Coronavirus Updates

List of 16 items.

• May 27, 2020

  Dear Barnesville Community,

   

  I hope that this note finds you and your family to be well. As this most unprecedented school year draws to a close, I know that you all have questions about next year. At this time, the only thing that I can tell you with certainty is that our number one priority remains the health and safety of our community. While our intent is to welcome students and staff back on campus in September, we will continue to evaluate best practices for a safe reopening following the guidelines and recommendations from the CDC and public health officials. As we develop our comprehensive COVID-19 Reopening Plan, we will be considering all viable scenarios to open our campus as soon as it is safely possible.  

   

  As we count down to the end of the year, I am so very proud of our eighth graders who have been resilient during this most difficult time as they complete their journey at Barnesville. We will be celebrating the Class of 2020 virtually until it is safe to gather in person. We are keeping with our tradition of each graduate delivering a graduation speech reflecting on their time at Barnesville. The speeches will be prerecorded and shared virtually with our community. Additionally, we have invited our eighth-grade families to participate in a drive-through graduation to be honored by our Faculty and Staff and to receive their well-deserved diplomas. We plan to bring the Class of 2020 back on campus in the Fall to formally celebrate their accomplishments.  

   

  I am once again overwhelmed with the Power of our Community. We have received a most generous gift of $20,200 to honor the graduating Class of 2020. The anonymous donor has offered a match challenge during our community event on Saturday, June 6^th. Every dollar raised during the “raise-a-paddle” appeal will be matched up to $20,200! I am so very grateful for our community continuing to make Barnesville their philanthropic priority.

   

  Please plan to join us on June 6^th at 7:00pm as we come together to celebrate our community during this most trying time.

   

  In the coming weeks, I will keep you up to date on our plans for the 2020-2021 academic year as we continue to navigate through this uncertain time together.   

   

  As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
  
  Stay well!
  
  Susanne Johnson

• May 18, 2020

  Dear Barnesville School Community,

  
  I hope that this note finds you and your family to be well. Thank you, once again, for showering our Faculty & Staff with your gratitude during Teacher Appreciation week sponsored by the Barnesville Parent Connection. Your thoughtfulness was heartwarming and greatly appreciated!

  
  I continue to be inspired by our exceptional faculty and staff who have fully embraced the challenge of shifting to delivering our curriculum virtually. Their dedication, passion, and resilience is truly amazing. I know and appreciate how very hard they are working on behalf of our students and families. 

  
  To ensure our continued support of the Faculty/Staff, we applied for and have received a small business loan through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).

  
  We believe that the uncertainty of current economic conditions made it prudent to make the loan request to support the ongoing operations of the school. The federal funds allow us to retain our employees to continue to deliver our educational mission during these most difficult times.

  
  We remain committed to our future and are working on several models for curriculum delivery for the 2020-2021 academic year and reopening campus as soon as it is safe to do so for the health and welfare of our community. I have established a School Reopening Task Force and will be sharing various scenarios with you in the weeks to come. I remain confident in the power of our community. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

  
  Additionally, as we plan for the remainder of the academic year, please note the following:

  • Friday, May 22 is a half-day for students & Monday, May 25 we will celebrate Memorial Day as previously scheduled
  • The last day of academic instruction will be Friday, June 5
  • Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held Monday, June 8 & Tuesday, June 9 – scheduling details will be sent out this week
  • We are creating a schedule for students and staff to safely pick up their personal belongings. Students and families will not be allowed to enter the buildings. Staff using protective equipment will prepare materials for pickup at the front of the main entrance. Additional information will be sent out communicating timing and logistics

  In the meantime, we look forward to virtually celebrating the Class of 2020 as they finish their journey at Barnesville. I am very proud of them as they navigated through this unprecedented time together. Go Bears!

  
  As always, please so not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
  
  Susanne Johnson

• May 6, 2020

  Dear Barnesville School Community,
  
  

  This afternoon, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that Maryland schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year.
  
  Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community and therefore we will continue to provide our curriculum through our distance learning program. We remain committed to meeting the needs of our students and will continue to partner with our families during this most difficult time.
  
  As we anticipated this decision, we had already begun planning for end-of-year events. In fact, just today we "met" with the Class of 2020 to get their input of their hopes for their 8th grade graduation celebration. We will continue to provide you with updates for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year as well as future planning for the Fall.
  
