Sent 1.21.2021

Dear Rambler Community,

 

Over the past two days, our school nursing team has seen a significant increase in the number of positive student cases of COVID-19. A large number of these occurrences have been traced to off-campus social events, as well as a club lacrosse practice. Even though the majority of COVID positive students have not attended school in-person this week, the sheer presence of these numbers in our community gives us reason to pause in-person learning on campus.

 

We did not make this decision lightly, and it frustrates us greatly to do so. However, in consultation with the health experts on our COVID recovery team, we determined this to be the safest path forward. Therefore, beginning tomorrow—Friday, January 22—we will transition to remote learning for the next week. We anticipate a return to our on-campus hybrid schedule on Monday, February 1.

 

 

As we have said so often, the decisions of a few impact the many. We are disappointed in the choices made by some of our students. Careless behavior and selfish decisions show little regard for our shared desire to be together on campus and the extensive efforts to get us to this point.

 

We ask that students use this moment to re-examine their off-campus behaviors. While our COVID protocols and mitigation efforts have been effective, we recognize that many are experiencing pandemic fatigue. This is not the time to let down your guard.

 

Our commitment to maximizing in-person learning is the responsibility of all of us. It is imperative to maintain a high level of personal accountability and shared responsibility at all times. Parents should not host gatherings in their homes nor allow their child(ren) to attend gatherings elsewhere. Wearing a mask, washing your hands and maintaining social distancing guidelines will help keep us all safe. Families are asked to continue to report positive COVID test results, COVID symptoms or other illnesses, exposures and travel related quarantines to the school nursing staff at nurse@loy.org.

 

The school building will be open for students to retrieve personal items on Friday, January 22, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students should enter at Door 1, wear their masks and expect to be screened for symptoms and to have their temperature checked as usual.

 

Effective immediately, all in-person sports and co-curriculars are canceled until further notice. Moderators and coaches will not be allowed to hold practices or other gatherings off-site. We discourage students from organizing their own gatherings.

 

We will continue to prioritize, above all, the health and safety of the Loyola community. As we move forward, we will communicate with you frequently as more information becomes available. As always, we pray for the health and wellness of our Loyola community.

 

Future updates will be shared on the COVID-19 Updates web page.

 

Sincerely,

Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ
President

Charles W. Heintz
Principal