Coronavirus

Marin Academy is tracking news and information related to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may impact our community. This page provides information and resources for MA families and will be updated as the situation evolves.

Marin Academy Updates

March 30, 2020: Email from Travis: Notes from the Field - 3/30/2020

Dear Families,

As I made my daily walk to MA, I took these two pictures that I tweeted out earlier today. The view from Foster Hall with Mt. Tam in the distance and our Portal. As I stood on the steps of Foster Hall and saw the portal, I experienced the convergence of two seemingly opposing states of being: our bricks and mortar school and our portal that has connected our students to artists, students, and leaders across the world since the fall. Each is transformative, each requires their own skills, both provide learning by expanding the reach of our students and our curriculum. Perspectives widen, other voices enter the conversation, vastly unique experiences inform everyone who engages. It is the essential both/and thinking that characterizes our School.

This morning started with breakfast and reading in our house. I found myself wondering how the Classes of 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 began their first day of “break.” Did students sleep in late, check their email and social media first thing, have breakfast with family (or lunch, or dinner)? Was there a chance to relax, were they antsy? What hardship are people experiencing? What opportunities are they finding? What seems impossibly hard?

I hope that the information provided about our distance learning, resuming on April 13 and continuing until May 4 at the earliest, will help to spur conversations between parents and students about expectations and about All the things there are to learn now. Our students will continue their MA learning experience, both an opportunity and something to be grateful for at this time. When many schools are simply closing for the year, both home and abroad, I am proud that our faculty, students and parents continue to be committed to their work and are able to engage in it. Our students will make progress and learn and all of it will not be within the planned curriculum.

As I mentioned in my earlier letter to the community, I am going to offer three Zoom drop ins this week for parents: one for the parents of 9th and 10th graders on Wednesday, April 1 at 4:00 p.m., one for parents of 11th graders on Thursday, April 2 at 4:00 p.m., and one for parents of our Class of 2020 on Friday, April 3 at 4:00 p.m. Zoom invites will be sent directly to parents some time tomorrow.

I will be in touch at the end of the week again and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this week on Zoom.

With much gratitude,

@MarinAcademyHOS

March 27, 2020: Email from Travis: Level 4 Learning, Conferences, Grades, and more

Para ver este mensaje en español, haga clic aquí.

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Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

First, it was wonderful to “see” everyone who could be there on the parent zoom on Friday. These are challenging and fluid times, and now that we know we will not be returning to campus until May 4 at the earliest, I’m writing to share some logistical information about classes, conferences, and more. I am sending it now so that families can discuss how they will manage the three weeks of learning between the resumption of distance learning on April 13 and our hopeful return to campus on May 4.

L4L—LEVEL 4 LEARNING

When we first wrote our 40-page plan for instructional continuity, we did so proactively, when it was hard to imagine that we would need to move to L4L—distance teaching and learning for more than one full rotation of classes—for any considerable period of time. However, when spring break concludes and classes begin anew on April 13th, that’s exactly where we’ll be. We have used the real-time feedback we've received from experts, students, and teachers over the past two weeks of distance learning to fine-tune our Level 4 approach. As such, when we return to distance learning between April 13–May 1 (or longer if needed), this is the schedule we will follow. Lynne and Mya are working out what assemblies, senior speeches, and more will look like. Kacie is figuring out athletics. Class deans are working out class meetings and advisory. As we figure out all the components to keep our student and adult community connected and vibrant, we continue to utter the following words: Flexibility and Generosity.

CONFERENCES

Given the realities of our situation and the challenges associated with pivoting to L4L, we are not canceling classes for conferences on a single day, April 21, as designed. Instead, for consistency for students and to provide as much class time in a scenario where that is already limited, advisors will be reaching out to families to set up virtual and mutually-convenient conference times between April 14–April 23. Note that spring conferences will be for 9th-11th grades only and will be solely focused on registering for next year’s classes. If you have any general questions (summer ideas, SAT subject tests, school climate, etc.), please reach out to Katrina Wentzel (Academic Dean), Lynne Hansen (Dean of Students), Stella Beale (Dean of Faculty), Mya Sullivan (Dean of Equity and Inclusion,) or Aaron Fulk (Director of College Counseling). If you have more specific concerns or questions you feel must be addressed more immediately, please, as always, contact your child’s teacher, advisor, or class dean. Again, however, our focus during online conferencing will be scheduling classes for next year.

GRADES AND GRADING

As colleges and some boarding schools have publically moved to pass/fail or other grading options, please know we are in near-constant conversation with colleges and universities, Bay Area schools, the UCs, and more examining what grading may look like this semester. At this point, we are continuing to give A–F grades for the semester and have asked teachers to be flexible and generous with both students and themselves during this time. We want to ensure that third-quarter work isn’t disproportionately weighted and that all students continue to have opportunities to show learning and growth and have that accounted for.

SENIOR PROJECTS, SPEECHES, AND ARTS

As seniors have already heard, it was with a sense of loss that we made the difficult decision to cancel senior projects. This decision came from several leading factors: 1) we cannot guarantee that things will be back to normal. While we are now planning on a May 4 return, we do not know this for sure. 2) Even if shelter-in-place and other restrictions have been removed, we expect that many projects as originally planned will not be able to be carried out. We do not want seniors to have the added stress of designing new projects, especially in these uncertain times. 3) With the time students have needed to spend apart, we want any weeks they can be together to be doing exactly that. Senior projects are focused on individual and small-group experiences, not large group ones. 4) Lastly, we are hoping for senior leadership at school when we return. Senior presence in classes, hallways, stages, fields, and everywhere in between is wanted and needed. Instead of senior projects, seniors will be returning to their regular classes. However, the goal for them over these three weeks is not to continue school as usual, but, similar to EOY or Minicourse, to create a time when experience is first and foremost and assessment, homework, etc. are not significant components. Teachers will be designing some non-evaluative lessons and projects for seniors to explore with creativity and connection (more to come). At this point, we are planning that senior experiences—WQ, backpacking, environmental science, and photography and car camping—will still happen.

Juliet, as Senior Class Dean, has reached out to the 30 seniors still slated for senior speeches and arts. Together they are crafting plans to make sure those experiences still happen in a meaningful way; we look forward to seeing how these develop!

RETURNING TO CAMPUS

Right now we are working under the assumption that we will return to campus on May 4. While originally slated as a professional development day, that is no longer the case. When we do return to campus, there will be a unique one-day schedule that will allow for more community time—both formal and informal—and touchpoints with every class and advisory. The regular schedule will resume the second day of classes, which we hope to be May 5th. I know that’s a lot to take in, but as promised, we are trying to communicate with clarity and in a timely fashion. I want to thank our deans for their great work in designing and executing our instructional continuity plans. While spring break is likely not what many of us anticipated, I do hope everyone gets an opportunity to share some laughs, get some rest, and reconnect to an old hobby or discover a new one.

With gratitude for this community,

March 25, 2020: Email from Travis: Notes from the Field - 3/25/2020

Dear Parents,

Each afternoon, I walk to MA with my two boys to check on our School. I find it both comforting and reassuring to see the Circle, the towering redwoods, the studios, the field, the deck. There MA stands solid and real. And I am reminded that our community is more than these physical places. The words I have received from our community about our virtual MA demonstrate our values around encouragement and compassion. Here are some of those voices: I am leaning in; what are some things that we can do as a family; I love seeing my teachers’ faces and those of my friends; it is hard to connect; MA feels even more connected; we are in this together, we will get through it together; can we have less spring break; I am exhausted after a zoom class; my students are really engaged; it’s different, but I am learning; thanks to everyone at MA for your leadership.

