Monomoy Regional High School
A Message From Principal Burkhead
The Sun will come up tomorrow
I write this memo to you with many emotions running through my mind. The strongest emotion is empathy. For our students, your families and our staff and their families during this time of uncertainty and heightened anxiety. I worry for the safety of you and your loved ones. I empathize with the stress and fear that is real.
As your principal, and a father of two young adults, you have my commitment that we will do whatever it takes to provide our students and families full support. Our school & district administrative team has been working around the clock for weeks in preparation for this particular situation and are ready! As Dr. Carpenter has stated, it will be messy, but that is ok and expected. At MRHS our entire faculty & staff are here for you - lean on us.
I have full confidence that WE WILL collectively leave no stone unturned and no child unchecked. ALL our students will be supported and loved during this time out of school - a literal Home AWAY from Home.
Our highest priority is that we stick together and support each other as a family and that we focus on our own mental health first. We cannot lead and support others if we are not taking care of ourselves. The best way to do that is to maintain a positive mindset and continue to socially and academically connect with our students, families, and colleagues. Students, please continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
Students:
I took the picture (above) of the sunrise this morning. You see, I was really bummed out when my gym closed as I was in the zone-getting up each morning at 4:30 and reliably training. But I didn't feel sorry for myself or make excuses. I got up and trained outside and it felt really good! During my run, I thought about penning this memo and stopped to take the picture. It is a metaphor for us to consider - no matter how tough things are or may get, the sun will come up tomorrow. Let's be the rock and the sunshine for each other. I am so looking forward to seeing you all (virtually) and eventually in person- I miss you.
Seniors:
A special shout out to our senior class- one of the best ever! I am so proud of how you have led our school to date. I completely understand how unfair this situation is for you - your year. I also know you are resilient and will overcome this obstacle, coming out stronger on the other side. Know this, I will fight tooth and nail for you and all the exciting end of year activities we have planned. Think positive- enthusiasm is free and it is contagious, but so is negativity- work hard at the former. The sun will come up tomorrow.
Health & Safety Update from Nurse Dufault
This communication shares measures that will help promote your health and safety. I hope you and your families are doing well and managing through this ordeal in the best shape possible. As long as we all continue to work together in our homes, in our workplace, and in our community, we will make it through this crisis.
Please reach out to your school nurses via email with your confidential question or concern. Our goal is to help advise and support you with your health-related matters. Additionally, we would appreciate information regarding a diagnosed positive COVID-19 case, which may impact our MRSD community. School nurses have been working closely with local Boards of Health who are monitoring, advising and following up with people who are in self-quarantine or have had a positive test result. The situation remains fluid and public health officials may need our assistance in surveillance and tracking or case management.
COVID-19 is spreading quickly in some communities in Massachusetts. As of today, we have two confirmed cases on the Cape. Please remember to gather your own information from trusted and reliable sources, such as CDC https://www.cdc.gov/ and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health.
Practice social distancing and other measures during this COVID -19 pandemic
The health authorities have stressed that aggressive physical distancing is critical to controlling the outbreak. Based on what is currently known about the communicability of this disease, it is believed that individuals may carry the virus for a period of up to two weeks or more while never exhibiting any symptoms or getting sick themselves, but may potentially spread the virus to everyone with whom they come into contact. Additionally, it is unknown exactly how long the virus can survive on surfaces or even in the air.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has mandated social distancing (approximately 6 feet away from other people) and the limiting of social gatherings from 25 to 10 people. This extreme and aggressive mandated physical distancing has been identified as one of the most critical elements we all need to adhere to in order to avoid further and significantly greater disruption of our lives by slowing the spread of the disease (i.e. “flattening the curve”). Continue to wash hands, use hand sanitizer, and practice proper respiratory etiquette. This is the most effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Stay home if you are feeling sick or have a sick family member in your household. Please avoid handshaking and use other methods to greet people such as a wave or bow. Do continue to have eye contact and smile to help prevent feelings of social isolation and fear.
Clean hands upon entering your home and at frequent intervals. Create habits and reminders to avoid touching your face and cover your coughs and sneezes. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, tables, countertops, etc.
Utilize telemedicine whenever possible. Governor Baker has authorized insurance companies to reimburse providers at the same rate as office visits for telemedicine.
Barnstable County has a new drive-through testing location set up for those that need to be tested for COVID-19. Instructions for receiving COVID-19 testing can be viewed at https://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/newsroom/important-instructions-for-getting-covid-19-testing
Utilize the Massachusetts 211 line which provides real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages. Dial 2-1-1 for the general information line or visit:
https://mass211.org/ Interpreter services are also available at the MA 211 line.
For information on crisis counseling and behavioral health support for people in isolation or quarantine visit: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-disaster-behavioral-health
Please take care of your physical and mental health. We encourage you to get outside to get fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. We are here to support your health needs and hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
Our Plan
So What Next?
Friday, March 20, 2020
- School is open to students between the hours of 12 noon - 6 pm to pick up personal items, clean out lockers (including athletic lockers), or pick up materials left by your teacher. Please enter through the front door
Monday, March 23, 2020
- Distance Learning Begins
Important Junior Prom Update:
Good afternoon Monomoy Students & Families,
On March 15, 2020 Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced the closing of all Massachusetts schools, and banned all gatherings of more than 25 people in an attempt to arrest the spread of the coronavirus. Regrettably, we will have to postpone our junior prom indefinitely. I would like to apologize to families for the late notice. Please know that we waited as long as possible to have to make this announcement.
I completely understand the importance of this significant and sentimental experience for our students and their families. To that end, we are fortunate to have two outstanding advisors in Ms. Davock and Mr. Oldach that continue to work closely with our friends at Wychmere Beach Club. The goal is to reschedule the prom to late June. If that is not possible we will be looking for dates in the fall of 2020. Bottom line, we are committed to making this happen!
At this time we strongly encourage families to cancel limousine rentals, tuxedo rentals, hair appointments, or other cost related measures. Please reach out to us if you are having complications with reimbursement or vouchers so that we may assist.
If for reasons out of our control the prom is not ultimately held, all funds will be reimbursed. If you need access to a refund now we would be happy to do so. Please contact Ms. Davock at kdavock@monomoy.edu for refund information or prom related questions.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in these unprecedented times.
Bill Burkhead
Principal, MRHS
FYI
- Our custodial team will be working hard COMPLETELY cleaning and disinfecting our school beginning Monday. For the safety of all, only critical Staff is to enter the building after Friday, March 20, 2020.
- The Friday Focus: to share consistently updated information we will continue to roll out The Friday Focus each Friday. *Parents and students are encouraged to share any information you'd like to get to the greater school community. A terrific way to keep us all connected. Send good news to kakelly@monomoy.edu
- Our focus will be academic and social-emotional moving forward. Please reach out to our teachers, counselors or administrators with any questions, concerns or support.
Les Miserables
Shark Shout Outs!
I'd like us to continue Shark Shout Outs virtually. Please share with me (bburkhead@monomoy.edu) any great things happening in your home, community, or outside of virtual class that you feel will make a positive impact on our school family. I will share them with our school community on Friday Focus.
Please know that we don't have to be in school to be the BEST school!
Let's do this!