Constant Contact Link: https://conta.cc/2Qq6Pi7

April 13, 2021

Dear St. Mark’s Community:

I am writing to inform you that St. Mark’s became aware of two positive cases of COVID-19 in our community today (April 13). One individual is a faculty member and one individual is a staff member. The individuals are in isolation.

Contact tracing is complete. If you have not been contacted by St. Mark's, you are not a close contact of the individual. Close contacts will quarantine for 14 days. We will continue with our ongoing cleaning protocols.

We have moved our campus operations phase level from Green to Yellow. We will reassess the phase level approximately one week from today. 

Sincerely,

John C. Warren ’74, Ed.D.

Constant Contact Link: https://conta.cc/3uAU96Y (Deans' Weekly)

April 9, 2021

Fall Return Update
St. Mark’s is in the early stages of planning for a return to in-person school this fall. While there will be some modifications to large gatherings, dining, and other operations, it is our hope and plan to return to a St. Mark’s experience that resembles pre-pandemic life to the greatest extent possible. More details about the fall will be shared in the weeks and months to come.  

Vaccine Information
As part of our goal to support students and families, St. Mark’s is working to assist our boarding students whose families do not live locally to become vaccinated for COVID-19. Massachusetts eligibility for students ages 16 to 18 begins on April 19, 2021.

For our more distant boarders, it may be impossible to obtain vaccination in their home country or in other states. We think it is important to prioritize these students as we search for available vaccine appointments. We will do this by enrolling them in the Commonwealth’s pre-registration system. We will also prioritize any students with a health condition as listed by Massachusetts guidelines. If an appointment is available in the upcoming weeks, we will provide transportation to and from the vaccine site. We will also require parent/guardian authorization in advance.

Please understand that we have no control over which vaccine may be available as we search for appointments. Currently, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines can only be administered to individuals 18 years of age and older. If Pfizer vaccine happens to be available, it may be possible to secure appointments for 16 and 17 year olds as well.

As per previous communications, we expect parents of day students and local boarders to plan their vaccination appointments. We will support students by excusing them from classes or other commitments, since we understand that there is little or no choice in the timing of these appointments. We view these vaccine appointments as medical appointments; therefore, local boarders should sign out through Health Services.

We will be in touch with families about next steps for authorizations.

April 2, 2021

Today, April 2, St. Mark’s changed its Campus Operational Phase Level from Yellow to Green. The School has not had any positive adult or student COVID-19 tests within the last week. We will remain in the Green phase as long as we do not have any new positive test results within our community. As the Green phase description notes, “All campus operations continue to run as per the current plan.” All members of the School community will continue to maintain a high level of awareness about ensuring all baseline health and safety protocols are in place.

Thanks to everyone for their continued attention to our safety protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing. Special thanks to our Facilities team for all of their work to keep the campus clean and safe, and to the Health Services & entire testing team for administering tests to members of the community twice each week.