Today we learned that the Marin County Office of Education has aligned with seven Bay Area health officials and superintendents to extend school closures through Friday, May 1. Marin Academy will join this alignment and continue distance learning through Friday, May 1. Classes will resume in person on campus on Monday, May 4 unless something changes. We will run a modified schedule on that day.

Our deans will be communicating this information to students tomorrow morning. In the interim we will be shaping and evolving our distance learning model for our return to virtual school on Monday, April 13. We appreciate your patience and trust as we use this time to design further the best model. We have heard feedback from students and parents. We will be able to communicate this plan explicitly during our second week of break.

I know that there will be many questions about what those final weeks in May will look like and especially for the Class of 2020 who has led our student body with such compassion and intention. Rest assured that we are contemplating the issues at hand and will communicate directly with you as soon as we can. From performances to athletic events, we will be defining these final weeks. As always, what is best for students will be our North Star.

As distance learning continues for several weeks, we will be putting teaching, learning and the sustaining of our community first. I hope that this break, while different than any of us could have anticipated, brings a moment to catch your breath.

As I mentioned in my last email to you, I will be hosting a parent gathering on Zoom this Friday, March 27th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and I look forward to hearing from the field how you are and what is on your minds. Please see below for the Zoom details.

All my best,

----------------

Travis Zooms with MA Parents

Friday, March 27⋅11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://marinacademy.zoom.us/j/961685772?pwd=YzFLT1ZhYStoNThUM01rTnk4MjVPdz09 ID: 961685772

Password: dojfui

March 23, 2020: Email from Travis: Notes from the Field - 3/23/2020

Dear Parents,

The weather seems immune to COVID-19 as flowering trees and bushes introduce the promise of spring. We have been at this for a week, and we know there is more to come. In this week, our students, your children, will finish their first real rotation of distance learning. They have been in classes, engaged with their teachers, and connecting with each other.

I have had the chance to zoom on Sunday morning with the two Presidents of Senate, and we discussed how they could continue to lead their class and how we could work together to design virtual experiences that would hold our community together and move it forward. I zoomed into the Class of 2020 meeting this morning where Juliet and Aaron provided community, direction, and information around this next phase of the college process. Not only are classes continuing, but so too are the many other aspects that create the MA experience.

At MA, both/and thinking is one of our attributes. With ourselves and our family and friends, it is important to acknowledge that we are adjusting to a new way of living our lives and amidst the challenges, there are positive opportunities. As we approach a two week vacation, I wanted to share some thoughts. First, connection matters for all of us. It is important that we stay in touch with our own friends and family, both locally and elsewhere. Virtual gatherings can feel awkward at first, and they are one way to engage beyond ourselves. I have been able to have “dinner” with friends back East, and we celebrated the birthday of the boys’ grandfather; it was helpful! Second, establishing a routine to the day and to the week provides a real sense of control over what unfolds. I think that this established sense of direction supports accomplishment and healthy choices. It is helpful for adolescents as much as it is for adults and younger children.

Finally, most of us have not spent this amount of time with our children in the same space in a long time. This moment may be one of the rare ones in which parents and children can connect in ways often lost to us in the busyness of life. This time will challenge families, and in the midst of that I hope you also make discoveries and set new norms that deepen relationships. I know how hard it is to think this way when there is so much upheaval and so much uncertainty. And it can be a certain comfort.

At the end of this week on Friday, March 27th from 11:30-12:30 I will be hosting a parent gathering on zoom; I look forward to hearing from the field how you are and what is on your minds. Please look for the zoom invitation in Wednesday’s email.

All my best,

Please note:

If you need to reach the school during this time of closure, please email reception@ma.org instead of calling.
If your child will be absent please email attendance@ma.org.
If you have a concern about your student please email Lynne Hansen.

March 21, 2020: Email from Travis: Notes from the Field - 3/21/2020

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Dear Families,

I must confess that while I normally look forward to March Madness, this is not what I had in mind! As we end our first week of online learning, I am impressed by our collective ability to move into these evolving challenges. We have completed our second day of official online learning on Friday, with Monday having been our practice day. I’ve been impressed by the learning and teaching that is happening. Yesterday, I zoomed into Advanced Biology for a little bit where students were learning about vaccines with a Ph.D. candidate from UCSF’s Fraser Lab who led a presentation on developing one for COVID-19. Timely, I thought!

I know that shifting to virtual classes has required flexibility and patience from students, faculty, and parents/guardians. Here is what I have “seen” and heard about this week: Many teachers and parents have been reporting in about successful distance learning taking place; students are prepared, highly engaged, and deep discussions have been occurring; and in line with “think, question, create,” faculty have shown great thought and creativity in curriculum design for online learning. I feel fortunate to be part of a community that leans in and lives its mission daily.

Sustaining our sense of community is a priority. In addition to meeting individually with members of the MA community, I have zoomed with a virtual staff drop in, all employees have met in Chambers on Thursday, and I’ve hosted virtual office hours with faculty and staff this week. Next week, I will host a drop in for students and one for parents—look out for an invitation from me to a Zoom call. Lynne and the class deans are working on plans to maintain a sense of community for students, as well. All of this is to say that while there is much uncertainty, we are continuing to teach and to provide meaningful and challenging learning. There is no doubt that each day will bring new issues. Maintaining the strong connections within our community will help us through these unprecedented times. As I said in an earlier letter, social distancing does not mean social isolation. We need to help ourselves and our children to connect, to get outside, and to see the possible in this difficult time.

It is my pledge to communicate directly with parents twice per week on Mondays and Wednesdays, and with our students on Tuesdays and Thursdays going forward. As you know, Spring Break will begin after classes next Thursday, March 26. We communicated earlier that our plan would be to return on Monday, April 13. I have been asked if we will continue with this plan. Given Governor Newsom’s recent announcement and the fluidity demanded by this situation, I am not yet able to make that decision. We will, however, make that call with ample time for everyone to make plans. We have been prepared, and we will continue to do what is in the best interest of our students and our School community.

On March 26, we move into a two week spring vacation where teachers will be on break. I will be communicating during that time although teachers will be offline. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I hope this weekend brings time for a collective breath!

All my best,

Please note:

If you need to reach the school during this time of closure, please email reception@ma.org instead of calling.
If your child will be absent please email attendance@ma.org.
If you have a concern about your student please email Lynne Hansen.

March 17, 2020: Email from Travis: COVID-19 Exposure in Our Community

Para ver este mensaje en español, haga clic aquí.

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Dear Families,

I continue to hear from parents and students that the first day of learning went well. As you know, today and tomorrow are teacher work days, and we will resume our Distance Learning on Thursday, March 19. I am impressed by everyone’s ability to transition to this new way of teaching, learning, and working. It has certainly been a learning curve for me, so I encourage patience with yourself and others! At home, we are focused on creating routine and finding the opportunities in this new environment. Just today, I held a Zoom meeting with about 50 staff and faculty members, with many sharing wonderful moments of learning that have taken place in their classes.

Today I also write to let you know that a parent in our community has tested positive for COVID-19; therefore, one of our students has had a confirmed exposure. I share this in the spirit of transparency and with respect for individual privacy. I also share this as a reminder that many families may have travel plans for the upcoming spring break period and should be mindful of travel to geographic areas with widespread or sustained community transmission of COVID-19.

There have been recent travel bans instituted by the federal government and any travel at this time carries risk since the location of outbreaks around the world remains fluid. If you have known exposure to someone who tested positive to COVID-19 or has visited an area identified by the CDC at Level 3 or higher, we would ask that you follow CDC guidelines for self-quarantine. Please also know that Level 2 areas may change to Level 3 unexpectedly. Remember that your actions have an impact on our whole community, and we would like you to be in contact with the school if you’ve traveled abroad prior to returning to school or if you, or someone close to you, have tested positive for COVID-19. Please email me travis@ma.org and Francesca Johnson, Director of Human Resources, at fjohnson@ma.org.

