December 4, 2020

Dear Students and Families,

We hope you had a restful and relaxing break. Please see below for information regarding health and wellness during Winter Term 1.

Health Center ― The Health Center will be open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., during Winter Term 1.

Health Center phone: 860.687.6325
Health Center fax: 860.688.1557
Health Center email: health_center@loomis.org

Absences ― Students who need to miss classes due to illness or injury should connect with the Health Center or Dean of Student's office prior to the start of class to be properly excused in Veracross, as with in-person learning. While touching base with the teacher is helpful, normal attendance procedures will be in place during Winter Term 1.

Extended Absences/Medical Leaves ― Students who are expected to miss more than two to three days of academic classes due to medical reasons (illness, injury, surgery, or mental health needs) may be placed on a medical leave of absence by their dean or the Health Center. While online learning may ultimately enable students to return to classes sooner than if attending in-person school, the medical leave policy ensures that the student, family, teachers, deans, and the Academic Office are all in coordination, and the student's full recovery is prioritized.

COVID-19 ― It is very important that the Health Center be informed of any student COVID-19 diagnosis during Winter Term 1. This information will be added to the student's school-based electronic medical record and taken into consideration when making plans for pre-arrival and/or surveillance testing during Winter Term 2. If a student is affected by COVID-19 in other ways, such as being displaced from home to quarantine or significant illness of a close family member, please do not hesitate to reach out to the student's advisor and/or dean for assistance.

Mental Health Counseling ― We are very aware that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of adolescents. The Loomis Chaffee Counseling Department remains available to support students during remote learning. The best way to contact the office to set up a meeting is via email or by leaving a message on the office phone line.

Julie Field, Director

julie_field@loomis.org

860.687.6234

Anna Baressi

anna_baressi@loomis.org

860.687.6823

Kenneth Green

kenneth_green@loomis.org

860.687.6138

During Winter Term 1, please be sure to update Magnus Health with any new medical diagnoses, (www.loomischaffee.org). We will provide additional information regarding Winter Term 2 requirements, including COVID-19 pre-arrival testing, in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Kendra Wiesel

Director of Health Services

Julie Field

Director of Counseling

Jessica Matzkin

Dean of Students