List of 33 items.

  • August 19, 2021: School Opening Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    We hope that you are healthy and staying safe. Despite all that is still going on in the world, the St. Timothy’s community continues to pull together to ensure a safe return for our students. Building off the outstanding job of last year and adhering to our safety protocols from last year, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus in the next couple of days. Our top priority remains safeguarding the health and well-being of our entire community while continuing to deliver an exceptional educational experience.
     
    Now that we are we are within a week of the start of school, I am writing to provide an update plan for orientation, particularly with regard to the shifting conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note, as it has been the case over the last 17 months, our plans are subject to change depending on any number of factors. In general, the CDC is tying its guidelines for school operations as closely as possible to local community transmission levels. The CDC also continues to recommend a “layered” approach to risk mitigation (including vaccinations, screening, surveillance testing, and mask-wearing) to enable schools to operate to the fullest extent possible in the fall. The number of layers a school should have in place corresponds directly to the level of community transmission. Accordingly, our need to adjust practices over the course of the upcoming school year will depend in large part on the degree to which the transmission levels fluctuate. Given the current levels and risks, we are making the following changes to our schedule:
     
    Only one designated parent, guardian, or family member will be permitted to enter the residence houses with each student to help them move in. They must show proof of vaccination to enter and must wear a mask. House Faculty and Orientation Counselors will also be on hand to assist students with moving their belongings. Other family members are welcome to visit with their students in the outdoor areas of the campus during the move-in period, but they will not be permitted to enter residence houses or other campus buildings. Please review the changes made to the schedule as we have modified a number of events due to new Covid restrictions.
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • August 5, 2021: Upcoming Academic Year Plans and Schedule

    Dear St. Timothy's School Community,
     
    I hope this note finds all of you well during this incredibly challenging period for our country and the world. With so much uncertainty these days, I write to provide a measure of clarity on one issue we know many of you have been wondering about: our plans for the upcoming academic year. We are hopeful that the vaccine will bring us one step closer to preparing for a more normal academic year.
     
    Our community looks forward to your upcoming arrival when students can safely live, learn, and participate in various activities on campus. The excitement for the upcoming school year is palpable. While the number of virus cases are raising in some areas, we remain optimistic about being able to have classes in person and manage things in a manner that will maintain a level of normalcy for our community throughout the year. It will require all of us working together, doing what is in the best interest of the community. We do believe that with vaccines and some masking, we can keep our community safe. Click here for a detailed schedule for upcoming events.
     
    We envision a year that looks much like our pre-pandemic operations, including:
    A normal trimester academic calendar
    Normal class day schedule
    Having all students enroll in person
    Standard course enrollments and class sizes
    Standard room occupancy and set-up
    Expanded dining and recreation options
    Standard weekend activities
     
    Even as we plan for a more traditional campus experience, flexibility remains essential. Our plans will continue to be shaped by public health guidance and the prevailing science about the effectiveness of vaccinations. Because of ongoing uncertainty about the trajectory of the coronavirus, there are some decisions we will have to defer to later. We do not yet know, for example, whether and under what circumstances mask-wearing might be required on campus throughout the year, or the method and frequency of asymptomatic testing for COVID-19.
     
    I do want to reinforce that as of August 1, all students must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to campus. Students may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement. If a student receives such an exemption, they will be subject to pre-arrival testing, weekly prevalence testing, and likely other public health measures. Students who are not vaccinated and do not qualify for an exemption will not be permitted to come to campus after August 1.
     
    If you have not already done so, please submit your proof of vaccination or exemption form to Megan Yeager RN at myeager@stt.org. Students who are still in the process of being vaccinated should submit their documentation prior to arriving on campus and are not permitted on campus for any reason until they have done so. Failure to submit this documentation prior to August 25 could cause delays or disruptions to your program start date on August 28. 
     
    Our decisions will be directed, always, by the latest available data and expertise from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Baltimore County Department of Health, and our own health and medical experts. We will make changes to our plans, as necessary, in accordance with developments in the science and guidance from these expert sources. Although we are planning for a return to "normal," we expect that our approach to teaching, athletics, residential life, and campus operations will benefit from the many lessons we have learned this past year.
     
    We know that there continues to be tremendous uncertainty across the globe about the pandemic, particularly regarding new variants of the coronavirus. Rates of infection remain high in many parts of the country and the world. The success St. Timothy's School has experienced thus far in maintaining the safety and well-being of our community is due in large part to the ongoing vigilance and extraordinary commitment of students, faculty, staff and parents. This vigilance and commitment must continue.
     