I will continue to keep our community informed with the latest news surrounding this issue and remind you to visit our COVID-19 page for all of the latest updates.

Warm regards,

Correction from a previous email:

If you need to reach the school during this time of closure, please email reception@ma.org instead of calling.
If your child will be absent please email attendance@ma.org.
If you have a concern about your student please email Lynne Hansen.

March 16, 2020: Email from Travis: Notes from the Field

Para ver este mensaje en español, haga clic aquí.

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Dear Families and Students,

Today was the official beginning of MA’s distance learning program. While we all wish the circumstances surrounding the need for this exercise were different, we have also been excited at the prospect of expanding teaching and learning in this new way.

While on campus today, I was able to drop in on some virtual classes, including Biology and Betsy Muir’s Modern World History 1, and they seemed to be going very well. Yinshun Wang, our Chinese teacher, reports that she sailed through three classes with her students. I am so grateful to our talented faculty and administrators who have been working tirelessly to create these online experiences and who want the best academic and social experience for their students. There were a few glitches, confirming the need for our practice day in order to work these issues out.

As you must know by now, the public health officers of seven jurisdictions, including Marin County, issued a legal order directing residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning tonight at midnight. Based on this recent news, students will not be able to come back to campus tomorrow to retrieve any items for the duration of this order. As we’ve all been experiencing, this situation is fast-moving and constant communication will be essential.

There are a few pieces of important information for everyone to be aware of:

Please do not call the school during this time and leave voicemails, communicate through email only.
If your child will be absent please email attendance@ma.org, and if you have a concern about your student please email Lynne Hansen.

I am committed to communicating with students three times a week and also with families several times a week, and I will make it possible for anyone in our community to meet with me virtually. In addition, I will be hosting virtual community meeting sessions through Zoom and encourage you to join if you can. Please look out for an invitation to the sessions. We will continue to provide our strong educational program in engaging ways. Equally important, is our need to connect as a community while social distancing; technology is our asset. I urge all of us to engage in physical activity, avoid social isolation, and all other aspects of self-care.

As we adjust to our new ways of operating I understand that any sort of change presents a myriad of disruption and can be hard on everyone. While we will not be face-to-face, we still have our MA community surrounding us and supporting us. And, as we learn more from our community about what works well, we will share that out with everyone during the course of our communications.

Take good care,

March 16, 2020: Email from Travis: Important Safety and Social Distancing Responsibilities for Students and Parents

Dear Families and Students,

On Friday, I sent out a communication on MA’s plans for school closure and distance learning, and provided times that campus would be open this week should students need to retrieve personal items. In this email, we asked that students not arrive in groups and leave campus once they have retrieved what they need.

I’d like to stress some important guidelines for all members of our community in these coming weeks. From the beginning of communications, I have stressed the need for individual responsibility and community commitment, not only at MA but also in our broader communities.

I ask that you follow the strictest social distancing practices as much as possible during this uncertain period of the COVID-19 pandemic and I direct this to students as well as to adults and families. Please do not allow your children to congregate with others and limit them and yourselves to a small group of individuals that you will be in physical contact with. I wrote separately to all students on Friday to say "for once I am encourging you to use your technology." Parents, we need you to support your children by keeping them AND others safe. The CDC has been clear and common sense requires this response.

We all have a responsibility to do our part to make sure we keep the entire community safe. Please keep in mind that there are essential staff members and people at MA and beyond who are risking their health and the health of their families to perform necessary functions in our school and in our communities right now. Front line employees including custodial and maintenance crews that are still at schools cleaning classrooms and offices to make our school a safer place for those who are still coming to work during closures. There are also dedicated medical personnel, bus drivers, law enforcement officials, day care workers, firefighters, grocery store cashiers, and many more who are all essential for our communities to function. Please respect their service to the community by doing everything you have the responsibility to do in this circumstance. As I mentioned before, the major reason for MA’s closure is to engage in social distancing. Although families will need to make their own decisions, I advise you strongly to be mindful about gatherings and multiple contacts between students and suggest no congregating in ways that can help spread this virus.

Thank you for making this a priority. Working together, and individually, we can help support the health and welfare of the larger community. And parents, please look for more regular communications from me during this closure.

Warmest regards,

March 15, 2020: Email to students: Preparing for Virtual Classes

Dear Scholars,

As we prepare for a different sort of teaching and learning these upcoming weeks, I wanted to reach out for several reasons.

First, thank you. Thank you for the kindness and flexibility you're showing to your teachers and your friends. Please don't forget to show it to yourself as well. You'll be learning in new ways, you may be separated from friends, and you may feel a degree of sadness over loss of sports, planned trips, or more. Be kind to others, and also remember to be kind to yourself, too.

Secondly, and related to the first point, find ways to stay connected. Social distancing could lead to feelings of isolation. As Travis shared, we are encouraging you to connect socially online as best you can. Use the apps you're used to—Facetime and more—but also explore other things you can do. Here are some virtual fieldtrips you can take with friends, join (or start!) a virtual book club, or keep Facetime (or Zoom, or some other virtual meeting space) open as you try recipes together, make music, or take Bob Ross classes and learn how to paint together.

As far as classes, some reminders:

Remember to check your email at least daily. Teachers will be communicating through it, and you don't want to miss anything.
Look for Zoom or Google Hangout meeting requests from your teachers. That's how you'll be able to "get into" your virtual classrooms. (Pro etiquette tip: always mute yourself when not speaking.)
Remember backdrop matters. Whether using Google Hangouts Meet or Zoom, please don't video chat from your bedroom or from other spaces that have overly personal items in the background (the horror stories we've heard ...). I also realize this isn't possible for everyone: with parents, siblings, or others also needing to work remotely, space may be challenging. So wherever you are, DO make sure your background is appropriate for school. Worried about showing any of backdrop? If you're using Zoom, you can also use a computerized backdrop. See how here.
As a reminder, we will have regular class times tomorrow and then starting Thursday for one full week. There are no classes this Tuesday and Wednesday (March 17–18), nor are there classes on Friday, March 27.
Teachers will be available for tutorial on all class days. Look for Google Hangout/Zoom invites to join. If you need one-on-one support, please email your teacher directly.
Advisory will happen on Wednesday, March 25. Look for the invite from your advisor.
There are no assemblies during the next two weeks.

If you have any overall questions, please let me know. I am here—as are your teachers, advisors, class deans, and others—to support you.

With care,

KaTrina

March 14, 2020: Email from Academic Dean to MARC Students and Families

Dear MARC Students and Families,

As you are aware, we, out of an abundance of caution, have made the decision to transition from on-campus classes at Marin Academy to our distance learning model starting on Monday. I realize that for MARC students, there may be other questions, particularly around long-term experiments happening on- and off-campus.

Stori and Mary Kay have examined each individual student situation and made determinations about whether or not experiments can continue without attention until after spring break (or can be worked on from home). For most students, this will be possible, and in those cases, we ask that students suspend their lab work while continuing with other important pieces—journal research, writing, working on presentations—remotely. In addition, any student working with human subjects must also suspend their experiments and focus on the non-lab components of their work. For the very few students, however, for whom more frequent labs are critical, you have two options, though the second option may be removed at any point as information is constantly evolving:

Option 1: Suspend/end your lab work. You will not be penalized in any way for this; instead, you will shift to focusing on presentation work (planning, writing, speaking, etc.) during these upcoming weeks. Stori and/or Mary Kay will work with you to determine what can be salvaged or revisited in the lab once classes resume on campus.

Option 2: Because the campus is closed for social distancing reasons—at the point of writing this, there have been no cases of COVID-19 tied to Marin Academy—we will allow, with the following restrictions, MARC students to work in the MA lab. (Again, this option may, at any time, be revoked based on updated information we receive either locally or nationally.)

