Breck's Response Strategy to COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to spread through regions across the world, we have created a webpage with helpful links and information as it relates to Breck Families.
Click the image above for access into Breck's Distance Learning Parent Toolkit.
Breck's Status as of April 20, 2020
In accordance with the Minnesota Governor's executive order to Stay at Home, the Breck campus is currently closed and all students and faculty are engaged in distance learning. All student athletics and extracurricular activities through May 4 are cancelled. See an updated list of cancellations on the right side of this screen and view information about distance learning at Breck here.
Event Updates and Information
- Cancelled: All student athletics and extracurricular activities through May 4.
- Cancelled: May Program (US)
- Cancelled: All performing arts concerts through the end of the year.
- Cancelled: Washington D.C. trip (MS)
COVID-19 Reporting
Report COVID-19 Health Update
If you or your family need to report a health update or exposure to COVID-19, please email the link above. Families should report if:
- You have had close contact to a confirmed case.
- Close contact as defined by the Centers for Disease Control
- Obviously this reporting does not replace reporting to healthcare professionals.
COVID-19 Questions
If you have questions as it relates to these decisions or about COVID-19, we encourage you to use this form. A member of our Crisis Response Team will follow-up with you with any additional information.
Supporting Community
To support families who may be experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19, click the link above. If you have a question about tuition or other support needed for your family, please email scott.wade@breckschool.org.
Breck Communications as it relates to COVID-19
April 17 Division Communication
Past Communications
- April 10 Division Communication
- April 3 Division Communication
- March 27 Division Communication
- March 20 Division Communication
- March 15, 2020: Letter from the Head of School
- March 15, 2020: Upper School Director Update on Distance Learning
- March 15, 2020: Middle School Director Update on Distance Learning
- March 15, 2020: Lower School Director Update on Distance Learning
- March 13, 2020: Upper School Director Update - Distance Learning Prep
- March 13, 2020: Middle School Director Update - Distance Learning Prep
- March 13, 2020: Lower School Director Update - Distance Learning Prep
- March 13, 2020: Letter from the Head of School
- March 11, 2020: Letter from the Head of School
- March 11, 2020: Middle School Community Meeting
- March 11, 2020: Upper School Schedule Change and Community Meeting
- March 10, 2020: Middle School Laptops
- March 3, 2020: Letter from the Head of School
- January 31, 2019: Letter from the Head of School
April 10 Division Communication
April 3 Division Communication
March 27 Division Communication
March 20 Division Communication
March 15, 2020: Letter from the Head of School
Dear Breck Families,
Earlier today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Department of Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker announced the closure of all schools in the state of Minnesota from March 18 through March 27 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
As you know, this current closure aligns with our planned Spring Break. However, as we look to next steps, and with increased information about mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, we have made the decision to move to distance learning beginning Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, April 10. Faculty will use Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31, to finalize preparations, digitize materials, and collaborate with colleagues.
This closure is not in response to any confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-19 within the Breck community. We have also not received any reports of close contact to a confirmed case. Yet, we know mitigation measures such as social distancing will help flatten the curve and slow the spread of infection. We recognize the significance of closing campus and implementing distance learning and the impact it will have on all of us. We believe this decision demonstrates our care for our Breck community and also our missional commitment to social responsibility. Implementing measures to mitigate community spread of COVID-19 is of the utmost importance at this time.
As we move to this model, there are a few notes I’d like to point out. First, all student extra-curricular activities, including athletic practices, games, and scrimmages, will be cancelled during this move to distance learning. As with all other school events, we will continue to update you on calendar changes as soon as decisions are made. Second, we will hold divisional Parent Video Forums to offer tips and resources for you and your child ahead of the April 1 start of distance learning courses. A schedule of these events will be forthcoming. We have also prepared a number of Questions and Answers about the coming weeks on our website. Please know this is not all-encompassing and there will be many additional questions. If you have a question that is not answered on this page, we strongly encourage students and families to submit a question via our online comment form. Please know we will continue to communicate and update this site as we have more information. Finally, we are preparing a helpful distance learning website with tips, commonly-used links, and other resources for students that will soon be available on your Veracross Parent Portal.
We know that distance learning will look and feel different than our routine on campus, but we are committed to supporting our community and continuing student learning throughout this process. You and your student can expect to hear from Breck again with more information on distance learning by the end of the week.
I cannot underscore the importance of self-care for you and your family at this moment. Not only do we encourage you to wash your hands regularly and continue a healthy lifestyle, we want you to care for your emotional wellbeing, too. The uncertainty of this illness, coupled with news of closures, is unsettling for all of us, especially children. We’ve updated our COVID-19 webpage with even more links to tips and tools as you navigate this time. We invite you to email healthreporting@breckschool.
Because we are a deeply caring and close-knit community, I have received a number of questions indicating concern for the wellbeing of everyone in our community, especially those who may experience outsized financial burdens during this time. Please know that our Crisis Response Team is working with individual families to offer support as needed and there may be opportunities for you to help in this regard. If you or your family is experiencing a hardship, please connect with us here.
It is our hope that our entire community takes time to rest, stays informed, and recharges over these next two weeks of Spring Break. We will continue to keep you informed with details and information.
