Community Update from Head of School 3.10.2021
Dear ICS Community,
This Sunday, March 14, marks the one-year anniversary of our last day of “normal” school before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. This anniversary is on my mind today in particular, as Lower School families were greeted by student instrumentalists serenading morning carpool, third grade parents were welcomed to view Astronomy projects on the fields, fourth grade students are presenting a hybrid Black History Month wax museum, Upper School performers are rehearsing for two spring musicals on stage with a virtual choreographer, and our athletes prepare to host varsity lacrosse and baseball games this afternoon. How far we’ve come this year!
It is important for us to pause and take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge the dedication of the ICS community over these past 12 months. A year ago, we were just beginning to comprehend the reality of the impact that the virus would have on our lives. As we embarked on what we hoped would be a few weeks of virtual school, I wrote the following message to the ICS community:
While the pandemic evolved differently than anyone anticipated, our commitment to ICS values has been steadfast. We have forged a school experience for all students focused on community, steeped in educational best practices, and with a constant eye to equity and inclusion. As predicted, we have learned a lot – together.
While the pandemic is not over, there is a pervasive spirit of optimism at Indian Creek School. Metrics continue to improve, we are able to conceptualize our spring hallmark events, and progress on our campus unification project can be seen every day. The relentless dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and the ICS community at large has made this possible.
Testing requirement following travel lifted
Yesterday afternoon, Governor Hogan lifted Maryland’s executive order regarding travel as of this Friday. This means that when we return from Spring Break, the final question in Magnus asking about compliance with the February 11 executive order will be removed. This also means that the ICS requirement for community members to get tested and quarantine if they travel out of state is no longer in effect.
We now know that our commitments to daily symptom and household screening, masks, and distance are very effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19.
During school year 2020-21, we have had seven known positives on our campuses, and none have resulted in known transmission. Now is not the time to let down our guard. Consistent mask wearing and physical distancing remain mandatory requirements for everyone. We will continue to follow all ICS protocols and Maryland executive orders regarding COVID-19 prevention.
Last day of school moved to June 2
Campus construction is moving full speed ahead, and we look forward to starting school as One Creek on September 1, 2021. It was not long ago when we were deciding whether or not to have snow days or virtual days when we had inclement weather. As a result, two reserved ‘snow days’ have not been used. To reward students for their hard work this year, allow our faculty and staff much-needed time to prepare for the summer move, and provide access for the construction team, we will use our last two snow days at the end of this school year. The 2020-21 school year will end on Wednesday, June 2, at noon.
As we head into spring break, I hope that you carry with you this spirit of optimism and pride in all that we have accomplished together this year. I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable break.
With gratitude,
Booth Kyle
Head of School
Back
This Sunday, March 14, marks the one-year anniversary of our last day of “normal” school before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. This anniversary is on my mind today in particular, as Lower School families were greeted by student instrumentalists serenading morning carpool, third grade parents were welcomed to view Astronomy projects on the fields, fourth grade students are presenting a hybrid Black History Month wax museum, Upper School performers are rehearsing for two spring musicals on stage with a virtual choreographer, and our athletes prepare to host varsity lacrosse and baseball games this afternoon. How far we’ve come this year!
It is important for us to pause and take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge the dedication of the ICS community over these past 12 months. A year ago, we were just beginning to comprehend the reality of the impact that the virus would have on our lives. As we embarked on what we hoped would be a few weeks of virtual school, I wrote the following message to the ICS community:
This COVID-19 challenge brings all of our school values into focus. With our home lives experiencing significant disruption, our community purpose has never been more important. We will strive to build community throughout our Virtual School experience. Our teaching and learning best practices approach will be tested as we interact with students in online classrooms. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has never been more important, particularly as we attempt to create an equitable learning environment in the virtual realm. We are fortunate that we have a strong foundation to build from, but we are also all going to learn a lot, together.
- March 18, 2020
While the pandemic evolved differently than anyone anticipated, our commitment to ICS values has been steadfast. We have forged a school experience for all students focused on community, steeped in educational best practices, and with a constant eye to equity and inclusion. As predicted, we have learned a lot – together.
While the pandemic is not over, there is a pervasive spirit of optimism at Indian Creek School. Metrics continue to improve, we are able to conceptualize our spring hallmark events, and progress on our campus unification project can be seen every day. The relentless dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and the ICS community at large has made this possible.
Testing requirement following travel lifted
Yesterday afternoon, Governor Hogan lifted Maryland’s executive order regarding travel as of this Friday. This means that when we return from Spring Break, the final question in Magnus asking about compliance with the February 11 executive order will be removed. This also means that the ICS requirement for community members to get tested and quarantine if they travel out of state is no longer in effect.
We now know that our commitments to daily symptom and household screening, masks, and distance are very effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19.
During school year 2020-21, we have had seven known positives on our campuses, and none have resulted in known transmission. Now is not the time to let down our guard. Consistent mask wearing and physical distancing remain mandatory requirements for everyone. We will continue to follow all ICS protocols and Maryland executive orders regarding COVID-19 prevention.
Last day of school moved to June 2
Campus construction is moving full speed ahead, and we look forward to starting school as One Creek on September 1, 2021. It was not long ago when we were deciding whether or not to have snow days or virtual days when we had inclement weather. As a result, two reserved ‘snow days’ have not been used. To reward students for their hard work this year, allow our faculty and staff much-needed time to prepare for the summer move, and provide access for the construction team, we will use our last two snow days at the end of this school year. The 2020-21 school year will end on Wednesday, June 2, at noon.
As we head into spring break, I hope that you carry with you this spirit of optimism and pride in all that we have accomplished together this year. I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable break.
With gratitude,
Booth Kyle
Head of School
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.
