August 4, 2021
Dear Canterbury Community,
As we glide toward the last vestiges of summer vacation, I want to update you on the opening of the school year as it relates to COVID-19. Over the past three weeks, unfortunately, the delta variant has contributed to a significant increase in Covid cases throughout the country and in Allen County. Numbers are on the rise, and it is incumbent upon us to do our part to ensure that school (and all of its related activities) remains open and safe. We are so excited for a wonderful school year which will look different from last year in many respects. This year, we are committed to running a full calendar of school events, including live chapel services, social events, community gatherings, and field trips. That being said, Canterbury will open the school year by following these guidelines to ensure the safety of our students, employees, and parent community:
- Masks will be optional for students while outdoors (this includes outdoor activities and carpool)
- Masks will be required while transiting within buildings on campus, as there is often high traffic when classes are on the move
- If students are seated in classrooms and can maintain a distance of 3 feet or greater, they may remove their masks (with the exception of Early Childhood, due to the proximal nature of this age group)
- In large gathering spaces, such as for chapel, masks will be required
- Masks will be required at all times while riding a bus
- Anyone volunteering at school will be required to wear a mask while indoors
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey in July. The data that we received was very encouraging, as over 84% of the adults (nearly 500) who responded indicated that they are vaccinated. The results also indicate that many students over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated or plan to be by the start of school. Moreover, the survey data indicates that once vaccines become available to all, we are likely to achieve a vaccine threshold of 75% of the student, employee, and parent population. While this is fantastic news for our community, many of you have expressed concern that we must protect those who are most vulnerable to the spread of the virus: children under 12 who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. We successfully navigated the hardships of COVID-19 last year, and I know that our Canterbury family will continue to rally together until the pandemic abates.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I am looking forward to seeing all of you and the students back on campus for a great school year in just a few weeks!
Warmly,
David Jackson
Head of School
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5601 Covington Road • 3210 Smith Road • Fort Wayne, IN 46804