Upper School Boarding: Thanksgiving Break Modifications

Dear Darlington Residential Family,

As we look forward to the much-anticipated Thanksgiving break, we have made some modifications to the Thanksgiving break guidelines for residential students. We have decided to add an additional option for students for the Thanksgiving break. This additional option is in place for a number of reasons, including the need for our students to have the mental/emotional recharge that being with family provides, the impact on our athletic teams, and possible impact on student academic performance in class. 

Students can now do one of the following for the Thanksgiving break:

Option 1: Students stay on campus for the break. Students electing to stay on campus will follow current school expectations:

• Students can leave campus using Darlington transportation, Students can leave campus between check-in times using Darlington transportation, in cars with other residential students (if parent permissions allow for it), or with their parents or family members.
• Students cannot leave campus with day students, day student parents, or other Darlington students and parents.  
• Students can host visitors on campus between check-in times. 
• There is no cost associated with staying on campus for the break with the exception of some activities that will be off campus. 

Option 2: Students leave for the Thanksgiving break and return to campus in January following the winter break. 

Option 3: Students leave for the Thanksgiving break and return to campus Monday, Nov. 30, for the start of class on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Students selecting this option can only leave campus to go to their own parents/guardians and/or be picked up by their own parents/guardians. Students will need to leave the entire break with the exception of students needing to be on campus for athletic team requirements. Frequent coming and going is not favorable for appropriate supervision and increases potential for exposure. We also 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.

The requested steps identified above are being asked to preserve the safety of the residential houses and help prevent any potential outbreak related to significant travel or large gatherings. 

If a student and family are unable to adhere to the guidelines identified with option 3, we ask that the student remain at home following Thanksgiving break or the student may be required to quarantine in Persons Hall upon return.  

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, a travel form will be sent to all students planning to be away from campus for the break. Please remind your son/daughter to complete the form so we are able to schedule shuttles and plan for their departure or plan for their time with us over the break.  

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Rundles at jrundles@darlingtonschool.org or your son or daughter’s Head of House.  

Best Regards,

Jennifer Rundles
Associate DIrector of Upper School