March 3, 2021

Dear Parents,

I hope that this letter finds you well and healthy amidst the challenges of these times. It is somewhat surreal to be writing to you in early March, nearly a year since the pandemic was declared. In mid-March 2020, we were adjusting our schedule to facilitate a mid-April return from Spring Break and then, a week later, communicating that we, like most schools, would be remote through the Spring Term. While Trinity-Pawling responded well to the challenges of remote learning, the experience only reinforced the integral role that community plays in the teaching and learning environment at Trinity-Pawling School. Without being together, something critically important to the learning process was missing.

This year, we have had most of our students on campus for in-person learning. While certain vitally important aspects of our learning program had to be modified or removed for the year, we have been able to create the necessary energy from being together in a community that has enhanced the overall learning experience for our students and optimized the effectiveness of the faculty's ability to teach.

For many different reasons this year, we have been able to accommodate some of our students learning remotely. In many cases, this was necessitated by the inability of some students to return to campus from certain countries. In other cases, such as during this winter term, some of our day students chose to learn remotely rather than to board on campus. In a small number of cases, our ability to have students learn remotely was able to facilitate an unexpected departure from campus for family or health reasons.

As we prepare for the Spring Term, it is the School's expectation that most of our students will again be learning in-person. Our day students will return to learning on campus and will be asked to curtail their out-of-school activities so as to minimize the potential risk of exposure to the virus. As we did in the Winter Term, every student, faculty member, and campus resident will be given a weekly COVID PCR test. Of course, we will continue with our health and safety protocols which includes distancing, required face coverings, and a maximization of time spent outdoors when the weather will accommodate.

The School acknowledges that there will still be some students, particularly some of our international students, who will need to continue to learn remotely. The School will be looking to keep this number of remote learners to a minimum for two primary reasons. First, we will want to limit the frequency of boarding students arriving on campus during the course of the term. The School will have very limited quarantine capabilities and will not be able to accommodate students returning to campus at random times during the term. Secondly, while remote learning is technologically achievable, it is not ideal for the instruction of those students who are in the classroom. Keeping the number of remote learners to a minimum will enhance the teaching and learning for those who are learning in person.

If you believe that there is a compelling reason that your son would need to engage in remote learning for some or all of the Spring Term, please complete this FORM by Wednesday, March 10th. Each request will be evaluated on an individual basis and the School will communicate the status of the request by Monday, March 16th.

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Trinity-Pawling, I want to underscore the School's gratitude for the trust you have placed in the School for your sons' learning. While this year has been challenging on several fronts, it has also been energizing to see the power of the Trinity-Pawling spirit shine forth amidst challenge.

Onward!

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE OFFICE OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE:

As we approach Spring Break, there are some important protocols for picking up your son. Spring Break officially begins at noon on Friday. As we have done in the past, we cannot allow visitors in the dormitories. Unfortunately, this includes parents. Please let your son know when you have arrived, and he can bring out the things he would need for his time at home. He should bring home his academic materials since we will have a week of remote learning before returning to in-person classes.

For those day students who chose to board with us during the Winter Term, we have enjoyed having your son stay with us. As mentioned in a message from Josh Collins, two options exist for your sons' move out of the dormitory. One would be for your son to bring all of his belongings from his room on Friday, March 5 to your vehicle. Another, if you would like to be able to go into the building to help with this process, would be to pick up your son on Friday, March 5 and then return over the weekend at the time you scheduled through Pick-A-Time. With this second option, parents will be able to go into the dormitory to help with the moving-out process. Please contact either Josh Collins, Dean of Students, or Dutch Keel, Dean of Residential Life with any questions.

Warm regards,