COVID-19: Information & Resources

Dear GFA Families, 

As human beings, we're hardwired to want certainty in our lives. It can be stressful and unsettling when we don't have that. When I think back to those two days of professional training for our faculty just prior to our break in March, I remember feeling a growing sense of uncertainty about what life might be like for all of us in the ensuing months. But as I watched our teachers engaged in the difficult work of developing an entirely new set of skills, enthusiastically supporting one another along the way, I left my office that Friday evening with an unwavering sense of certainty about one thing- not even a global pandemic would distract our faculty from their commitment to bringing their best for our kids. Three months later, our teachers would be the first to credit our students for their openness and flexibility, and our parent community for the depth of support they've shown during such a challenging time. I  feel grateful to be a member of the GFA community and proud of what we have achieved, together, over the last three months.

As I write, we are focused on recognizing the hard work and growth of our students, while also devoting attention to the 2020-2021 school year. While much about the fall remains uncertain, we have every intention of being together on campus this fall in a way that is safe for our students, faculty, staff, and our families. We feel fortunate that we are in an excellent position to do just that. I'm writing to share some developing details about our latest thinking.  

Earlier Start to the School Year

It is our understanding from Governor Lamont's office that state guidelines for reopening schools will be made public by mid-June. Traditionally, GFA begins classes after Labor Day. With the goal of maximizing the time students and teachers can be together, and for students to be with one another, we expect to open school earlier than planned. While we do not yet have definitive information we would envision classroom orientation activities for students beginning during the week of August 24th, with instruction beginning around September 1st. We would expect Upper School athletics preseason to begin on August 24th, as currently scheduled. I will share more details in an upcoming communication shortly after the state guidelines have been released. 

2020-2021 Planning and Timelines

The already published Connecticut recommendations for summer school and higher education, as well as new CDC guidelines, suggest that campus reopening will be predicated on several external factors including: the rate of new COVID-19 cases, the capacity of our healthcare structure to meet demands, availability of testing, and contact tracing capability. They also will very likely offer suggested limits on the number of students allowed in each classroom to meet physical-distance protocols, guidelines for masks and other personal protective equipment, and protocols for monitoring health and hygiene. 

When the guidelines are released, we are confident GFA will be well-positioned to meet them and to open our campus to all of our students, every day. We are fortunate to have several existing advantages we can leverage and amplify to meet the new realities:

• a large physical plant with flexible spaces, inside and out
• small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios
• targeted investments in operational, technological, and communications systems
• financial resources to make the necessary additional investment in people, our facilities, equipment, and program
• depth of expertise among our faculty, staff, and friends of the school, in the area of health, safety, and wellness
• an exceptional faculty, boosted by significant professional development and a spirit of innovation

Our ability to respond in this situation is due, in no small part, to the generosity and support of so many of you over the years. 

Reopening Task Force Goals

As I mentioned in a previous communication, a Reopening Task Force, comprised of administrators, faculty members, Trustees, and medical consultants, has been working diligently over the last two months. The committee is currently focusing on the following:

• How can we reimagine our learning spaces and common spaces to deliver excellence in our program consistent with health and safety guidelines?
• What daily schedule is best suited to meet our students' learning and social-emotional needs?
• How can we organize groups of students to facilitate contact tracing and to limit potential exposure?
• What are the implications for athletics, performing arts, and other aspects of our program?
• How can we reconfigure meals and community time to preserve the connection that is so vital to all of us?
• What is the best way to integrate regimens of campus cleaning into our daily routines?
• What role will testing, masks, other PPE, and other measures play in campus life?

The committee's work is informed by local and public health officials, developing practices from international schools and higher education, and our own best judgment about what is right for GFA. And while the limitations we will face are not ideal, we are confident in our ability to create the conditions for close relationships and vigorous inquiry -- the heart of GFA.

On-Campus Learning Model

We expect to welcome all of our students back to campus in the fall. Doing so will require some creative thinking related to what the classroom and campus experience looks like. We envision a program built around smaller sections, facilitating appropriate physical distancing and prioritizing relationships - between people and with ideas. We are designing with an eye toward meeting the social-emotional needs of our students and the broader need in our community for connection and shared experiences. 

We will be prepared to offer remote access for any student who is unable to be with us on campus or whose family determines that learning from home is right for them. We are making the necessary technological investments now so that students can join an in-person class from any location where they have internet access.

Distance Learning 2.0

The Reopening Task Force is primarily focused on designing models for GFA to reopen in September for all students, every day. Yet the potential for a flare-up or updated governmental restrictions beyond our control could force us to close campus intermittently next year. 

Accordingly, we are simultaneously developing a schedule and plan for GFA Remote Learning 2.0. Based on ongoing feedback from our families, students, and faculty, we are examining what worked well this spring in our distance-learning program, where we can improve, and how we can best adapt that program for next year. As ever, we welcome and encourage your feedback; please email remotelearning@gfacademy.org. 

Looking ahead

There are many other issues at play, and this missive does not capture everything that is under consideration. As we're all aware, the landscape is an evolving one. We recognize that the uncertainty may elicit anxiety or frustration, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. Our aim is to allow ourselves the flexibility to make the best possible decisions for our community, informed by the most current medical expertise and governmental expectations. I will communicate as early as possible regarding our evolving plans, and I welcome your questions and suggestions.

I've been inspired by the energy and stamina my colleagues have demonstrated this spring. As creative as they have been throughout remote learning, we know that virtual experiences will never replace the real ones, which is why our task force is working tirelessly to plan for students returning to campus and welcoming new students and families to the GFA family this fall.

On behalf of all of every member of the faculty and staff, we're grateful for the trust you place in us.

Bob Whelan P '24
Head of School