Coronavirus (COVID-19) Back to School Update – August 15, 2020

IMPACT/ALERT LEVELS 
Hawai`i remains at impact level YELLOW (Act with Care) and Saint Mark remains at level GREEN.  [However, given the current number of COVID-19 cases on Oahu, some might argue that Hawai`i or at least Oahu is more closely aligned with impact level ORANGE (Safer at Home) than YELLOW.]

GOOD NEWS
(1) We are happy to report that after being back on campus for nearly three weeks, the faculty, staff and students appear to have adapted well to the many new routines and various safety protocols that are now required.  There are many reminders to maintain a safe physical distance and to wear the masks properly, but the students are nevertheless doing a fantastic job of complying with our many new and challenging requirements.  It is a true privilege and joy in these incredible difficult times to watch our students and staff learning and laughing together on campus.  Mahalo to all of our families for supporting our efforts!

(2) The entire school (PK to Gr 8) enjoyed their second virtual chapel this past Wednesday led by Pastor Dan with help from Mr. Caoile playing his ukulele.  The service was broadcast live from the church while one class watched in-person and the other classes watched from their individual classrooms via Zoom.  Mahalo to Pastor and Mr. Caoile for keeping the Good Lord front and center!

(3) Before and after school care successfully resumed this past week with increased staffing, numerous safety protocols, and limited numbers of students.  A big mahalo to Mrs. Akaka, Ms. Calsea, Mr. Caoile, Mrs. Gibo, Ms. Kaui, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Manu and Mrs. Somera for their work to safely resume this program.

NOT SO GOOD NEWS
As you all are well aware, the number of positive COVID-19 cases on Oahu has unfortunately continued to climb at concerning rates. If the numbers continue to increase in the coming days, Saint Mark may need to (or be forced to) restrict on-campus operations and further implement on-line instruction beginning as early as next week.  Should these types of on-campus restrictions be necessary, Saint Mark would likely begin by moving the entire middle school to a distant learning environment like what was done in the spring.

These on-campus restrictions (if necessary) will be implemented for specific time frames with the hope of resuming full on-campus instruction as soon as possible.  In other words, there may be intermittent periods when our on-campus program (beginning with the middle school and possibly expanding to the lower school if necessary) is partially or fully moved online due to the external and/or internal conditions as detailed in our Reopening Campus Plan – Policy and Procedures.

We continue to hope and pray that our community will collectively take the appropriate preventative actions necessary to decrease this rapid spread but want our parents to be prepared for a possible pivot to distance learning.

MASKS (Not All Are Created Equal)
Duke University just published a study looking at the efficacy of 14 different types of masks on blocking the spread of respiratory droplets. The results showed that N95 masks without valves performed the best followed by surgical or polypropylene masks and cotton masks. The study found bandannas and neck fleeces (gaiters) to be the worst performers as they offered very little protection. The New York Post has a nice illustration of the best to worst performing mask. The Duke study also found that while masks with valves do not compromise the protection of the wearer, it can decrease protection of the person surrounding the wearer.

As a result of this study, Saint Mark is asking its students to refrain from wearing bandannas, neck fleeces or masks with valves to school. Also, please remember that no matter what type of mask is being worn, it needs to fit properly and be worn properly – fully & snugly covering the mouth and nose.

EVERYONE MUST DO THEIR PART
And finally, I want to reiterate that as a smaller school, we have a major advantage over our larger counterparts in that we can more carefully control our environment both at school and (with family help) away from school.  We continue to implore our families to do everything they can to prevent the spread of this virus while the students are not on campus.  Among other measures, we need everyone to:
     (1) wash their hands often;
     (2) stay at home if possible;
     (3) avoid large groups/gatherings; and
     (4) always wear a mask when out of the house or around any non-household members.

Together we can help keep our Saint Mark and broader community safe!

We fully recognize that these are unsettling times, and we want our parents to be comfortable with our plans and the associated risks.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school office should you have any questions.

Thank you for your time and support!

Mahalo, Blessings and Stay Safe,

David Gaudi
Head of School