  I remain confident in the power of our community and know that we will get through this together. Stay well and take care of each other.
  
  Susanne Johnson

• April 17, 2020

  Dear Barnesville School Parents/Guardians,
  
  

  I hope that this note finds you and your family to be well. This afternoon Governor Hogan and State Superintendent Salmon announced that schools will be closed through May 15th. We recognize the critical need for social distancing and will continue to provide our curriculum through our distance learning program. We remain committed to continuously adjusting our distance learning program to meet the needs of our students and will continue to partner with our families during this most difficult time.
  
  

  It is during this unprecedented time that I am reminded of the true power of our community. As we pivoted to delivering our curriculum virtually, we became aware of families that were in need of devices to access learning. Immediately, a donor offered to secure Chromebooks for their use during this period of distance learning. I am thankful for their generosity and of the strength of our community. I am confident that we will get through this together.
  
  

  As we seek to support our school community, I'm asking that our students take time to show their appreciation to our broader community. We are grateful to our many parents that are healthcare professionals. One of our core beliefs is that students develop social responsibility and values through their involvement in community service. Please ask your child to use the attached template to send a note of encouragement to the first responders who are dedicated to battling COVID-19. (Please see the email communication dated 4/17/2020.)
  
  

  Please look for additional information next week including invitations for virtual "coffees" by grade. Stay well!
  
  

  As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

  
  Susanne Johnson

• April 9, 2020

  Dear Barnesville School Parents/Guardians,

  
  I hope that you and your family are staying well during this most unprecedented time. I want to take a moment to once again thank you for your continued partnership. Your support and feedback is greatly valued as we continuously adjust to meet the needs of our community.

  
  I continue to be inspired by our exceptional faculty and staff who have fully embraced the challenge of shifting to delivering our curriculum virtually. I know and appreciate how very hard they are working on behalf of our students and families. I also recognize how hard you are working to juggle this shift to distance learning. Many parents have shared with me that they have renewed appreciation for how much our teachers do, every day, to build knowledge and spark imagination.

  
  As we navigate in a world of uncertainty together,  we are sensitive to the many hardships that our families are experiencing. This is uncharted territory for us all. But I remain confident in the power of our community to get us through this together. Ultimately, we will be stronger from the sacrifices that we are making now.

  
  I look forward to beginning to host virtual "coffees" next week  - I can't wait to connect with you all! In the meantime, I hope that you have a restful, long weekend.
  
  As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 
  
  Susanne Johnson

• April 3, 2020

  Dear Barnesville School Parents/Guardians,
  
  

  I hope that you and your family are staying well during this most difficult time. As we come to the end of our first full week of distance learning, I want to thank you for your overwhelming support. Your partnership is greatly appreciated and valued. 

  I could not be prouder of our exceptional faculty and staff who have fully embraced the challenge of shifting to delivering our curriculum virtually. While we had been planning for a number of weeks, our Faculty had only days to pivot to the new platform. Their dedication and passion to supporting our students and families is truly inspirational. 
  
  

  As we navigate in a world of uncertainty together, I want to thank you for your feedback. We recognize the need to listen and adapt to best support our community. This is a whole new world for all of us. We are committed to continuously adjusting our distance learning program to meet the needs of our students. Most importantly, we understand to need to prioritize connections during this time of isolation. We will continue to explore ways to leverage our faculty’s deep relationships with their students to allow them to continue to provide a joyful, supportive, and caring community that we all know as “The Barnesville Way”. 
  
  

  Please note the following:

  • Beginning Sunday, April 5, the weekly grade-level google docs will be posted by 5:00pm each Sunday to support planning of the week ahead
  • Reminder that we have a previously scheduled long weekend April 10 – 13 
    • Distance learning will be suspended April 10 and resume on Tuesday, April 14
  • I will begin hosting virtual “coffees” beginning the week of April 13 – I can’t wait to connect with you all!

  I remain confident that the power of our community will enable us to get through this together. 
  
  

  As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 
  
  Susanne Johnson

• March 27, 2020

  Dear Barnesville School Parents/Guardians,
  
  

  I hope that you and your family are enjoying spring break as best as possible while adapting to life with social distancing. As I indicated on Wednesday, we will officially transition to distance learning on Monday, March 30 until at least April 24.
   

