Dear Ben Franklin Academy Community:
We have reviewed the most recent recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the increase in the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). While all the members of our community are following the directions for proper hygiene and are trying to practice social distancing, as possible within a small school, we realize that many are still anxious about being in classes with other students, albeit in small classes. In response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the Atlanta area and in response to the spike in student anxiety about being in group settings, we will move to remote learning to help protect the health of the school community. Our teachers are prepared, as I described in my last letter, to communicate with each of their students daily by email, moving them through their individualized weekly, monthly, and semester plans. We are cancelling all sports, clubs, field trips, and activities, to include Drama, during this time.
Effective Monday, March 16, Ben Franklin Academy will move to remote learning for all of its students until after the April Break. We will assess whether we should reopen the school for classes on April 13.
The decision to transition to remote learning, cancel events, and offer telecommuting options is consistent with CDC guidelines to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and is consistent with closures that have already taken place by many of our peer schools. This seems to be the best decision to ensure that our entire community can feel safe in these uncertain times. We appreciate your commitment to Ben Franklin Academy as we move to remote learning to keep our students and faculty safe.
Sincerely,
Martha
Martha Burdette, Ph.D.
Head of School
