Dear Mead School Families,

As promised in our prior Coronavirus (COVID-19) communications to you these past few weeks, here is another community update.

We've just posted a News Story to our Mead School website that includes the Stamford Department of Health's FAQs on the Coronavirus. Click HERE to view that resource.

In addition, since symptoms of Coronavirus may be confused with cold or flu symptoms, we thought it would be helpful to share an article that provides more clarity on the COVID-19 symptoms. I encourage you to click HERE and read the article.

Please know that we have already increased our cleaning protocols. Over the next few weeks, we will be shampooing carpets and deep cleaning the school, when children, students and faculty are not present.

Today, Mead's Administrative Team participated in another Coronavirus preparedness webinar hosted by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools. The following guidelines / processes were recommended:

- There are no known diagnosed cases in Connecticut as of today, but this could change at any point, as more cases are being announced in neighboring states. It is important to note that it is very possible, in the coming weeks or months, that there may be a need to close the full school (ELC and K-8) for a day (for preparedness plan management/professional development), a week (for deep cleaning), or a longer period of time, should we find that there is a diagnosis either at school or in the greater Stamford community. It is not clear at this time who will be make that decision, but it could be made at the local, state or national level.

- It is recommended that schools gather anticipated student/family travel information, the K-8 March/Spring Break (3/16-3/27). At this time, and with this ever-changing landscape of affected countries and cities, transparency is of critical importance as we work to keep our community safe. You will hear more from us next week with further details as they become available.

Lastly, pertaining to our youngest students, we were strongly advised by the Stamford Director of Health that "stuffed animals" should not be brought to school, as they are items that could easily carry germs from home to school and back. For some, this could be a challenge, particularly if a stuffed animal is well-loved as a transition tool. We will make sure that "lovies" can be brought out for nap time, but will need to remain in their bags for all other times during the day. Please contact Robyn Santagata or your Home Center Director with any concerns. Please note that we have removed stuffed animals from our classrooms for cleaning and safekeeping.

We will continue to update you as we learn more about the status of COVID-19. We will have more to share with you regarding preparedness for March Break and beyond.

Thank you for your partnership as we work to keep our school healthy and safe. It's an uncertain time, and we're working closely with CT/NY schools and government agencies to stay current and informed.

My sincere regards,

Stephanie B. Whitney

Head of School