  I am thankful to have such exceptional educators who have embraced our new reality and are prepared to deliver our curriculum virtually. Our faculty recognizes the need to be creative and flexible in finding ways to keep our students active and engaged. Their deep relationships with the students will allow them to continue to provide a joyful, supportive, and caring community while delivering our curriculum in a virtual setting.

  
  As we navigate in a world of uncertainty, I ask you to please have patience with our faculty and staff. Your partnership will be vital to support your children during these trying times. I am confident that the power of our community will enable us to get through this together.
  
  

  As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
  
  Susanne Johnson

• March 25, 2020

  Parent Alert: Barnesville School campus will be closed through April 24, 2020. Distance learning will begin Monday, March 30.

• March 20, 2020

  Dear Barnesville School Parents/Guardians,
  
  

  I hope that you and your families are adapting to life with social distancing. I know that I have dearly missed having the students on campus. Our goal this week and going forward is to keep our Barnesville School family connected during this unprecedented time. 
  
  

  I am confident that we are fully prepared to transition to delivering our curriculum virtually if distance learning becomes necessary. As we developed our distance learning plan over the last few weeks, we utilized the excellent resources through our Independent School network with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS), and the Association of Independent Schools in Greater Washington (AISGW). Additionally, we gleaned lessons from our peer schools on the west coast that sadly have been managing this rapidly evolving crisis weeks ahead of its arrival on the east coast. Lastly, as always, our decisions reflect our community, culture, and mission.
  
  

  JOY

  Our faculty recognizes the need to be creative and flexible in finding ways to keep our students active and engaged. Their deep relationships with the students will allow them to continue to provide a joyful, supportive, and caring community while delivering our curriculum in a virtual setting. 
  
  

  SUPPORT

  We are being extremely sensitive to our students’ social and emotional well-being during this most difficult time. Additionally, we are very aware of the hardship for our families. Our plan seeks to find the right balance of all of our priorities in the best interest of our community. We also know the importance of communicating frequently, listening, and adapting.
  
  

  EXCELLENCE

  We remain committed to bringing out the excellence in each and every student. If we shift to distance learning, we understand that it will be an adjustment and we look at this as an opportunity to reimagine learning in new spaces. Our skilled teachers will continue to promote imagination, exploration, growth, and achievement.

   

  As we navigate in a world of uncertainty, I ask you to please have patience with our faculty and staff. Your partnership will be vital to support your children during these trying times. I am confident that the power of our community will enable us to get through this together. 
  
  

  I have asked our faculty to unplug next week and to enjoy our previously scheduled spring break. They will need to rejuvenate to bring their best selves back to class on March 30. I hope that you too will enjoy spring break and stay well!
  
  

  As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 
  
  Susanne Johnson

• March 18, 2020

  Dear Parents/Guardians,
  
  

  I hope that this note finds everyone to be staying well, both physically and mentally, during this intense time of uncertainty. 

  As you can imagine, we have been spending an enormous amount of time the last few weeks developing a distance-learning protocol as COVID-19 cases began to be reported. We are fortunate to have excellent recourses through our Independent School network with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) and the Association of Independent Schools in Greater Washington (AISGW). Additionally, there are a plethora of resources available to us through education and technology networks.  
  
  

  I continue to be thankful for our exceptional Faculty who worked with us on Monday and Tuesday to help refine our distance-learning guidelines. They quickly embraced the plan and in some cases new delivery platforms as we worked to ensure that they have all of the resources necessary to support our students. Most importantly they remain dedicated to our mission of Joy, Support, and Excellence.
  
  

  I will be sharing the specifics of our distance-learning plan by the end of the week as it looks highly likely that we will need to transition to delivering our curriculum virtually. Please be assured that we are being extremely sensitive to our students’ social and emotional well-being during this most difficult time. Additionally, we are very aware of the hardship for our families. Our plan seeks to find the right balance of all of our priorities in the best interest of our community.
  
