Dear Calhoun families,

As you are probably aware, the Mayor announced today that the NYC public schools will be closing for an indefinite period starting tomorrow.

As I have written previously, the Mayor's decision affects public schools only, not independent schools. Under our reopening plan, once the citywide rolling test positivity average hits 3% a committee of administrators and Trustees meets to review our status and plans. That committee met this afternoon.

We remain focused on the underlying data and the safeguards built into our plans, not on the decisions taken by other schools. We intend to remain open for in-person and hybrid learning for as long as we deem that to be prudent. For now, we feel that it is prudent for our buildings to remain open.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and I will keep you informed of any changes in our plans.

Let me remind you that every member of the Calhoun community must play a part in helping keep the community safe: Please wear masks, avoid crowds especially indoors, wash hands frequently and practice social distancing. Please do not come to school (or allow your children to come to school) with any symptoms of illness at all. Please complete the daily health screening. Please get a flu shot if you have not already done so.

Looking ahead to next week, please remember the risks associated with large family gatherings and be aware that NYS limits indoor events to 10 people. If you can avoid travel over the holiday weekend, please do. And if you do travel, please be aware of and adhere to NYS guidelines on post-travel quarantine and testing, which we have summarized on this page.

I must add that, overall, our students have really been modeling responsible behavior while at school — a sign of how much they value the experience of being together in-person and how much they understand that safety requires a community-wide effort. I'm grateful to them, and to all of you, for that understanding. This really is an amazing community.

In partnership,
Steve