With warm regards,
Natalia Rico Hernández, Ed.D.
Head of School
March 15, 2020: Upper School Director Update on Distance Learning
Dear Upper School Parents,
Following our announcement that we will be moving to a distance learning model following spring break, I wrote a short note to your children. That note is copied below. Please read it with your children and remind them that while this is a disruption, it is one that we are confident we can weather. I am particularly grateful for your partnership at times like these.
With warm regards,
Thomas E. Taylor
Upper School Director
-----------------
Dear Upper School Students,
By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the news that we have made the decision to move to a distance learning model beginning on Wednesday, April 1. This allows your teachers a couple of extra days to prepare for this new structure. At this point, our plan is to employ this approach until April 10, though, as you can imagine, we get new information and updates every day. We will continue to communicate with you all by email as circumstances evolve and will make every effort to be as proactive in our approach as we can.
As we discussed when we met last Wednesday in the theater, the most important element of our work in this setting will be our collective ability to remain patient and flexible. Our highest priority right now needs to be ensuring the strength and integrity of our community in a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Extra steps need to be taken to take care of ourselves, of each other, and of our relationships. With that being said, we also know the importance of normalcy and routine in our lives, particularly you as students. We will, therefore, be asking you to engage your classes in a modified form via distance learning for the two weeks following spring break.
I know, too, that you all will have many questions about everything from AP Exams and May Program to graduation and senior speeches. Please trust that we will be in touch with you soon about those details as they become available. At this stage, we are taking our planning in a chronological fashion knowing that we, too, must be patient and flexible. For the eight seniors who are slated to give speeches while we are off campus (currently scheduled for April 2 and April 9 respectively), we will be in touch with you directly about plans for those dates. As it pertains to athletics and other extracurriculars, all activities will be suspended until our return to on-campus programming.
Your teachers are hard at work to ensure that they have meaningful ways to engage you and to continue to make progress on your curriculum beginning on April 1. For the time being, enjoy some downtime and get some much needed rest over break. Read a book for fun, put your phone away, and get some fresh air and exercise.
I imagine that the news of this decision will strike you all in very different ways. Regardless of your own reaction, this is new territory for us all. Please know that we love you, we’re here for you, and you can still lean on your community to support you as you always have.
I will be in touch again soon.
With warm regards,
TT
March 15, 2020: Middle School Director Update on Distance Learning
Dear Middle School Parents and Guardians:
In the spirit of providing students with a break from their school-issued devices, I kindly ask that you share the following note with them. You’ve been on the receiving end of much communication regarding the current climate, and given your children’s role, it’s important for me to loop them in where and when necessary. Thanks for your help!
March 15, 2020
Dear Middle School Students:
I’m sensitive about sending any electronic communication to you given that I implored you to give yourselves a rest from technology over Spring Break. Well, it’s been 48 hours since you departed, and I’m cheating a bit by using your parents as a medium for communicating. Once you’ve read this, THEN you can return to your world of imaginative play, board games, and reading.
I assume you’ve heard that we'll be moving to a distance-based learning approach after the break. Fortunately, we’ve met as a Middle School a couple of times over the last two weeks to prepare for what is now a reality. And as I shared with you, I recognize that this news will be received differently, from those of you who are eager to receive instruction in your pajamas to others who will miss the social interaction Breck provides on a daily basis. The truth is that many of you fall into both categories, and that’s okay. Wherever you may be with your comfort around this idea, I’m going to keep this simple - we’ll get through this. It won’t be the same for a period of time, but I’m a firm believer that a successful learning experience relies on the people involved. In particular, teachers and students. Teachers who are committed, creative, and caring. And students who are curious, collaborative, and also committed. How about that for alliteration?
How fortunate we are to not only have the technological resources we do but the human resources as well; one of whom is you. This will be a time for the Middle School to rally as a community and one that I am confident we can look back on as a period that brought us closer, albeit at a distance from one another.
As I shared at Community Meeting, the list of “What ifs?” and “What abouts?” is extensive and, quite honestly, we don’t yet have all of the answers. However, you and your families will be hearing from Breck from time to time, but I ask that you not hesitate to reach out to me should you have concerns. For now, continue to enjoy your vacation, for it is much-deserved.
With much care,
Mr. Fauver
March 15, 2020: Lower School Director Update on Distance Learning
Dear Lower School Families and Students:
This afternoon, you received a letter from our Head of School informing our community of an extended school closure through Friday, April 10. Many of you may have been expecting this to happen, but hearing it announced is likely causing some anxiety for you and your children. Again, the decision to extend our time away from campus is to protect the well-being of our community and take precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We do not have presumed or confirmed cases of the virus at Breck, but want to use our best judgment to keep everyone healthy and safe. Questions you might be asking:
What will this mean for our student’s learning over the course of the school closure?
