Sent 11.02.2020

By:
Dear Rambler Community,
 
With the holiday season quickly approaching, we understand the desire to gather with loved ones. We also know that this may also include out of state travel for some families. Therefore, we are sharing some guidance to help keep the Loyola community healthy and safe during the upcoming holiday season. Additionally, please read this email in it's entirety to view important information regarding upcoming schedule changes.
 

MITIGATING RISKS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

When planning a holiday gathering or making preparations to attend one, please assess the current COVID-19 rates in the host community to determine whether to cancel, postpone or limit the number of people in attendance. A larger gathering increases the amount of risk for spreading the virus. Some other things to consider:
 
  • Location: indoor gatherings pose a larger risk of virus transmission. If possible, an outdoor gathering is recommended. To decrease the risk of transmission indoors, consider increasing the ventilation. Doors and windows should be open whenever possible.
  • Attendees: gatherings of people traveling from other areas pose a higher risk than people from the same area. Be sure to review travel advisories of the CDC, CCDPH and City of Chicago.
  • Return of college students: ask your college students to take extra precautions prior to returning home. Self quarantining, either at school or sequestered in their rooms at home, for two weeks prior to the holiday and consistent wearing of masks will help keep everyone safe.
  • Behaviors of attendees: be sure guests have been following safety precautions—wearing of masks, social distancing, handwashing. These precautions should also be maintained during the gathering, as well. Consider limiting your activities two weeks prior to any gathering to help decrease your risk of the virus and further spread. Encourage your guests to do the same.
  • Food preparation and serving: avoid buffet or potluck meal-style and limit the number of people preparing food. Consider seating arrangements and seat people of the same household together.
  • Get a flu shot: it can take several weeks for your body to build up antibodies to help protect you from the flu—consider getting a flu shot now.
Please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for additional information on holiday gatherings.
 

TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Travel during the holidays is normally one of the busiest times—this year, however, it will look different. It is strongly recommended that Loyola Academy students, faculty and staff members who plan to travel domestically or internationally use caution and evaluate travel plans at this time. If you must travel, please consider the following:
  • Mode of transportation: use of your own vehicle will reduce your exposure. If using commercial or public transportation, try avoiding peak travel times.
  • Use precautions: carry hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and extra masks. Keep socially distant whenever possible.
  • Travel advisories: familiarize yourself with any travel advisories or restrictions for your destination. For guidance on travel considerations, please reference the CDC travel advisories, City of Chicago Emergency Travel Order and Cook County Department of Public Health.
Remember, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) recommends a 14-day quarantine for persons entering suburban Cook County from states and countries with a high incidence of COVID-19 infections. Loyola Academy recommends a 14-day quarantine when traveling outside of Illinois. If you do choose to travel, please follow all safety precautions and guidelines of CCDPH. Loyola also strongly recommends that our residents of Chicago follow the Chicago Emergency Travel Order. For Chicago residents, these travel guidelines are mandated.

MODIFICATIONS TO THE SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Knowing that these holiday celebrations may increase the spread of COVID-19 in our community, we will be making the following changes to our learning platform after the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Below are the details:
  • Thanksgiving break remains November 23 through November 27.
  • Following Thanksgiving break, we will transition to a remote learning  RAMBLE schedule for the week of November 30 to December 4. All students will be learning remotely during this week.
  • Semester exams, originally scheduled for December 15, 16 and 17, are canceled. December 16 and December 17 will be remote learning days— allowing all teachers to administer summative assessments within the same virtual environment.
  • Christmas break remains December 21 through January 1.
  • Following Christmas break, we will again transition to a remote learning RAMBLE schedule from January 4 through January 15. All students will be learning remotely during these two weeks.
These remote learning weeks are not meant to be used as extended vacation time. We expect all families to use these weeks as a way to self quarantine and minimize risk before our return to in person learning after the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Finally, if you or anyone in your household are sick with fever, cough or other COVID symptoms, have tested positive for coronavirus or are awaiting test results, STAY HOME—do not travel or gather with family and friends. It takes all of us working together to keep our Rambler community safe!
 
If you have any questions, please email covid.information@loy.org.
 
Sincerely,
Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ
President
Charles W. Heintz
Principal
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Loyola Academy

1100 Laramie Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1089  |  847-256-1100
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