The student wants to work on the project and chooses to be on campus
The parent(s)/guardian(s) consent to the student being on campus to work on their MARC project
There are no more than 2 students in the lab at a time
Stori or Mary Kay voluntarily choose to be in the lab with the student(s)
The day/time is scheduled with Stori or Mary Kay during appointed times and KaTrina is made aware

While we have oversight over our own campus and decisions around it, we do not have those same powers over other institutions. For students whose lab work is being completed off-campus, we ask that they and their parents/guardians—along with the labs/institutions MARC students are partnering with—make decisions around whether or not to continue to go. Note that choosing not to continue lab work off-site will in no way jeopardize your ability to pass MARC. Similar to those working on-campus, you will not be penalized in any way for this; instead, you will shift to focusing on presentation work (planning, writing, speaking, etc.) during these upcoming weeks. Stori and/or Mary Kay will work with you to figure out next steps.

To be clear, there is no pressure from the school, Stori, or Mary Kay for students to continue their lab work during these unprecedented times. We also realize, however, that some of these experiments represent almost two year’s worth of work, and even when not that long, still many, many individual hours and commitment. We are trying our best to honor all students and their work while keeping our entire community—both MA and beyond—safe.

Stori and Mary Kay will be reaching out to individual students and parents/guardians about their projects. If you have any overarching questions, however, please let me know. And thank you, once again, for your flexibility and understanding during this time.

Best regards,

KaTrina Wentzel

Academic Dean

March 13, 2020: Email to students: Upcoming Weeks/Days

Dear Scholars,

As you read from Travis, out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to transition from on-campus classes at Marin Academy to our distance learning model, based on a protocol we’ve developed for when school is closed for up to 6 days, beginning next Thursday, March 19. Athletics and other co-curricular activities (including Outings) will be suspended beginning today, March 13th. Marin Academy itself is not ‘closing’; academics will continue online as previously shared.

Timeline and Virtual Instruction Processes

As indicated just a few days ago, we will move to a distance-learning model using the video conferencing software Google Hangouts/Meet, something you already have access to. (Note: it is possible some teachers will use Zoom, but they will prepare you for that if it occurs.) As a reminder, the MA class schedule will remain constant, though online, with students and teachers meeting at their regular times but in a virtual classroom. Learning will happen both synchronously (students working together), and asynchronously (students learning at their own pace, not all at the same time). We will follow this schedule through Thursday, March 26th.

Here are what the remaining days leading up to spring break will look like:

Day	Where	What	Information
Monday, March 16	Remote	Practice Day	DEFG classes are remote. Campus is open from 9–3 for students to gather materials, supplies, and sports equipment if they wish.
Tuesday, March 17	////////////	NO CLASSES	Faculty training, planning, and preparation. Campus is open from 9–3 for students to gather materials, supplies, and sports equipment if they wish.
Wednesday, March 18	////////////	NO CLASSES	Faculty training, planning, and preparation. Campus is open from 9–3 for students to gather materials, supplies, and sports equipment if they wish.
Thursday, March 19 –Thursday, March 26	Remote	Level 3 (school closed for up to one rotation) Begins	The MA class schedule will remain constant, though online, with students and teachers meeting at their regular times but in a virtual classroom. Learning will happen both synchronously (students working together), and asynchronously (students learning at their own pace, not all at the same time). As a reminder, follow these guidelines and expectations.
Friday, March 27	/////////////	NO CLASSES	Spring break begins one day early. School undergoes deep clean.

I have greatly appreciated hearing from many of you about your desire to continue learning and from seeing your willingness to move forth with flexibility and generosity. Thank you. We will do this together!

With care (but with appropriate social distance),

KaTrina

March 13, 2020: Email from Travis: Marin Academy's Plan for School Closure

Dear Families and Students,

Ever since I first communicated with you about the COVID-19 virus over a week ago, the global, national, and local landscape has changed rapidly. We are all accustomed to the rhythm of our lives, and the routine of school provides predictability, continuity, stability, and a ready community. The disruptions posed by COVID-19 are unsettling for all of us. In the midst of this dynamic event, I have been grateful for your patience and support.

We have navigated each decision with much thought, counsel, and the health and safety of all of our community as our North Star. The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared COVID-19 a pandemic, multiple universities and colleges have sent students home, and many Bay Area schools, public, independent and parochial, have decided to close. We have been taking our counsel from multiple sources; in addition we know that the number of currently available test kits is highly limited.

I write today to let you know that Marin Academy will transition to our distance learning model that I referenced in my letter just two days ago. I want to stress that there have been no positive tests for COVID-19 in our community. We are acting out of an abundance of caution and a desire to do our part as a school in this uncertain time. At this point, we anticipate returning to school at MA on Monday, April 13, following our regularly scheduled two week spring break. During this time all school co-curricular programs will be suspended, including athletics (both practices and games), outings, etc.

Students will not be allowed on campus during this time. It will be critical for students and parents to check email regularly. Parents and students should use email to communicate with teachers, staff, or administrators as we will be working remotely and not reachable on campus.

MA’s Academic Dean, Katrina Wentzel, will be sending students a direct communication very soon about our distance learning schedule and expectations. During this time, I encourage parents to be clear with their children about their own expectations. Although students will be focused on their learning, a portion of it will be asynchronistic. Furthermore, the major reason for MA’s closure is to engage in social distancing. Although families will need to make their own decisions, I advise you strongly to be mindful about gatherings and multiple contacts between students. Personal responsibility driven by community needs has never been more important. I believe that mutual frustration can be mitigated by clear communication between parents and students. Because we have technology assets, social distancing does not have to mean social isolation.

I want to take this moment to thank our faculty, staff and administrators for all that they have done to make this transition smooth. It has required flexibility and creativity. As teachers, staff and administrators were putting on our 16th annual Conference on Democracy and writing comments, they were also preparing to begin distance learning. The attitude and approach on campus has been classic MA: think, question, create. We are in great hands!

The list below shows what the remaining days leading up to spring break look like. Please read it carefully as there are a few days which will be teacher work days when no classes will be held.

I will hold each of you in my thoughts as we all continue to exercise flexibility, compassion, and bravery amidst this uncertainty. I will remain in close contact during this time. Community matters, and our MA community will draw on its strength and the enormous care demonstrated daily. Please take care of yourselves and know that MA stands with you and your families. Please let me know how you are doing!

Warmest regards (and sending an elbow bump virtually),

----

Here are what the remaining days leading up to spring break will look like:

Monday, March 16

Practice Day

Remote

DEFG classes are remote. Campus is open 9:00-3:00 for students to gather materials, supplies, and sports equipment if they wish. We ask that students not arrive in groups and leave campus once they have what they need.

Tuesday, March 17

NO CLASSES

Faculty training, planning, and preparation. Campus is open 9:00-3:00 for students to gather materials, supplies, and sports equipment if they wish. We ask that students not arrive in groups and leave campus once they have what they need.

Wednesday, March 18

NO CLASSES

Thursday, March 19–Thursday, March 26

Level 3 Begins (school closed for up to one rotation)

Remote

The MA class schedule will remain constant, though online, with students and teachers meeting at their regular times but in a virtual classroom. Learning will happen both synchronously (students working together), and asynchronously (students learning at their own pace, not all at the same time). As a reminder, follow these guidelines and expectations. Beginning Thursday campus is closed.

Friday, March 27

NO CLASSES

Spring break begins one day early. School undergoes deep clean.

March 13, 2020: Letter to Faculty Regarding School Closure

Dear Colleagues,

Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to transition from on-campus classes at Marin Academy to distance learning, beginning next Thursday, March 19. That this time, we will enact a “Level 3” event. Athletics and other in-person co-curricular activities (including Outings) will be suspended beginning Friday, March 13th. Marin Academy itself is not ‘closing’; academics will continue, though neither you nor your students will be required to be on campus after next Tuesday, March 17th.

