March 13, 2020

St. Agnes Academy announces two-week closure in response to coronavirus

REGIONAL
Staff report

DALTON – Fadia Rostom Makdisi, principal of St. Agnes Academy, here, announced on Friday, March 13, that the school will be closing for two weeks in an effort to protect students and staff from the now widespread coronavirus outbreak. Makdisi announced the closure on the school’s Facebook page on Friday morning.

Following is the text of the principal’s message:

Good morning Saint Agnes Academy families.

We have been in continuous discussion regarding the coronavirus with schools in our community to make sure we are doing all we can to protect our staff and students. In the light of our discussion, we have made the decision to be closed for the next two weeks. Taking into consideration the many connections between Saint Agnes Academy and the schools in our community, and after consultation with SAA school council team and Father Christopher Malatesta, I have made the decision to cancel school at Saint Agnes Academy on Monday, March 16, 2020, for two school weeks.

Let me share a few important considerations with you:

As we receive other details about the situation at the other schools in our surrounding communities, we will pass along to you any information that is proper and relevant to share in order to ensure the health and safety of all members of our community.

In my letter earlier on Thursday evening, I sent information about plans that the teachers prepared in case of a school closing. Please see the attached letter for more details. To smooth that plan, the teachers will send materials with the children today, Friday, March 13.

In case you do not obtain the needed materials today for any reason, the school buildings will be open on Monday, March 16 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm for families that wish to come and collect materials like homework/textbooks, if needed.

On Monday, March 16, teachers will reach out to families with their individual class plans.

As of now, classes at Saint Agnes Academy will resume on Monday, March 30. We will, of course, communicate with you if circumstances require any change to that plan.

As I mentioned in my letter on Thursday, this is a rapidly changing situation and last evening’s developments are an example of that. With the information we have at hand we feel this is the wise step.

I personally will be in the office throughout the day on Monday, March 16. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to discuss with me. I can be reached via email, or you may call my office: (413) 684-3143.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Fadia Rostom Makdisi
Principal
St. Agnes Academy