Beginning April 1, we will begin to implement our distance learning plan. All teachers will be posting lessons/activities, assignments and resources on Veracross for students. Certainly, online learning doesn’t replicate the interactions that teachers and students have together in classrooms, but remote learning will allow for continued instruction and learning to occur. Additionally, teachers will communicate plans for using interactive learning via Seesaw, Google Hangouts or other online forums, as well as plans for collecting work and providing feedback to students. Prior to spring break, classroom teachers sent home materials (books, laptops, etc.) in the event of this closure. If other learning materials are needed, teachers will share these and/or communicate how those materials will be distributed to you. *I hope you will use the instructional times outlined by your child’s teachers and not feel like you need to engage your child in learning for six hours each day. Combine the “scheduled” time for distance learning tasks with opportunities to be creative, engage in shared reading as a family, and play outside.
What kinds of activities can I do with my children during spring break, since our plans have been altered and we are staying inside our homes?
Here are a few ideas . . .
- If you have access to the internet, there are many great websites that can support student learning in fun ways.
- Create something from “stuff” you have around the house.
- Invent a new recipe or make a family cookbook.
- Facetime with relatives who live in other places . . . or with classroom friends!
- Play games together. *I remember playing endless games of concentration with a deck of cards . . . my mother thought it was great for building memory!
- Ride your bikes - get fresh air every day!
- Make art . . . paint a mural, make birthday cards, color, make torn paper pictures, etc.
- Play ‘hide and seek’ in the rooms of your house.
- Make up a sorting activity using common attributes - practice writing letters - read or listen to books on tape - find a topic that interests your child and do some research together - teach a new skill (how to fold laundry or how to make a bed).
- Listen to all kinds of music - expose your child to jazz or reggae (something new).
What will happen with Lower School events that are scheduled for this Spring?
We have a number of events that are on the calendar for later this Spring, such as field trips, Field Day, Water Day, the fourth grade celebration, etc. As of today, we will make decisions about these in April. Right now, we are of the mindset that if events need to be modified, we hope all will understand the circumstances.
What can we tell our children that will lessen their worries about the school closure?
First of all, children take their cues from the adults in their lives. Remaining calm yourself will help your children regulate their emotions. Share only what you know - and what you think they can handle understanding. Reassure them that their teachers will continue to communicate with them during this time, and that they will continue learning though it will look and feel different. Remind them that they will see their friends very soon, when everyone is back at school. Please share my short message (below) with them:
- Hi everyone! It’s Mrs. Bailey! I hope you’re having a fun spring break! Like many of you, I changed my plans for these two weeks, and I’m now finding lots of new things to do at home. The sun is out and the weather is warmer, so I’m getting my bike tuned up so I can get on the roads! I hope you’re playing in your yards and finding new things to do, too! As you know, you are about to begin a new learning adventure with your teachers. We are going to teach and learn with you from a distance! How is thing going to happen? After spring break, your teachers will communicate a plan with your parents, and your parents will share this with you. Each day, there will be things for you to read, learn, and do . . . the difference is we won’t be together in a classroom and you’ll do these from home! I know you will miss seeing your teachers and friends, but when we are back together, it will be just as exciting as the first day of school! If you want to check in with me, to say ‘Hi” or ask a question, your parents know how to contact me. I know you’ll all have interesting stories to share when I see you later this spring!
Where do I get updated information and/or resources during this time?
- Please use the Breck website . . . www.breckschool.org/covid19. This is a repository where information, updates, and resources are collected and available to you.
- Teachers will be communicating with you when our distance learning plan is launched on Wednesday, April 1. An online parent forum for Lower School families will also be scheduled with our Technology Team ahead of April 1.
- Stay connected with each other, especially to share ideas that you are doing with your children and ways you are taking care of yourselves.
- While I know you will have many questions for our teachers, we ask that all COVID-19 questions come into our Question inbox at:
http://breck.link/covid19-questions.
Please know that our leadership team is in contact throughout this situation. It is new territory for us, as it is for you. We are so very grateful for the trust and partnership we share together. Lastly, I hope you will continue to practice self-care: Wash your hands, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, move your bodies, practice mindfulness, and engage in social distancing.
Warmly,
Peg Bailey
Lower School Director
March 13, 2020: Upper School Director Update - Distance Learning Prep
Dear Upper School families,
As we head into spring break, I wanted to send a brief update to all of you as it pertains to our Upper School specific planning for potential disruptions due to COVID-19.
Our current plans are to welcome students back to school on Monday, March 30. However, we know that as rapidly as this virus is spreading, we will be ready to communicate and adjust as the situation warrants. To that end, we are working on our distance learning plan for each of the divisions - Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Accessing plans, communicating with teachers, and the nature of instruction/assignments will vary to meet the developmental needs of our students.
On Wednesday of this week we met with Upper School students to discuss potential approaches to distance learning should the need arise. We have created a draft schedule for students to check in on each of their classes throughout the week. Teachers will vary in their approaches to this work, but we are asking all of them to provide each class with a plan for continuity of learning in a distance setting. During these times, teachers will post classwork, host a Google Hangout, check in on your students and/or be available for Q&A. The goal is that students have some predictability to their routine, and designated times to bring their attention to each subject. A draft schedule is pasted below.
