March 3, 2020

March 03, 2020

Dear Holy Cross HS Community,

Today in the news we received information about two schools located in the Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale that closed after a suspected case of the coronavirus COVID-19 in their local community. This was a precautionary measure following the guidelines from the New York City Department of Health. You can read the full article here.

As the complexity of this situation continues to unfold, Holy Cross High School stands committed to keeping the environment safe for our entire school community. In the event that school closures are ordered by the New York City Department of Health, our students’ education will not be negatively affected. As a Google School, our faculty and students are already proficient with Google Classroom and the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) as part of their daily learning. Our 1:1 Chromebook Program guarantees that all students have the resources required for digital instruction. As a result, any temporarily required transition to Distance Learning would be seamless.

Additionally, our school custodial staff continues the daily and rigorous cleaning routines in order to promote a clean and sanitary place for all members of our school population.

The NYC Department of Education website post updates regarding the Coronavirus, most recently stating:

“There are no plans to close schools at this time. This is an extreme measure that can be disruptive to day-to-day life, and the decision to implement will be at the direction of public health experts.”

All New Yorkers should continue to practice general flu prevention measures including:

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Get your flu shot – it’s never too late
  • Stay home if you’re feeling sick. Call your doctor and let them know your symptoms and travel history.

The Administration at Holy Cross will continue to clearly communicate with our school community about our ongoing efforts regarding the coronavirus.

Sincerely,
Edward Burns
Principal