While we have anticipated that this time might be coming, we are also keenly aware of the challenges this situation poses and, no doubt will continue to pose. Please know that we are tremendously grateful for your courage and resilience during this difficult time. Be gentle with yourselves and, if possible, extend yourselves the same sort of generosity you have already offered your students. If there is anything at all Lynne, Mya, Kyle, Russ, Derek, or we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What follows is a detailed schedule and set of plans for faculty and students through spring break (which will now include Friday, March 27th). For administrators and staff, your direct supervisors will be in touch shortly (if they have not already) about adjustment to your work schedules.

Timeline

Monday, March 16 Online Practice	As we indicated in our correspondence on March 11, 2020, we will move to a distance-learning model using the video conferencing software, our regular Day 6 Schedule, and MyMA for attendance.
Tuesday, March 17 All Classes Meet on Campus	Tuesday, we will run a modified schedule wherein all classes will meet (schedule to follow tomorrow). This will be our last on-campus day through the end of spring break. Please use this time to wrap up any loose ends, share any learnings from the online practice day, encourage students to gather their materials, etc. We will also gather for a last chambers (before break) at 3:00.
Wednesday, March 18 Teacher Work Day	Wednesday is a non-teaching day. Faculty are encouraged to take the day to finish comments (they will now be due at 9:30 on Thursday), engage in remote or in-person (if you choose) professional development related to online teaching, and prepare for the full-cycle of online instruction that will begin on Thursday.
Thursday, March 19 Level 3 Begins (and continues through March 26)	Thursday marks the first day of our Level 3 cycle. From Thursday, March 19 through Thursday, March 26 (day 3 through day 2) the MA class schedule will remain constant, though online, with students and teachers meeting at their regular times but in a virtual classroom. Learning will happen both synchronously (students working together), and asynchronously (students learning at their own pace, not all at the same time), and, as is the case with our typical MA classrooms, instruction will contain multiple learning activities, broken up into short chunks.
Friday, March 27 Spring Break Begins	Thursday the 26th will mark the end of our Level 3 event. Friday will now officially be considered one of the days of spring break.

We are also pushing back the timeline for grades and comments. KaTrina has outlined a new schedule here. Please note that as we will be preparing and assembling these comments remotely, we will not have an official period of proofreading. Rather, we strongly encourage you to use Grammarly and to find a peer who is willing to look over your comments.

As you prepare for next week and beyond, we are pleased to announce that Zoom is now available to use with your classes if you prefer that to Google Hangouts Meet. While the consistency of using one platform has its advantages, now that we have the correct licensing for Zoom, some of you—either already-familiar with it or who are interested in its enhanced features such as “break-out rooms” for small groups—may want to use it instead of Google Hangouts Meet. Either is fine; however, note that you must use the Zoom account provided by the Tech Dept with your MA email address (invites should arrive soon). There is no need to create a password because you can choose the reliable 'Login with Google Account' option. If you are not familiar with Zoom, there is no need to learn a new system. We are simply making this software available for those of you who are already accustomed to or desire it.

Finally, in addition to the ever-growing list of resources you all have been building on this google doc, Kyle and his team are in the process of collecting as much information and resources on distance learning as possible and putting them into one easily accessible place. That place is the distance learning section of the technology website at https://sites.google.com/ma.org/technology/distance-learning. Right now it is spare, but they are working as quickly as they can to create a usable hub for all of us. Kyle and team are also looking at licensing other resources that may be of assistance now and in the future, including a license to Swank K12, an online streaming service that will allow students to have access to many films and documentaries for viewing asynchronously. More to come soon.

Thank you for supporting one another, for enduring with flexibility and grace, and for modeling such incredible generosity and empathy. These are trying times. There will be moments when we are not at our best. This is okay. We are human. And we are full of gratitude for the ways in which we all—students, staff, faculty, and administrators—are learning, leaning in, and leading. Thank you.

With care (and appropriate social distance),

Stella & KaTrina

March 12, 2020: New Message about Junior Class Parent Potluck

Hello Junior Class Parents. In an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel the Junior Class Parent Potluck this weekend (March 15) with the hopes of rescheduling at a later date. We would like to thank Erica Hunt for offering to open her home to us and all of you who offered to bring items to the party. Please be on the look out for a new date should the opportunity arise to revive this fun get together! Sincerely, Monika Farrar and Carrie Egan

March 11, 2020: Virtual MA Celebrates - A Note from the Co-Chairs

Dear MA Community,

Historically, MA Celebrates has always had two goals - community building and raising funds to help support two critical school priorities: faculty and staff professional development and tuition assistance. Yesterday, we made the decision to cancel the physical event and we are placing our entire focus on the online auction.

We are still hopeful this can be our most successful online auction to date. In order to pull this off, we need your online bidding support more than ever! We need every family involved to meet our financial goals. Here’s how you can help:

Please Bid Online!

MA Promise: Fund-a-Need: Please consider supporting this innovative program to fund next year’s MA Promise Scholars. Under the MA Promise, any admitted family whose income falls below $100,000 annually will pay no tuition. Additionally, families who earn more than $100,000 annually will pay only what they're able to afford. Our goal is to fund several students for next year’s 2024 class. You can donate in increments from $250 - $25,000.
Parties & Gatherings: Secure your spot at 20+ incredible MA Parties! There is something for everyone - class parties, intimate dinners, Ultimate Frisbee, CrossFit, yoga, and outdoor hikes. These parties are fun and engaging ways to connect with other MA families. Parties fill up quickly!
MA Exclusives: Our community members have donated an unbelievable array of unique vacation homes, sporting events, and once in a lifetime experiences. Here you will find your only chance to buy Dead & Company tickets with backstage passes, BACKROADS trip or coveted MA student parking spaces. Bid soon, as these items are going fast.
Wine: We have over 90 lots of unique and collectible wine donated by our MA community. Help us reach our two bids per item goal by placing your bid today! We have an outstanding online wine catalog - lots range from $60 to $1,000. Historically we have sold about 90% of the auction wine at the actual event, so this year it’s even more important to bid online. Don’t miss out on these rare finds.

Tickets

As a result of the physical event being canceled, the value of your tickets is now fully tax-deductible. This also applies to faculty/staff sponsored tickets. Gift acknowledgment letters will be issued post-event for your tax purposes. Alternatively, if you would prefer a refund, please call Megan Wheeler at 415-482-3271.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for your support and participation in making this Virtual MA Celebrates a great success.

With gratitude,

Wendy Huck

Erica Hunt

Megan Wheeler

March 11, 2020: Coronavirus: Student Expectations

Overview:

The arrival of COVID-19 in the Bay Area has created a dynamic situation for all of us. Our greatest concern is always the health and well-being of members of our community, and as such, we have partnered closely with the Marin County Department of Education and Marin County Health and Human Services, and both organizations are recommending that schools remain open and that we continue business as usual. Behind the scenes, however, teachers and administrators have been exploring the ways we—as a caring and creative community of educators—might support your well-being and academic progress when the conditions for teaching and learning are best transitioned to a space that doesn’t require us to be on campus. You, too, can be preparing, and we ask you to partner with us to make this as seamless an experience as possible.