MS/US |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
9:00 - 9:30 |
Period 2 |
Period 1 |
Period 2 |
Period 1 |
Advisory check-in and planning. |
10:00 - 10:30 |
Period 4 |
Period 3 |
Period 4 |
Period 3 |
|
11:00 - 11:30 |
Period 6 |
Period 5 |
Period 6 |
Period 5 |
|
1:00 - 1:30 |
Advisory / Office Hours |
Period 7 |
Advisory / Office Hours |
Period 7 |
Additionally, we’ve offered the following guidelines for students and parents:
Student Guidelines |
|
-
Contact your teacher if you have a question about a course or assignment.
-
Contact support@breckschool.org with any technology-related questions.
-
Contact your counselor if you have a personal or social-emotional concern.
-
Contact your Dean or Division Director with any other distance learning issues
Parent Guidelines
|
|
To be prepared for the possibility of distance learning, we have sent students home with books, notebooks, and laptops (and chargers) so they are prepared. If a decision is made to close the school, teachers will have a few days to get everything in place to begin online learning. Through this all, we will all need to be ready to be patient and flexible as we adjust to bringing our close-knit community online.
Additionally, we hope all of our students will read every day and have the opportunity to engage in creative and authentic approaches to learning. Watch documentaries, play with legos (yes!), write letters (the old fashioned way), and exercise.
Our hope is to be as thoughtful as we can be in our approach to this situation. We are doing our best to stay informed, use facts, resources, and medical experts to guide our decisions, stay calm amidst the flurry of anxiety, and plan to support our students and families in the best way possible. We will continue to monitor changes in COVID-19 and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) over the next two weeks, and will be in communication with you related to any changes in the school schedule.
Health officials continue to promote the following procedures to prevent the spread of viruses:
-
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
-
Cough into your arm/elbow.
-
Avoid touching your face.
-
Stay home when you are feeling sick.
We have posted a number of resources on our website at www.breckschool.org/covid19.
I appreciate the trust you have in your children’s teachers and the leadership of the school. I want you to feel reassured that we are doing everything possible to keep our community safe. In a time like this, we all need to be together and support one another. Please don’t hesitate to email me with questions about our planning, if you need guidance on talking with your children, or you have resources that you’d like to share with me.
Warm regards,
Thomas E. Taylor
Upper School Director
March 13, 2020: Middle School Director Update - Distance Learning Prep
Dear Middle School Families,
As we head into spring break, I wanted to send a brief update to all of you as it pertains to our Middle School-specific planning for potential disruptions due to COVID-19. For those of you with students in multiple divisions at Breck, the wording of this letter is much the same as those coming from the Lower and Upper Schools, albeit with slight changes. Communicating via a consistent yet developmentally appropriate approach during such a unique time is crucial.
Our current plans are to welcome students back to school on Monday, March 30. However, we know that as rapidly as this virus is spreading, we will be ready to communicate and adjust as the situation warrants. To that end, we are working on our distance learning plan for each of the divisions - Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Accessing plans, communicating with teachers, and the nature of instruction/assignments will vary to meet the developmental needs of our students.
Should we move to a distance-based approach, a more detailed explanation of what to expect will be provided in due time. Teachers will vary in their approaches to this work, but we are asking all of them to provide each class with a plan for continuity of learning in a distance setting. During these times, teachers will post classwork, host a Google Hangout, check in on your students and/or be available for Q&A. The goal is that students have some predictability to their routine, and designated times to bring their attention to each subject. An example of what a schedule might look like is below:
MS/US |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
9:00 - 9:30 |
Period 2 |
Period 1 |
Period 2 |
Period 1 |
Advisory check-in and planning. |
10:00 - 10:30 |
Period 4 |
Period 3 |
Period 4 |
Period 3 |
|
11:00 - 11:30 |
Period 6 |
Period 5 |
Period 6 |
Period 5 |
|
1:00 - 1:30 |
Advisory / Office Hours |
Period 7 |
Advisory / Office Hours |
Period 7 |
Additionally, we’ve offered the following guidelines for students and parents:
Student Guidelines |
|
-
Contact your teacher if you have a question about a course or assignment.
-
Contact support@breckschool.org with any technology-related questions.
-
Contact your counselor if you have a personal or social-emotional concern.
-
Contact your Dean or Division Director with any other distance learning issues
Parent Guidelines
|
|
To be prepared for the possibility of distance learning, we have sent students home with books, notebooks, and laptops (and chargers) so they are prepared. If a decision is made to close the school, teachers will have a couple of days to get everything in place to begin online learning. Through this all, we will all need to be ready to be patient and flexible as we adjust to bringing our close-knit community online.
Additionally, we hope all of our students will read every day and have the opportunity to engage in creative and authentic approaches to learning. Watch documentaries, play with legos (yes!), write letters (the old fashioned way), and exercise.
Our hope is to be as thoughtful as we can be in our approach to this situation. We are doing our best to stay informed, use facts, resources, and medical experts to guide our decisions, stay calm amidst the flurry of anxiety, and plan to support our students and families in the best way possible. We will continue to monitor changes in COVID-19 and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) over the next two weeks, and will be in communication with you related to any changes in the school schedule.
Health officials continue to promote the following procedures to prevent the spread of viruses:
-
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
-
Cough into your arm/elbow.
-
Avoid touching your face.
