Thanksgiving & Winter Breaks

Dear Darlington Community,

I write today to again say thank you for your diligent efforts in helping us have in-person learning through the first 11 weeks of the school year. As mentioned in previous calls, to date we have seen 10 positive cases of COVID-19 and 50 resulting student or faculty quarantines in our school community. To our knowledge, none of those 50 have resulted in positive cases. Our students are doing well in navigating these frustrating, confusing and uncertain times. Just last week, they were forced to navigate the usual challenges associated with this school year in combination with the loss of electricity for over 24 hours on campus and throughout the community as a result of Tropical Storm Zeta. I am very proud of them! 

As we look ahead to Darlington’s anticipated Thanksgiving and winter breaks, I am asking our entire school community to continue to commit to following safety precautions and health practices to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Personally, I find the guidance from the CDC to be both disappointing yet understandable given the circumstances. That being said, we too ask that students and families adhere to these low-risk activities/guidelines that are in line with the Centers for Disease Control holiday gathering and celebrations recommendations: 

• Avoid significant travel as much as possible.
• Have a small dinner with only people who live in your household.
• If a larger gathering is planned, have the gathering outside with each household sitting separately using social distancing between households.  
• Avoid large gatherings for parades, social gatherings, holiday shopping, and sporting events.
• Wear face coverings in all public settings.
• Frequently wash hands and social distance when outside of the home.

It may be necessary to require students and/or employees to complete a quarantine following holiday travel based on location traveled to, precautions taken, and the general health and wellness of travel companions or others in close contact during the holidays. We have partnered well thus far in these matters and I ask that you continue to communicate with the appropriate division director. 

Please join me in staying the course through the month of November and into the holiday breaks through the continued practice of wearing our masks, washing our hands, and in particular watching our social distance. 

I am grateful for your support and send best wishes for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Warmest regards,

Brent Bell, Head of School