Community Expectations During School:

Stay home if you are sick or if you have a persistent cough. Teachers, advisors and class deans will support your catching up while out. Please remain home for 48 hours after you are free from fever and a productive cough.
For students recovering at home, check MyMA and contact your classmates and teachers to determine the best way to stay involved with the work at school.
Wash hands right before and right after class.
Protect others from your cough or sneeze. Your best choice is to cough/sneeze into a tissue and quickly dispose of it, and the second choice is into your elbow. Clothes that you cough/sneezed into should be washed before wearing again.
Avoid hand to hand contact by waving or greeting with elbows instead of handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, etc.
Be informed: follow and listen to the CDC and county departments of health and be mindful of the rise in racism towards Asians and Asian-Americans—in both the media and in our communities—since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Academic Preparation:

To prepare for a possible campus closure, please do the following:

Test the camera and microphone on your laptop and make sure they both work. If not go to the tech office for help ASAP.
If you do not have reliable internet service at home, please let KaTrina and/or Kyle know so we can help find a solution for you.
View and read emails daily.
Bring home textbooks, novels, classwork, folders, devices, chargers, and any other resources that might be necessary for learning daily.
Determine, with family support, the best place to attend class virtually. This should be a spot with minimal distractions and with nothing too personal (or inappropriate for school) in the background.
Make sure your laptop is fully charged or able to stay plugged in before classes begin.
If you have them, identify headphones/earphones you can wear and make sure they are charged if necessary.
Run a practice Google Hangouts Meeting to test equipment and space. Family members can assist you with this, being a collaborator from another room, or you can set up a test meeting with a group of peers.
If your teachers review their online plans with you as a class, help them think of any ways you as students can be helpful in a virtual school experience. Also, help them to think about obstacles that you might encounter in the type of work you typically do in that type of class.
We all need to work together to move through this with flexibility and generosity.
If you know school will be meeting virtually, look for and accept any Google Hangouts/Meet “invites” by teachers (for classes, advisory, etc.)

Overall Academic Expectations During School Closure:

If school closes, CLASSES WILL CONTINUE ONLINE and you will be expected to attend those classes. In order to keep our commitment to continued learning, we ask students to be aware of the following:

Continue to dress in school-appropriate attire
Continue to follow school and class guidelines for respectful discourse and behavior
Get online several minutes before each class; have MyMA course page open as well as Google Hangouts Meet
Login to your classes using the Google Hangout Meets calendar invites sent by teachers
Follow your teacher’s instructions for each class
If you become ill while at home, please 1) have your parents email lneville@ma.org and report your illness and 2) inform your teachers, advisor and class dean, all of whom will support you getting back on track once you are feeling better.
Communicate! If you are struggling with the lessons or workload for any reason, please let your teachers and advisor know so you can get the support you need.
be flexible
be curious
be generous of spirit

If Campus Is Closed for 1–6 Days

Classes will meet on the regular schedule (Days 1-6). Your teachers will invite you to class via Google Hangouts/Meet. Classes will begin at their regularly scheduled time and attendance will be taken.

Students and teachers will begin together at the start of class on the regular schedule. Classes should all start with a Google Hangouts/Meet.
Class time and work time should equal 75 minutes. Learning can happen both synchronously (students working together), and asynchronously (students learning at their own pace, not all at the same time).
Advisory and tutorials will continue online. Your teachers/advisors will communicate more about this.

If Campus is Closed for More than 6 Days

Teachers will continue to communicate with you via email, MyMA class pages, and Google Hangouts/Meet. However, we will operate on a modified schedule that allows for classes to proceed on a model not so different than the one used by the BlendED consortium. That is, you will meet synchronously with your teachers and classmates once a rotation while working asynchronously on your coursework.

MODIFIED CLASS SCHEDULE

A Block: Day 1 (8:00–9:00)
B Block: Day 3 (1:00–2:00)
C: Block: Day 5 (1:00–2:00)
D Block: Day 2 (8:00–9:00)
E Block: Day 2 (9:30–10:30)
F Block: Day 4 (9:30–10:30)
G Blocks: Day 6 (9:30–10:30)

March 11, 2020: Email from Travis: MA Distance Learning Practice Day

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Dear Students and Families,

As you know, the arrival of COVID-19 in the Bay Area has created a dynamic situation for all of us. As we noted in a recent community letter, our greatest concern is always the health and well-being of members of our community. We have partnered closely with the Marin County Department of Education and Marin County Health and Human Services, and both organizations are recommending that schools remain open. Behind the scenes, teachers and administrators have been exploring the ways we—as a caring and creative community of educators—might support students’ well-being and academic progress when the conditions for teaching and learning aren’t ideal or like anything we’ve experienced before.

Yesterday you learned about our need to cancel MA Celebrates; today we are writing to let you know about our plans should such a need for school closure arise and that on Monday, March 16, we will engage in a practice virtual learning day. Here is a summary of our long-term plans as well as our plans for Monday's practice virtual learning day, where students will engage in distant, online learning at home.

Increased Absences

In the event that school is open but students find themselves unable to attend for a prolonged period of time, we have asked teachers to supplement their MyMA pages with robust materials and, when appropriate, screencasts/videos so that absent students will be able to follow along. As shared by the class deans in a recent email, MA already has systems in place to support individual students when they are out for any number of reasons. That said, if there are a substantial number of students absent, we will adapt certain teaching strategies and protocols. For example, while we typically discourage video conferencing or calling into the classroom for a number of reasons, if enough students are out but not too ill (eg. are quarantined but not feeling sick), we will shift this policy.

Campus Closure and Remote Teaching and Learning

In the event that our physical campus is closed, we will move to a distance-learning model using the video conferencing software Google Hangouts/Meet, something all students currently have access to. If the campus is closed for the short-term (between one and six school days) the MA class schedule (as found in the MA Planner as well) will remain constant, though online, with students and teachers meeting at their regular times but in a virtual classroom. Learning will happen both synchronously (students working together), and asynchronously (students learning at their own pace, not all at the same time), and, as is the case with our typical MA classrooms, instruction will contain multiple learning activities, broken up into short chunks.

If the campus needs to be closed for the longer term (more than six school days), we will rely on our strong learnings from our years as a BlendEd Consortium school; not only are we equipped with knowledge and experience around pedagogy in online learning, but we also have a model—where students work primarily asynchronously but meet synchronously in an online meeting once every one to two weeks—that has worked well. As such, if our campus closes for longer than six school days, we are ready to move forth with a modified class schedule in which the curriculum has been revamped and retooled for maximum learning in a distance-learning format. In either closed-campus scenario, teachers will adapt curriculum and assessments and remain available for Tutorials. Advisories will also meet.

Student Expectations and Preparation for Remote Learning

Though we may need to move to remote learning, school rules—including dress code, tardies, etc.—continue to apply during the school day. In addition, as teachers are preparing for a distance learning scenario, students can and should also prepare. Bring your school materials, devices, and chargers home each evening. Set up a consistent “classroom space” in your home where you will attend class if it is online. Find a space where there isn’t anything distracting, school inappropriate, or too personal in the background (notice posters up on walls, for instance). We recommend not using bedrooms when video conferencing for classes. Practice a Google Hangouts/Meet with friends Online sessions are typically better with headphones. If you have some, check the batteries/charging situation and make sure they are ready. Should you have unstable wifi or lack of access to wifi, please contact KaTrina Wentzel and/or Kyle Vitale right away.

Athletic, Co-curricular Activities, Meetings, Speakers, etc.

When School closes, the campus will be closed and, as such, all school events will be postponed or canceled. Such a closure would include all practices, games, concerts, plays, speakers, and meetings.

Monday’s Practice

On Monday, we are asking all students and faculty to conduct classes online, off-campus, and at home. This day will serve as a practice day should we need to enact a more permanent remote learning plan. Monday is a “D, E, F, G” day. Therefore, students should be logged on and ready to join a Google Hangout/Meet online group for their D block classes at 8:00 am. The schedule for the rest of the day is as follows:

8:00 D Block

9:20 G Block

10:40 Tutorial (optional)

11:15 E Block

1:30 F Block

Students will receive links from their teachers to join their video classrooms. Teachers then, according to our plans, will either conduct class virtually and/or assign independent work that has been designed to take approximately 75 minutes (the length of a regular school period). Students are not required to be online during lunch or any free blocks. We anticipate that there will be bumps in the road on Monday; we ask your patience as we engage in this trial run, as we know that this period of practice will help us better anticipate how we want to move forward in the event of a more lengthy closure. If you have any questions about this process and practice day, please reach out to KaTrina Wentzel, Academic Dean.

