Return To School

 There are lots of questions as schools begin to reopen. Reading Josh Marshall's take on NYC schools is fascinating. What's clear from my personal point of view is how divorced most discussions are from what our school is having, for two reasons.

First, we are a boarding school.  That provides a host of complications in terms of meals and residential facilities. It also allows a slightly better sense of control over our students. Outside introduction of the virus is going to be harder than at a day school where everyone goes home at night.

Second, and related, we are in a well-controlled state at the moment in Connecticut. I feel like if we can get everyone back and they are Covid-negative, we have a pretty decent shot at getting through a successful fall. By not having sports and not leaving the town the school is in, combined with diligent masking, distancing and hygiene practices, we should be fine.

Luckily, we aren't going to have to deal with "it's muh right not to wear a mask."  If you don't comply with masking, you get sent home.  Period.

September is going to be fraught. But if the first two weeks go well, I think we are in a decent place to reopen. Ultimately, it will come down to student compliance, plus our ability to test when students return to campus. Keep the virus out and keep it controlled should it appear are the keys. Students are naturally rebellious, but this will hopefully feel different for them.  Hopefully.