    As has been the case throughout this pandemic, our planning is based on current public health circumstances, which continue to shift. There is still significant uncertainty about how the COVID-19 pandemic will evolve across regions of the country and the world in the coming months. Please understand the need for flexibility, as we may need to make changes to our plans.
     
    Our top priority is safeguarding the health and well-being of our community while continuing to deliver an exceptional educational experience. Thank you for all you continue to do so that we may all be together again as a community in the new academic year.
     
    Sincerely, 
    Randy Stevens 
    Head of School
  • March 14, 2021: Updated Plan for Trimester 3

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    I am writing to alert you to the revised plans for Trimester 3. We will follow the same class schedule as Fall and Winter except the Monday's cycle will start with E block. As St. Timothy’s School is both a boarding and day school, it is our desire to be in community with each other together in-person as much as possible now that our faculty and staff have received the vaccine. While we cannot guarantee a 100% risk-free environment, we plan to establish a layered approach for COVID-19 risk mitigation, which relies on cooperation from all members of our community, including both day and boarding students, each day. We are hopeful that these established protocols will allow us to return to being in-person for the duration of our final trimester.
     
    We are asking both day and boarding students returning to campus for in-person instruction to start their quarantine at home beginning on March 17. This means students should not have close contact with a non-family member between March 17 and their return to campus. Additionally, throughout the spring break, students should avoid any unnecessary high-risk exposures to COVID-19. Upon return to campus for spring term, all students - boarding and day - will need to have tested negative for COVID-19 within 5 days of arrival and must bring documentation of this negative result to campus on Sunday, March 21 for boarders and Monday, March 22 for day students. The linked Code of Conduct must be signed by each student and parent and returned on Monday, March 22. 
     
    Day students who are attending classes in-person must avoid hosting or attending gatherings, events, and other high-risk activities where proper social distancing and mask wearing are not practiced for the duration of the trimester. Unnecessary travel must also be avoided. Any student, faculty, or staff member returning from out of the country or out of state must get tested and self-quarantine until the test result is received. (DC, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and West Virginia are exempt, per Maryland's guidelines.)
     
    All travel must be disclosed to the School and the quarantine and testing will be determined by the School’s health center team, based on current Maryland and CDC travel advisories.
     
    In accordance with state and local guidelines, students must wear masks at all times while on campus. Students must practice and reinforce hygiene measures both at school and at home. Students must stay home at the first sign of any illness. Failure to comply will result in a student’s inability to continue attending classes in person for the remainder of the term.
     
    Like our boarders, day students must complete the health screening each morning. Lunch will be the only meal available to day students, who will have a separate dining time from boarders. Day students will not have evening or weekend campus access (including meals) during the spring term, and they will not be allowed in Carter House or Heath House for any reason during the day.
     
    After April 2, our Boarders will be afforded opportunities on the weekends to leave campus for short supervised trips. In addition, students will be allowed visiting hours in other student rooms during restricted periods on weekends. Masks will be required when visiting other student rooms. The door must be opened and the windows should also be open for ventilation.
     
    These restrictions have been established in accordance with the Baltimore County Health Department guidelines so that we can return to a normal schedule. Certainly, if we successfully comply with these policies throughout the term, it is likely that restrictions can continue to be modified.
     
    Our community did an outstanding job adhering to our safety protocols throughout the fall and winter terms. Throughout the spring term, we will continue to rely on this diligence, as well as increased testing. Of course, if local and regional COVID-19 rates return to high levels, we will be prepared to shift back to remote learning for day students for a period of time.
     
    We are planning for an on-campus graduation on June 6 and are mapping out the details now. While we hope to allow a limited number of guests, we will adhere to all state guidelines regarding public gatherings, and will share our plans by May 10 with seniors and their families. Seniors who wish to participate in any on-campus ceremonies must participate in-person for the entire Trimester 3, which concludes on June 3.
     
    Given that we cannot predict the future, I ask Sixes to not make plans beyond the current IB exam schedule as it may change depending on circumstances here at the School. I beg for patience as this is an unfolding situation and students must remain flexible. We cannot be responsible for students who book flights for mid-May if our schedule changes and students are required to continue classes until the first of June.
     
    I ask for your continued patience and support as we strive to hold our community safe and deliver an exceptional program to our students each and every day. Thank you again for your commitment to our School and for sharing your child with us.
     