  

  For the remainder of this week, our Faculty are giving grade-appropriate assignments to ensure the continuity of learning. In some cases, teachers as testing tools for distance-learning such as Google Classroom and YouTube. However, our regular academic schedule will not resume until March 30. I am confident that we are fully prepared to transition to delivering our curriculum virtually if distance learning becomes necessary. I will be as proactive as possible in making that decision with the information that I have that is changing by the hour if not the minute. 
  
  

  As always, thank you for your support as we navigate this uncharted territory together. I am greatly appreciative for your patience and your partnership to support our students and community.
  
  

  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 
  
  Susanne Johnson

• March 14, 2020

  Dear Parents/Guardians,
  
  

  It was very hard working afternoon carpool yesterday with the uncertainty of when students will be able to return to campus. During these unprecedented times we will most certainly need to be flexible and adaptable.  
  
  

  I am very thankful for our exceptional Faculty that worked so hard to ensure that our students had everything that they need to continue learning from home. At this point in time, it is uncertain how long that may be. For the immediate future, let me reiterate and expand on the points from my communication yesterday.
  
  

  It is important to note that, as of this writing, we have had no reports of anyone in our community as being identified as having COVID-19. However, we recognize that the practice of social distancing is crucial to slowing down the spread of COVID-19 to protect our community. 
  
  

  Barnesville School campus will be closed to students and families until at least through the end of Spring Break (March 27). In order to conduct a thorough deep cleaning of our facilities, access to the buildings will be limited to authorized personnel only. 
  
  

  Week of March 16  – our Faculty and Administration will use Monday and Tuesday to refine our distance learning protocols which will be shared with parents once finalized. Wednesday, March 18 – Friday, March 20, teachers will provide students with grade-appropriate assignments. Administrative Offices will be open the entire week.
  
  

  Week of March 23 - Spring break (as previously scheduled) – we ask everyone to monitor country-specific Travel Health Notices issued by the CDC and to please contact the school if your travel plans (including layovers) include a Level 2 or 3 country. We expect all community members to follow CDC requirements to self-isolate or self-quarantine to ensure the safety of the entire community.
  
  

  Week of March 30 – Regular academic schedule will resume. Our current plan is to resume in-person instruction on Monday, March 30. However, we are fully prepared to transition to delivering our curriculum virtually if distance learning becomes necessary. I will continue to provide you with timely updates.

  Please check our dedicated webpage for updates and resources related to COVID-19.
  
  

  As before, we ask that you continue to partner with us to support your child/children by limiting media exposure, relying only on highly trusted sources for information, and continuing to engage in proactive hygiene measures. 
  
  

  As always, thank you for your support as we navigate this uncharted territory together. I sincerely hope that you and your family remain healthy. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 
  
  Susanne Johnson

• March 13, 2020

  Dear Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences Community,
  
  

  I am reaching out to keep you informed to the best of my ability during this rapidly evolving and unprecedented challenge. I continue to be sensitive to the anxiety associated with this dynamic and uncertain situation. 
  
  

  It is important to note that, as of this writing, we have had no reports of anyone in our community as being identified as having COVID-19. However, we recognize that the practice of social distancing is crucial to slowing down the spread of COVID-19 to protect our community. 
  
  

  Please take time to read the following updates:
  
  

  •    Barnesville School will be closed to students at the conclusion of the academic day today until at least through the end of Spring Break (March 27). 

  •    We are proactively having every student bring home educational materials and devices should there be a need to transition to distance learning after March 27. 

  •    Faculty are working with Middle School students to orientate them to the digital platforms that we will be using should distance learning be implemented.

  •    Next week – our Faculty and Administration will use Monday and Tuesday to refine our distance learning protocols which will be shared with parents once finalized. Administrative Offices will be open the remainder of the week.

  •    Spring break – we ask everyone to monitor country-specific Travel Health Notices issued by the CDC and to please contact the school if your travel plans (including layovers) include a Level 2 or 3 country. We expect all community members to follow CDC requirements to self-isolate or self-quarantine to ensure the safety of the entire community.

  •    We have launched a dedicated webpage to centralize communication and resources related to COVID-19.

  •    We urge you to continue to use best practices to prevent the spread of illness from COVID-19 including:

  o    Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

  o    Avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.

  o    Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.

  o    Stay home when you are sick.

  o    The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication (i.e., chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance).

  o    Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.

  o    Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  o    Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed.