-
Stay home when you are feeling sick.
We have posted a number of resources on our website at www.breckschool.org/covid19.
I appreciate the trust you have in your children’s teachers and the leadership of the school. I want you to feel reassured that we are doing everything possible to keep our community safe. In a time like this, we all need to be together and support one another. Please don’t hesitate to email me with questions about our planning, if you need guidance on talking with your children, or you have resources that you’d like to share.
Respectfully,
Sky Fauver
Middle School Director
March 13, 2020: Lower School Director Update - Distance Learning Prep
Dear Lower School Families:
We are just about to head into a two week spring break. Usually, there’s excitement in the air as students and families get ready to spend time exploring new places, getting much needed rest, and spending quality time together. This year is different. Amidst the barrage of media related to COVID-19, we are living with uncertainty and for some, this is creating a good deal of anxiety.
At school, we have used this week to do the following::
1) Maintain instruction and routines to give our children a sense of normalcy during their day.
2) Talk with our students about COVID-19 in ways that are developmentally appropriate.
3) Increase several practices including deep environmental cleaning and food preparation.
4) Enforce healthy hygiene practices, especially handwashing.
5) Begin planning for distance learning, in the event that we would implement a school closure.
Our current plans are to welcome students back to school on Monday, March 30. However, we know that as rapidly as this virus is spreading, we will be ready to communicate and adjust as the situation warrants. To that end, we are working on our distance learning plan for each of the divisions - Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Accessing plans, communicating with teachers, and the nature of instruction/assignments will vary to meet the developmental needs of our students.
-
For our youngest children, teachers will post a matrix of activities to Veracross each week. You will be able to help your child select the learning activities they are most interested in and guide/engage in the activities with your child. Specific details to come.
-
For our first, second and third graders, teachers and specialists will post activities and lessons to Veracross by 9:00 am each morning. Additionally, teachers may provide instruction via Seesaw and/or Google Hangouts, and will send a schedule with details about subjects focused on Monday-Thursday, along with instructions for assignments/projects, feedback, and accessing teacher support.
-
For our fourth graders, all teachers will post to Veracross by 9:00 am each day - Monday-Thursday. They will provide instruction via Google Hangouts and/or email. Students will receive a schedule of subjects, links and sites to augment learning, instructions and due dates for assignments/projects, feedback, and accessing teacher support. Laptops will be used for online learning only, under the supervision of parents.
To be prepared for the possibility of distance learning, we have sent students home with books, workbooks, and laptops (fourth grade only) so they are prepared. If a decision is made to close the school, teachers will have a few days to get everything in place to begin online learning.
Additionally, we hope all of our students will read every day and have the opportunity to engage their skills in fun ways at home . . . cooking reinforces math skills, playing games engages children in critical thinking and skill reinforcement, legos and other building/engineering materials support creativity, and yoga or playing in the yard are good ways to move the body.
As you have come to know, at Breck, we are thoughtful and intentional with every part of our work. We are doing our best to stay informed, use facts, resources, and medical experts to guide our decisions, stay calm amidst the flurry of anxiety, and plan to support our students and families in the best way possible. We will continue to monitor changes in COVID-19 and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) over the next two weeks, and will be in communication with you related to any changes in the school schedule.
Health officials continue to promote the following procedures to prevent the spread of viruses:
-
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
-
Cough into your arm/elbow.
-
Avoid touching your face.
-
Stay home when you are feeling sick.
We have posted a number of resources on our website at www.breckschool.org/covid19.
I appreciate the trust you have in your children’s teachers and the leadership of the school. I want you to feel reassured that we are doing everything possible to keep our community safe. In a time like this, we all need to be together and support one another. Please don’t hesitate to email me with questions about our planning, if you need guidance on talking with your children, or you have resources that you’d like to share with me.
Warm regards,
Peg Bailey
Lower School Director
March 13, 2020: Letter from the Head of School
Dear Breck Families,
Thank you for your trust and support as we navigate the evolving situation around COVID-19. As you know, we begin Spring Break at the end of the school day. With the increased information around this virus, we have made the decision to suspend all student athletics and extracurricular activities, Mustang Vacation Program care scheduled for the week of March 16-20, and any other student or community event through the end of our normally scheduled break on March 29. At this time, we are planning to resume school on Monday, March 30.
Throughout the next two weeks, our Crisis Response Team will continue to meet in order to make any determinations on schedule changes following our break. Information will also be available to parents on our COVID-19 website. As we’ve communicated previously, should we need to move to a distance learning model after Spring Break, we will further communicate lesson plans, schedules, and information. Your Division Directors will also share more information later today.
The strength of our community shines in moments like these. If, at any time, you need the support of resources or staff at Breck, please contact healthreporting@breckschool.org. This is also where we ask that you report any possible changes to your family’s health or self-quarantine status.
We recognize the uncertainty we all feel at this time. Let’s support each other and practice prevention methods in order to keep our community safe and healthy. We hope that your family has time to enjoy a more restful pace over Spring Break.
With deep appreciation,
Natalia Rico Hernández, Ed.D.
