5/18/2020 Update

May 18, 2020

 

Dear ASD Staff,

 

I hope you had a nice weekend!  We continue to be grateful that there remain no known cases of COVID-19 among our staff and students on campus.  

 

Thank you again to everyone who participated in our Tiger Parade last week!  Bob finished his beautiful drone video of the parade, and you may view that video here.  It was wonderful to see everyone come together in support of our students!  

 

Residential Life

 

Last night, two students were transported to the hospital due to an incident on campus.  The West Hartford police department and emergency medical personnel responded; and although they wore masks and other protective gear, the area was thoroughly cleaned after the incident out of an abundance of caution.  I apologize that there was not time to communicate this additional cleaning until after the fact.  I understand how important it is to notify all staff of any change in procedures; however, we responded swiftly to maintain a clean and sanitized environment for our students and staff.  When the two students in the hospital return to ASD, they will be quarantined separately from other students for fourteen (14) days.  

 

Currently, we have several students in a variety of dorms and cottages on campus.  This has resulted in a staffing need for overnight shifts.  If anyone would be interested in accompanying the Deans to assist in the dorms overnight, please contact Patricia Schoenfeld.  We only anticipate this being a need for the next two weeks as students remain in quarantine. 

 

Hazard Pay

 

At the onset of the pandemic, ASD implemented a hazard pay increase for our essential employees. Questions have been raised about whether the funds for this hazard pay increase were granted by the State or other source of funding.  State funding was not granted for this increase; ASD covered this expense.  We made the decision to offer hazard pay as a goodwill gesture in a show of appreciation for our staff working with our students on campus.  

 

Because the height of the pandemic seems to be behind us, and the State will begin re-opening some businesses this week, we have decided to end the hazard pay increase effective tomorrow.  The only exception to this will be for staff working with students currently in quarantine, and our drivers who transport students back to ASD.  These staff members will continue to receive hazard pay. 

 

Though we continue to appreciate our employees’ continued dedication, we realize that we must reserve these funds in the event of an outbreak on campus requiring students to be re-quarantined.  The effects of this pandemic may continue for quite some time, and we want to be prepared should it become necessary to reinstate the hazard pay for our essential employees.  Thank you for your understanding.  

 

Summer Programs

 

As you may recall, we were expecting additional guidance from the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, as well as the American Camp Association last week regarding the operation of summer programs this year.  Unfortunately, this guidance was not released on Friday as we anticipated.  Therefore, we will continue to await this guidance before making final decisions about our Extended School Year program and Camp Isola Bella.

 

In the meantime, the Academic Hub has been actively engaging with teachers, staff, LEAs, students and families regarding their interest in participating in ESY and/or Camp Isola Bella – either in-person or virtually.  We will continue gathering this information so that we may make an informed decision once further guidance is received from the State.    

 

Open Enrollment

 

Earlier today, Tracy Pelletier shared an e-mail inviting any staff interested in learning more about ASD’s open enrollment period to participate in a Zoom meeting this coming Friday, May 22^nd, from 11 – 11:45 a.m.  I encourage you to participate in this informative session to learn more and have your questions answered!

 

Fitness Center

 

Questions have been raised about when ASD’s fitness center will re-open.  Our fitness center will remain closed in accordance with the State’s continued mandate that fitness centers be closed.  As fitness centers are allowed to re-open throughout the State, we will reassess the situation.

 

Motivation Thursday

 

This Thursday, I will be sharing photos of unique artifacts found at Isola Bella.  Stay tuned!

 

Thank you for your continued commitment to ASD.  Until Thursday!