Fidelity in Protocols

Dear Greene Towne families,

As the weather turns colder, we are settling nicely into our routines here at school. It is wonderful to see the children’s independence and sense of belonging grow by leaps, bounds and even skips! as they explore and learn each day. Our consistent care and attention to health and safety protocols in and out of school are key to our ability to continue in-person learning. I’m writing to share some important updates and reminders we’ve received from the Department of Human Services and CHOP PolicyLab.

Be sure to check our website regularly to review the most recent Health and Safety Plan updates. We have adapted our daily disinfection routines for classroom materials after conferring with our DHS inspector. Any material that comes in contact with any bodily fluid, nose or mouth is removed immediately until it can be cleaned and disinfected. All materials are disinfected daily, and each classroom does a deep clean of every area of the classroom on a rotating basis.

As we know, local rates of infection have been rising in Philadelphia and the region. CHOP PolicyLab has affirmed the effectiveness of our protocols in school, as well as issued a strong reminder to all schools that fidelity in our efforts is critical to their continued success and to our ability to be here for learning in person. CHOP PolicyLab doctors have cautioned about a pattern in COVID cases in area schools that have been traced to some people letting their guard down, through having play dates or sleepovers, or not wearing masks during carpools, for example. 

It is important for all of us to have a shared sense of responsibility in every part of our lives, not just during the school day. Philadelphia’s Health Commissioner Dr. Farley has emphasized that gatherings with anyone outside your family present a risk that could have an impact on the ability of our children to continue attending school in person. Even if children are in school together, it is important to limit interactions outside of school given the rising infection levels in Philadelphia at this time.  Thank you to each family and staff person for making our shared health and safety a priority. In all of our actions, we ask that we each carefully consider the risk, refrain from socializing in groups, wear masks, and stay apart whenever possible. 

As you make plans for the holiday season, please take note of regions that are named as high risk by the state of Pennsylvania. Families are required to self-isolate for 14 days after traveling to any of these regions. Greene Towne updates the list for your reference on our health screening form each week. You may find this information along with tips to help consider travel decisions, here. 

Thank you for all you do to support Greene Towne Montessori School and for your consideration on behalf of our community as a whole.

Warmly,

Sarah Sweeney-Denham
Head of School