Head of School
March 11, 2020: Letter from the Head of School
Dear Breck Families,
Yesterday afternoon we had the opportunity to gather our faculty and staff to discuss the continued news surrounding COVID-19. I'm writing to share with you a summary of our conversation and our plans as we move into spring break.
First, you should know that our highest priority is the safety and health of our community. Our response strategy to COVID-19 has been a team-based approach with decisions that are carefully considered, thoroughly analyzed, and research-informed. For the past three weeks, our Crisis Response Team has met daily to review our crisis plan, enhance non-pharmaceutical interventions, and identify actions for the future. Currently, we expect school to resume as scheduled following spring break. At the same time, we are preparing for increased measures and the possibility of a school closure as a result of COVID-19.
Prevention
We continue to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to prevent the spread of illness in our school. Since our last communication to you, we have taken even further steps to minimize the spread of germs such as packaged hand fruit in the dining rooms (i.e. apples, oranges, plums), enhanced visitor screening, and increased faculty support to students.
As we shared in our earlier message, spring break also allows for deep cleaning in our classrooms and common spaces. We will continue this approach with continued disinfectant as students and faculty depart for the break. In the event we need to further escalate our preventative measures, we are prepared to make changes such as modifying our food service delivery method. Please know we will continue to monitor consistently and adapt frequently, as needed. Therefore, we ask for our community’s flexibility, patience, and support.
Distance Learning
Thanks to the support of our Technology department and in partnership with division directors and faculty leaders, we have prepared an outline for distance learning should the need arise to close school as a result of COVID-19 community spread. This plan includes schedules, courses, and communication structures for students preschool-grade 12. We have also asked our teachers to pilot online delivery of at least one of their lessons this week so as to prepare for the possibility of a required school closure and/or students and faculty who may be self-quarantined. Both the Middle and Upper School met with students today to answer questions and provide information about COVID-19 and how they can prepare for the possibility of distance learning.
It is important to note that here, too, flexibility will be key. Our faculty excel in their teaching and pedagogy and building a community of learners in the classroom. While we do not expect that online instruction will replicate a school day, we fully expect that teaching and learning will continue despite any interruptions in our daily schedule. We value your partnership and know we need your support if it should become necessary to move to a model of distance learning.
Spring Break Travel
Whether you are staying local or traveling abroad, it is important to stay apprised of updates and information on COVID-19. We recommend the following sites for direct communication and information:
- COVID-19 Situation Summary - Centers for Disease Control
- Travel Health Notices - Centers for Disease Control
- Travel FAQs - Centers for Disease Control
- Travel Advisories - U.S. Department of State
- Information for Travelers - Centers for Disease Control
- Health Alert Network - Centers for Disease Control
At this time, we are not asking families to report to Breck any travel to countries the CDC has identified as "Warning Level 3" and "Alert Level 2," which may result in a 14-day quarantine. The Minnesota Department of Public Health has maintained their guidance to schools that it is the responsibility of public health officials to manage and enforce quarantines for travelers. However, families anticipating a visit to these regions, including flight layovers, should expect public health officials to request a 14-day self quarantine based on current travel advisories. If you believe your student will experience an extended absence due to a required or self-imposed quarantine following spring break, please contact your classroom teacher (LS) or dean/advisor (MS/US) to make a plan for homework and instruction.
How you can help
The one certainty amidst this evolving situation is that prevention is key. Wash your hands thoroughly. Cover your cough. Rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Find time to de-stress. We know that children live what they learn. Our example during this time of uncertainty teaches them much about how they will react. Ultimately we need your partnership and support in keeping you and our community safe.
Finally, while we hope spring break brings each of you an opportunity to reset ahead of the final weeks of the school year, we ask that you also keep an eye on communication from Breck. We will continue to communicate with you via email. Text messaging will only be used if an urgent situation or school closure emerges. You will also be able to find information on the virus and our communication on this website.
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this virus together.
In good health,
Natalia Rico Hernández, Ed.D.
Head of School
March 11, 2020: Middle School Community Meeting
Dear Middle School Families:
Times like these resonate with our students on a rather lengthy spectrum, and because of that, we convened as a division this afternoon for an unscheduled Community Meeting. The intent was to share with students pertinent items from yesterday’s faculty meeting; specifically, prevention of and preparation for COVID-19. The former was addressed last week but merited another mention (the students have been visibly better about washing hands, by the way), and the latter was in response to yesterday’s note asking that students bring home their laptops for the break (and placed on the highest shelf possible).
The prospect of distance learning was introduced to the students, with the disclaimer that a number of details still need to be ironed out, yet the overarching message remains the same: their learning will continue if we are to close. Assignments will be updated on Veracross, Google Hangouts will be a frequent method for instruction, and an array of other tools will be employed.
Additionally, Katy Pearson, the Middle School’s counselor, shared the importance of:
- Maintaining a normal routine
- Managing media intake
- Staying with what is real and true
- Avoiding blaming
- Taking care of oneself and remaining calm
- Asking for help
It’s an emotional time for all with Spring Break hours away, and it is my sincerest hope that all of our students are able to look at the next couple of weeks as an opportunity to recharge. Trust that Breck will keep you updated along the way should changes in our operations occur.
Speaking of trust, thank you for yours.