Although classes will practice virtual online learning on Monday, March 16, we will hold practices at MA and games at their assigned venues. Practices will be held at their usual times, and coaches will be in touch with teams about when to arrive at game sites. Although we will not provide transportation to practices, we will run our usual late bus and KidzJets from MA at 5:30 p.m.

Our commitment to you is frequent and clear communication. For current details and up-to-date information, we recommend you visit and bookmark the MA Coronavirus response website: ma.org/coronavirus. As such, we will ask that all constituents check email frequently. Students will also need to be especially attentive to their MA email and MyMA. To be clear, however, in the case of a complete school closure, everyone will be notified initially through our emergency response system.

As our plans stand now, Marin Academy will not close unless we have a confirmed case of COVID-19 within our community, or if a parent or other family member in the home has a confirmed exposure. That could change, but we will keep you posted.

There are many resources—internal and external—available to support all constituents of Marin Academy. Please don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it. And, of course, if you feel sick, please stay home!

Best,

Travis Brownley, Head of School

KaTrina Wentzel, Academic Dean

Stella Beale, Dean of Faculty

March 10, 2020: Email from Travis: Important Update about March 21 MA Celebrates

Dear MA Community,

I want to thank everyone for your patience and partnership as we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving situation around COVID-19. I would like to take this moment to share that we have decided that we must cancel the in-person portion of this year’s MA Celebrates scheduled for Saturday, March 21. While social distancing is the proper course at this time, we still have a need for the support of our community. As an administration, we support the MA Celebrates leadership in their decision to redirect this event to an online auction.

I also want to thank everyone who has already contributed to this important event - from those who have purchased tickets and sponsorships to those who have volunteered to lead parties and gatherings and those who have contributed over 200 fantastic and unique auction items. It is this spirit of generosity from our community that will carry us through challenging moments in time.

Tomorrow, you will hear more from our MA Celebrates team about the next steps and how you can support our school through our online auction. My gratitude goes to all of you who will continue to virtually partake in the MA community’s favorite social event. I am grateful for your ongoing commitment to our students and faculty.

Warmest regards,

March 10, 2020: Announcement - Thacher Event Postponed

March 9, 2020: Letter from MA Class Deans re: COVID-19

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Dear Parents,

We wanted to follow-up on the email Travis sent out regarding COVID-19. While we’re hopeful the school and the larger community will not be impacted by the virus, we did want to reach out to remind and reassure you all that should your child get sick and need to miss school, we are here to support your child as they return to school.

Often times we hear the refrain, “missing school is too hard. You get too far behind.” We understand and appreciate our students’ commitment to their studies, and it’s really important that your child stay home from school if they’re not well. Should their absence be longer than a day or two, there is a support team waiting to help them when they return. To give you an idea of what we mean, here is how we’ve supported some students with prolonged absences:

The advisor contacts all of the teachers asking about missed work. Missed work is usually collected in a Google Doc and shared with both the student and family.
As needed, the advisor (in conjunction with the class dean) puts together a plan for making up missed assessments.
Teachers show empathy as students get back on track.

Some families have asked whether students have the option to be virtually present in a class when they’re ill. At this time, this is not an accommodation we are offering. Our teachers and classrooms are not set up for this option for short term absences.

Luckily, most students don’t have experience with prolonged absences, so sometimes they may feel like they have to go it alone. That is not the case, and we want to make sure that you and they know how they’ll be supported. We also recognize that different students need different levels of support, and our goal is to be there for your child, regardless. Please keep your child home if they’re unwell. Their focus when ill should be health, wellness, and recovery.

Please reach out to any one of us should you have any questions.

Take Care,

Kevin Rees (Freshman Class Dean)

Jared Baird (Sophomore Class Dean)

Mary Collie (Junior Class Dean)

Juliet Dana (Senior Class Dean)

March 6, 2020: Email from Travis: Coronavirus Update

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Dear MA Families,

We continue to closely monitor the latest information about the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), including regular updates from the Marin Department of Health and Human Services, the Marin County Office of Education, the CDC, as well as the World Health Organization. Our priority is to maintain the health and safety of our school community and to keep you informed. As we mentioned in our previous email update, our administrative team is driving the development of a contingency distance learning program should COVID-19 disrupt classes and force the temporary closure of school. We will communicate our plans about what this would look like with our community early next week.

For the moment, we wanted to announce our newly established school webpage to track news and information related to the spread of COVID-19 and how it may impact our community. This page includes the latest relevant information for our community including updates on related school event cancellations, college test and college visit changes and information, tips on staying safe and healthy, and links to the CDC, WHO, local public health organizations, and other resources.

We remain vigilant with health and hygiene around campus, and teachers and staff continue to remind our community to wash hands frequently during the day or to use hand sanitizer if handwashing is not possible. Our custodial crew has been working hard daily after-hours cleaning and sanitizing our campus and other spaces each evening, wiping down desktops and frequently-touched objects like doorknobs, to ensure a clean work and study environment during the school day. And, we have increased efforts to provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers around campus.

Please continue to practice the preventive steps that are recommended to keeping our community safe from COVID-19. Again, if you are feeling sick we ask you to remain at home until you feel better. Have a great weekend, and I hope to see you at the girls’ soccer match at Branson on Saturday at 2 p.m.!

Warmest regards,

March 5, 2020: Email from school transportation service, KidzJet

Good morning.

With the global events surrounding the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak we at KidzJet have taken preventive measures to ensure the safety and health of students and our staff. KidzJet has a variety of established policies, plans and procedures to ensure the smooth continuity of business operations.

PREVENTIVE ACTIONS

Increased and regular van cleanings and disinfection, as well as the accessibility to disinfectants, hand sanitizer and face masks for “positions” that need them.
We are requesting students to stay home when they are sick. Also students should follow preventive measures provided by the CDC.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

KidzJet Customer Service

650.235.4210

March 3, 2020: Press Release: Marin County Schools Prepare for Coronavirus/COVID-19

Press Release: Marin County Schools Prepare for Coronavirus/COVID-19

For Immediate Release

March 3, 2020

Contact: Mary Jane Burke

Marin County Superintendent of Schools

mjburke@marinschools.org

(415) 499-5801

Marin County Schools Prepare for Coronavirus/COVID-19

Marin County, CA – School leaders and health experts in Marin County are coordinating efforts to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 and determine how schools will respond in the event that a case is identified at a school site. Working closely Dr. Matt Willis, Public Health Officer, and his team at the County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), school leaders are receiving the most current information related to the virus along with guidance about keeping students and staff safe.

A community forum is scheduled for March 9 from 6-7:30p.m. at the Marin County Office of Education located at 1111 Las Gallinas Avenue in San Rafael. The forum will include health experts from the DHHS and Kaiser Permanente. Facebook live streaming will be available through the Marin COE Facebook page https://tinyurl.com/tb2odfx.

“We are taking this situation very seriously for the sake of our students, staff and community at large,” said Marin County Superintendent of Schools Mary Jane Burke. “While this situation is evolving, we are following the recommendations of local health experts.”

