try to stay connected to people, your friends, and each other - but do so without being physically in the same space.



As situations evolve - often times by the day - we will do our best to stay in touch with everyone. We will have learning resources posted by Thursday afternoon. Feel free to reach out to counselors, teachers, support personnel, administrators - we are all here for you. And remember, we are stronger together.




Thanks in advance for taking this responsibility seriously as the young adults that you are, for doing your part, and for helping us get past this situation as quickly as we humanly can.



Stay safe and healthy,



Mr. Rubin