Respectfully-
Sky Fauver
Middle School Director
March 11, 2020: Upper School Schedule Change and Community Meeting
Dear Upper School Parents,
I’m writing to share a revision to this week’s schedule. We’ve made the decision to not attend our weekly community partnership sites today, Wednesday, March 11. Frederique Schmidt, our Community Engagement Department Chair, has been in close contact with many of our sites, particularly those that center work with the very young or elderly.
A major determining factor in this decision is that we feel compelled to recapture the CP time to work closely with students and faculty on sharing information and the school’s current thinking on how best to be prepared should the need arise for online or distance learning after spring break. While there are no immediate plans for those measures, this week’s CP time offers a convenient moment to gather, to update our student community, and to offer some balance and preparation for our students.
A more comprehensive letter with more details about the school’s approach will be coming out this week, but given the timeliness of the decision regarding CPs today, we wanted to send a short update now.
As always, please reach out to me or to your child’s dean if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Taylor
Upper School Director
March 10, 2020: Middle School Laptops
Dear Middle School Families:
It’s remarkable what 40-degree temps do for our Middle School population. It’s almost as though our students thaw with the ground. Needless to say, there’s plenty of energy around here right now, both in response to the weather as well as in anticipation for a much-needed break in a week’s time.
We typically collect students’ laptops prior to Spring Break for a couple of reasons. For one, it mitigates the possibility of damage or loss. However, the collection has also been to give our students a break from their computers; to spend more time outside, in a book, or in a book outside for that matter. In response to the current pandemic planning at Breck, we are altering our approach and will ask that students take their laptops and chargers home with them for the break just in case a school closure occurs.
In support of our students and in the spirit of our traditional approach, I kindly ask that students put their laptops away for the vacation period. Feel free to blame me! You may get some resistance (or a lot), but I can confidently say that it is in their best interest to have some separation for an extended period. Many thanks for your help on this front. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns surrounding this decision.
Respectfully-
Sky Fauver
Middle School Director
March 3, 2020: Letter from the Head of School
Dear Breck Families,
Like so many of you, we are closely monitoring the news surrounding COVID-19. As we enter into the weeks before spring break, we wanted to share with you the work we are doing to prevent the spread of infection, plan for a possible outbreak of COVID-19 in Minnesota, and support families as we look to a busy travel season. We've worked to cover many areas in this letter and appreciate your patience as you read this information.
First, we recognize that we are part of a global community. This virus has left many families concerned about the well-being of family and friends throughout the world and the prominence of COVID-19 in the news can be unsettling to children. There are many resources you can use to talk to your child about this virus. We've included two below:
COVID-19 has also led to acts of racism and bias. It is important to remember that diseases/illnesses can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. As members of the Breck community, we must do our part to stop the stigma around this illness. The best way you can prevent the spread of infection is by washing your hands thoroughly, covering your cough, and staying home when you are sick.
Below you will find more information about what is happening at Breck and how this might apply to your family.
Prevention
With an eye toward prevention of illness around Breck, we have implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions including but not limited to:
- New signage in and near the restrooms with reminders about healthy hygiene habits.
- Classroom visits by the school nurse to explicitly teach effective handwashing and preventative practices.
- Faculty and staff education regarding the signs and symptoms of illnesses in our community.
- Increased monitoring in the health center for influenza-like illnesses and related symptoms.
- Additional hand sanitizer stations installed throughout the school.
- Increased cleaning and disinfection of all horizontal surfaces, drinking fountains, and fixtures (i.e. door knobs).
- Increased disinfecting in the dining rooms, especially between lunch periods.
- New disinfectant system and procedures that will increase the efficiency of cleaning our classrooms and common areas.
Each night, our custodial crew works hard to prepare our school for the return of students the following day. Over spring break, as is customary, we will conduct additional deep cleaning of classrooms and common areas.
Planning
Since my last message to you on this topic in late January, we have been conducting a comprehensive review of our plans in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. Our plan corresponds to recommendations put forth by the World Health Organization. We have planned levels of action steps up to and including a school closure. Please know that we are closely monitoring recommendations for schools put forward by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and Hennepin County Public Health.
Travel
We understand that many families have travel plans for the coming break. If your family travels to countries the CDC has identified as “Warning Level 3” and “Alert Level 2," we ask that you follow CDC guidelines for planning your travel. You can find CDC travel notices here and guidelines here. The MDH provided the following guidance related to return travel to the U.S. and precautions that may be taken by public health officials:
"Students or staff … may have some restrictions on their movement for a period of 14 days from the time they left the affected area. This could include being asked [by public health officials] to stay home from work, school, and other settings. These individuals will be contacted by MDH staff to provide them with details and answer questions. Schools do not need to assess anyone who recently traveled or make determinations about who should be allowed to come to work or school." -Minnesota Department of Public Health
If you or your family has been asked by public health officials to stay home based on your travel over break, please contact your divisions to plan for the extended absence.
Later this spring, we have a number of student trips planned that we continue to assess on a daily basis. If your child is scheduled to attend an upcoming trip, please look for information from the faculty leader for any changes or cancellations. Understanding that the global situation is changing rapidly, we will share that at this time, all remaining student travel opportunities are currently running as planned.