   

  As before, we ask that you continue to partner with us to support your child/children by limiting media exposure, relying only on highly trusted sources for information, and continuing to engage in proactive hygiene measures. 
  
  

  Our current plan is to resume in-person instruction on Monday, March 30. However, we are fully prepared to transition to delivering our curriculum virtually if distance learning becomes necessary. I will continue to provide you with timely updates.

  As always, thank you for your support as we navigate this uncharted territory together. I sincerely hope that you and your family remain healthy. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 
  
  Susanne Johnson

• March 12, 2020

  Dear Barnesville Community,
  
  

  The Governor and the State Superintendent just announced that all Maryland public schools will be closed March 16 through March 27. In order to support the slow down of transmission, Barnesville School will be closed March 16 - March 27. I will communicate more details tomorrow as this situation continues to evolve.
  
  Susanne Johnson

• March 11, 2020

  Dear Parents and Guardians,
  
  

  I am reaching out to our community to reassure you that we are continuously monitoring the updates regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Please know that I understand and appreciate the anxiety associated with this dynamic and uncertain situation. 
  
  

  The Health & Safety Committee met again this morning to address the following:

  • Field trip policy - decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis considering the following criteria -
    • Location
    • Risk Level
    • Number of attendees
  • Creation of a dedicated Barnesville webpage to centralize all communication and resources.
  • Protocol for all visitors to the School - visitors are required to wash and sanitize their hands when arriving on campus; signage has been posted.
  • Policy for Spring break travel - policy is being developed following CDC, NAIS, and AIMS guidelines.
  • Hand sanitizer stations - four additional stations have been ordered. 
  • Additional policies should closure be necessary.

  We continue to actively work on the following:

  • Developing a plan to address continuity of operations and student learning should a disruption occur.
  • Training of Faculty to deliver remote learning should that become necessary.
  • Increased focus on thoroughly disinfecting communal surfaces.
  • Continuing to share best practices for overall health in cold and influenza season with students, parents and staff. These preventive measures include:
    • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
    • Avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication (i.e., chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance).
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed.

  As before, we ask that you continue to partner with us to support your child/children by limiting media exposure, relying only on highly trusted sources of information, and continuing to engage in proactive hygiene measures.  
  
  

  Lastly, please know that the above list is by no means an exhaustive list. Our decision making process will be supported by best practices and trusted resources. As such, I will be attending a live conference call for Heads of Schools tomorrow morning sponsored by our accreditation association, AIMS. 
  
  

  As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
  
  Susanne Johnson

• March 5, 2020

  Dear Parents and Guardians,
  
  

  I am writing to provide you with an update on the measures that we are taking to ensure the health and safety of our community as we continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

  We are actively working on the following:

  • Developing a plan to address continuity of operations and student learning should a disruption occur.
  • Increased focus on thoroughly disinfecting communal surfaces.
  • Continuing to share best practices for overall health in cold and influenza season with students, parents and staff. These preventive measures include:
    • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
    • Avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication (i.e., chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance).
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed.
  • Health & Safety Committee will meet frequently to monitor the situation and review emergency preparedness procedures.

  We ask that you continue to partner with us to support your child/children by limiting media exposure, relying only on highly trusted sources of information, and continuing to engage in proactive hygiene measures.  
  
  

  Lastly, I have attached a parent resource from the National Association of School Nurses on “Talking to Children About COVID-19” to assist you in age-appropriate explanations to reassure your child/children. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
  
  Susanne Johnson
  (Please see the Parent Resources section on this web page for the “Talking to Children About COVID-19” PDF.)

• March 2, 2020

  Good afternoon-

  I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring developments surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including the latest guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland and Montgomery County departments of health. Additionally, we are being updated daily by Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) and National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

   

  As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals engage in everyday, preventive measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that individuals remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash and wash hands. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

   

  We have taken the following additional measures to safeguard the health of our community:

  • Our Facilities team is disinfecting high touch points (bathroom door handles, bathroom stall handles, bus seats and entry doors) daily.
  • Teachers are wiping down classroom tables and classroom door handles with greater frequency.
  • Students are not allowed to share water bottles or food.
  • Morning hand-shaking has been suspended until further notice.

  Thank you, in advance, for your support.
  
  Susanne Johnson