The DHHS recommends common sense guidelines for protecting against the spread of infectious diseases including:

Encourage students and staff to stay home when they are sick.
Those who have a fever at school should go home and stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication.
Separate sick students and staff from others until they can be picked up to go home.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
Promote hand hygiene among students and staff through education, scheduled time for handwashing, and availability of soap and water and/or hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Teach and encourage proper cough etiquette—cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or arm (do not use hands).
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The Marin County Office of Education has a dedicated web page related to the coronavirus at www.marinschools.org. The page includes written communications from the DHHS and resources related to hygiene, talking to kids about the virus and distance learning.

The Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) is also working with the DHHS to update its infectious disease emergency response plan, which was developed in 2009 in response to the H1N1 virus. The document serves as a plan for schools to manage an infectious disease emergency.

In the event that a case of coronavirus occurs at a school site, the school’s crisis response team will work with public health officials to determine next steps, which may include closing a school for up to 14 days.

County Superintendent Burke praised the collaboration efforts of school leaders to prepare a database of online and paper-based learning resources for schools to use in the event of a closure and to support the continuity of teaching and learning.

“All of these efforts are reflective of our community’s ability to come together in a time of need. While we are hoping that we will not need to implement our plans for a worst case scenario, we will be ready.”

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Mary Jane Burke (She/Her/Hers)

Marin County Superintendent of Schools

(415) 499-5801

@Burkemaryjane (Twitter)

March 2, 2020: Email from Travis: Coronavirus Update

Para ver este mensaje en español, haga clic aquí.

Đọc ở đây cho người việt nam.

Dear All,

As we return from Minicourse tomorrow, I wanted to provide our community with an update of our response to the emerging outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As you know, the developments surrounding COVID-19 have created a dynamic situation both domestically and internationally. The situation is a community issue which will require all of us to act individually with an eye toward the collective good.

Our greatest concern is always the health and well-being of members of our community. We are consistently consulting and monitoring the situation with the Marin County Office of Education, the CDC, and the World Health Organization and will provide timely updates to the community as the situation progresses. Given that this situation is evolving and will require fluidity on everyone’s part, I want to urge first and foremost that individuals remain at home should they be sick or demonstrate any symptoms.

We are currently confirming our plan to avoid interruption of teaching and learning should school closures become a part of our response. Our Administrative Team is driving the development of a contingency distance learning program should COVID-19 disrupt classes. MA’s experience in leading the Bay Area BlendEd Consortium gives us a unique ability to make this a seamless transition for students should this need arise. The primary concern right now is to ensure our community remains safe and healthy.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. The CDC believes that symptoms of Coronavirus may appear within 14 days after exposure. The illness can be more serious for individuals with a weakened immune system, the elderly, or those with underlying respiratory problems.

The CDC has established a COVID-19 website with comprehensive information about reducing the risk of infection, advice related to international travel, and what to do if you think you may be sick. These preventive steps are common-sense approaches that we can all take to help keep our community safe and healthy, including:

Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash or sanitize hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

To date we have confirmed with the School’s cleaning service that all products meet rigorous standards to ensure the most sanitary school environment. We urge everyone to be particularly diligent with preventive hygiene and vigilant in monitoring for symptoms, especially if you have been in contact with anyone traveling internationally in the past few weeks. Please also take this time to update your emergency contact information in MyMA so we will be able to connect with you on all of the latest information and updates.

I encourage you to engage the news you hear with a critical eye. Rumors and supposition will impede our ability to act effectively with confidence and clarity. We at Marin Academy will base our decisions on sources such as the CDC, the World Health Organization, and state and local agencies. I want to thank all of the faculty, staff, and administrators who are working to monitor, assess, and respond to the needs of our community. In the face of this evolving situation, we can’t ignore the lessons of compassion and empathy. I ask us all to hold in our thoughts the nations and communities impacted by COVID-19.

All the best,

Mindfulness Resources for Parents, Teens, and Young Adults

Here is a list of helpful resources for mindfulness and mental health practices amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mindfulness and Mental Health Resource List

Mindfulness and Mental Health Resource List

Calm: Take a Deep Breath

Coronavirus Sanity Guide

Free Mindfulness Resources for Kids and Teens

How to Help Teens Shelter In Place

How to Work from Home with Kids

Mental Health Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

Mental Health Experts Offer Counsel on Staying Calm During Coronavirus Pandemic

Mindfulness Resources for Young Adults, compiled by Mark Stefanski and Anna Ramji

Parenting in the Age of Coronavirus, What Can Parents Do?

Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus). A Parent Resource

Talking to Teens and Tweens about Coronavirus

Teacher Who Survived Katrina Has this Advice for Class of 2020

That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief

College Counseling Updates

Universities are responding rapidly to COVID-19 within the context of their own communities. In the coming weeks, some may be canceling classes, some may cancel admissions events and tours, and some may cancel "yield events" for admitted students in the bay area or on-campus. Below are updates/cancellations that we are aware of. If you are a junior or senior or a parent of a student in the class of 2020 or 2021, you should also be checking university admission websites and your emails. Here is an excellent resource for now.

Latest known college updates/visit cancellations
March 6, 2020: SAT information update for Juniors

Latest known college updates/visit cancellations

Here is a blog that also is tracking campus visit cancellations due to coronavirus: https://www.collegekickstart.com/blog/item/coronavirus-impact-on-campus-visits

March 6, 2020: SAT information update for Juniors

Juniors, please be advised that due to precautions set by individual testing sites, your SAT site may have moved for the Saturday, March 14 test date. Thus far, no California high schools have canceled the SAT and all testing sites remain unchanged as of 2/6 at 3 pm.

For SF Area students: Riordan has canceled our administration of the March SAT and is tentatively rescheduling for March 28th (though marked as TBD on the College Board site).

Here is a link to the College Board page which lists test center site closing.

Preventing Illness

Public health officials recommend the following steps people should take to reduce their risk of getting and spreading any viral respiratory infections. These include:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.

Coronavirus FAQ

What is COVID-19?

What are the symptoms?

How can I prevent getting COVID-19?

It’s important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus, especially to protect those who are more vulnerable. Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:

wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
avoid contact with people who are sick
stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others
cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

If you are traveling overseas, check for the latest COVID-19 Travel Alerts and follow the CDC’s Travelers’ Health guidance: cdc.gov/travel

Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infections.

When should I seek testing for COVID-19?

Seek medical care promptly if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing AND:

you have traveled from affected geographic areas in the 14 days before your illness began, OR
you have been identified by the health department as a recent close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case or had recent close contact with someone who is being evaluated for novel coronavirus infection.

Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions about how to get care quickly while preventing exposure to others. Your healthcare provider will evaluate you to determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19.

Postponed/Canceled Events

Thursday, April 30, 2020: MAster Class with MA Science Teachers: Mindfulness and NeuroScience

Tuesday, April 28, 2020: Math Night

Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, 2020: Spring Dance Concert

Friday, April 24, 2020: Parent Outreach and Inclusion Hike in Southern Marin

Tuesday, April 21, 2020: Student/Parent/Advisor Conference Day

Thursday, April 16, 2020: MAster Class with Candace Chen and Juliet Dana: The Personal is Political

Tuesday, April 14, 2020: MAPA Garden Club

March 21, 2020: MA Celebrates. Marin Academy has decided to cancel the in-person portion of this year’s MA Celebrates. While this is the best course of action at this time, we still have a need for the support of our community and have redirected this event to an online auction.

Thursday, March 19, 2020: MAPA Parent Ed with Lynne Twist - The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life

Sunday, March 15, 2020: Junior Class Parent Potluck

Wednesday, March 11, 2020: Art, Activism and Democracy: 2020 Thacher Speaker at the Conference on Democracy

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization

Marin County Health & Human Services

Marin County Office of Education

CDC Spanish

CDC Chinese

March 9: MCOE Community Meeting

The Marin County Office of Education held a community meeting and panel discussion about Coronavirus on Monday, March 9 in San Rafael. If you missed it, you can see the archived Facebook Live video here.