COVID-19 Resources
Many have asked about preventative practices you can do at home. First, it is important to stay educated. The following links to the Centers for Disease Control share information about COVID-19:
Second, as we shared in our last letter and has been reiterated across media outlets, the best ways to prevent the spread of illness continues to be applicable to COVID-19: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and for 20 seconds
- Stay home when you are sick, returning 24 hours after a fever and symptoms subside
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
- Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
This situation is changing daily. We all have an obligation to keep our community safe, and we are in need of your partnership. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your division director or the Health Center.
Sincerely,
Natalia Rico Hernández, Ed.D.
Head of School
January 31, 2019: Letter from the Head of School
Dear Breck Families,
As you are likely aware, the recent outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019n-CoV) has caused a heightened level of concern for the global community. While the circumstances around this specific virus are evolving quickly, I am reaching out to share our current thinking as this pertains to Breck.
To begin, I’d like to point to previous communications from our health center, which offer recommendations for staying healthy in the context of increased incidences of colds and the flu. We want to reiterate that it is critical that we all abide by the precautions that have been outlined by our school’s health center. Students who are sick and exhibiting symptoms of illness should stay home and remember to cover coughs and sneezes, and get plenty of rest. Additionally, frequent hand-washing is the best way to prevent and combat the spread of germs.
Regarding the heightened international health concern, and in consideration of the fact that Breck’s community is an increasingly global one, I also want to share that we are carefully monitoring information and recommendations from the CDC, the US State Department, and the MN Department of Health for guidance and information as to the spread of the coronavirus. You may be aware that we offer a variety of international travel experiences throughout the spring semester. While international travel is certainly a unique and often irreplaceable experience, we will always hold our students’ well-being as the highest priority and we will be making determinations for each trip based on the unique set of data we have for each destination. Families involved with those travel experiences will receive more specific information regarding their trips.
Please know that as it pertains to the health and safety of our students, Breck’s approach will always be a cautious one and we will communicate with you in as timely a fashion as possible. In the meantime, if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me or our health center (763-381-8241). Our hope is to proactively partner will all Breck families to ensure our students remain healthy.
As always, thank you for sharing your children with us.
Warmly,
Natalia Rico Hernández, Ed.D.
Head of School
Resources to stay informed
There are many sources of information relating to COVID-19. We recommend the following sites for news and information as it relates to COVID-19.
Information about COVID-19;
General Updates:
- MN Department of Public Health
- MN Department of Public Health Information for Schools
- Centers for Disease Control Situation Summary
- Centers for Disease Control Health Alert Network
- Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Map
Faculty and Staff Directory
Resources to support your family
The below sites are helpful resources for families looking for support regarding travel or talking to children about this virus.
Wearing masks and making them at home:
Other news we're tracking:
Preparing your Home:
- American Chemistry: Cleaning Products
- Preparing your Home for COVID-19 (CDC)
- Resources for Households (CDC)
- Coronavirus and Parenting (NPR)
- What are the Rules for Play Dates and Coronavirus (NYT)
- Parenting During COVID-19 (Psychology Today)
- 12 Ways to Effectively Parent during Crisis (Psychology Today)
- Virtual Museum Tours (Travel and Leisure)
Breck Guidelines and Q&A around COVID-19
- What preventative measures is Breck taking to prevent the spread of disease?
- Will students be able to access the building while the school is utilizing distance learning?
- If I have a compromised immune system, when should I self-quarantine?
- There are many significant events approaching for our community. When will we know if they will be cancelled or postponed?
- A significant event in our community is graduation. When will we know if that is still on as scheduled?
- Are athletic events and other extracurricular events impacted by the move to distance learning?
What preventative measures is Breck taking to prevent the spread of disease?
With an eye toward prevention of illness around Breck, we have implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions including but not limited to:
- Signage in and near the restrooms with reminders about healthy hygiene habits.
- Classroom visits by the school nurse to explicitly teach effective handwashing and preventative practices.
- Faculty and staff education regarding the signs and symptoms of illnesses in our community.
- Increased monitoring in the health center for influenza-like illnesses and related symptoms.
- Additional hand sanitizer stations installed throughout the school.
- Increased cleaning and disinfection of all horizontal surfaces, drinking fountains, and fixtures (i.e. door knobs).
- Increased disinfecting in the dining rooms, especially between lunch periods.
- New disinfectant system and procedures that will increase the efficiency of cleaning our classrooms and common areas.
- Increased visitor screening.
Each night, our custodial crew works hard to prepare our school for the return of students the following day. Over spring break, as is customary, we will conduct additional deep cleaning of classrooms and common areas.
Will students be able to access the building while the school is utilizing distance learning?
If I have a compromised immune system, when should I self-quarantine?
There are many significant events approaching for our community. When will we know if they will be cancelled or postponed?
A significant event in our community is graduation. When will we know if that is still on as scheduled?
We recognize the significance of many upcoming events in the lives of our students. We will continue to make cautious and informed decisions regarding any major event cancellation and will communicate those changes as soon as possible. At this time, no changes to major events after April 10 have been made.