    Please contact Ms. Rebollar to notify her about your intended status for Trimester 3 (Day, Boarding, Online) by Tuesday, March 16. Please note that there will be an additional fee if you are changing from Day to Boarding status for Trimester 3. Also, please let her know if you need to arrange transportation. 
     
    Boarders please follow the schedule below for move in on March 21:
    Threes whose last name begins A-K: 10 a.m.
    Threes whose last name begins with L-R: 10:30 a.m.
    Threes whose last name begins with S-Z: 11 a.m.

    Fours whose last name begins with A-D: 10 a.m.
    Fours whose last name begins with E-J: 10:30 a.m.
    Fours whose last name begins with K-L: 11 a.m.
    Fours whose last name begins with M-Z: 11:30 a.m.

    Fives whose last name begins with A-L: 11:30 am.
    Fives whose last name begins with M-S: 12 p.m.
    Fives whose last name begins with T-Z: 12:30 p.m.

    Sixes whose last name begins with A-G: 12 p.m.
    Sixes whose last name begins with H-K: 12:30 p.m.
    Sixes whose last name begins with L-Z: 1 p.m
     
    Sincerely,
    Mr. Randy S. Stevens 
    Head of School
  • Jan. 25, 2021: Schedule Updates

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    We plan to continue with a modified Winterim program that will begin March 6 and conclude March 13. Details should be forthcoming by February 15. Sixes will have a special session on February 22 through 25. Fives will have a special Winterim session on February 26, 27 and 28. We do plan to continue with a spring break Sunday, March 14 through Sunday, March 21.  
     
    To curb potential spread of the virus, we ask all members of the community to avoid travel to resorts, amusement parks, international destinations or cruises as well as other vacation travel during the spring break. Given the short period of this break, we would ask that students quarantine while they are home. It would not be prudent to go on a vacation during this period as students will need to show a negative COVID test prior to returning to campus on Sunday, March 21.
     
    With a new variant of COVID that scientists say is much more transmissible than previous versions of the virus, we want to make sure that we are limiting exposure. Students will need to be tested and present results that are no older than 3 days when they come back on Sunday. They also need to be in quarantine after their tests to ensure they don't catch anything after testing. Students can choose to stay on campus for the break. If you do choose to remain on campus, you will be responsible for an additional fee to cover the cost of food.
     
    Most of our faculty and staff will have been vaccinated by spring break, but it remains critical that we exercise extreme precaution. The data we are receiving would suggest that it will be the third quarter before things start to return to somewhat normal, so until then we need to operate with extra caution. Your patience is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Stevens or Ms. Geter-Hunter.
     
    At this time, it is our expectation that our Diploma Program examinations will occur as scheduled in May 2021. This will require for all of our Sixes to be on campus by mid-April in order to take their IB examinations. Click here for the schedule. Last year the IBO introduced a range of changes to the assessments and examinations to address the loss of teaching due to COVID-19, focusing as much as was possible on flexibility and fairness in preparation for the May 2021 session. We do not anticipate any additional changes at this time so students will need to be prepared for the examinations as they are currently planned. Click here to view the IB Assessment booklet. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Jaber.
     
    Sincerely,
    Mr. Stevens
  • Dec. 3, 2020: January Return to School Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community, 
     
    While it feels like we are nearer to the end of COVID-life than its beginning, there’s undoubtedly quite a while still to go. I hope everyone will continue to be safe and smart as we await vaccinations and other positive developments in the weeks ahead. I write with an important update regarding the return to school in January 2021. Based on the newly revised guidelines from the CDC, we have been able to confirm with the Baltimore County Health Department that they are now comfortable with students returning at the 7-day (as opposed to the 14-day) mark which would be Sunday, January 3.  
     
    Those traveling internationally would need the 7 days with testing by the 5th day. Domestic travelers, even those coming from areas with greater than a 10% positivity rate, would need a test within 72 hours and can come out of isolation once they obtain negative results.
     
    Please let me know if you have any questions. And as a reminder all documentation regarding COVID-19 should be sent to Megan Yeager, school nurse, at myeager@stt.org.
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • Nov. 18, 2020: Important Update Regarding the Return to School in January

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    I hope this message finds you safe and well. I write with an important update regarding January 2021. 
     
    As the coronavirus continues to increase in the local area, we are making plans for the return to school in January. Given the success we experienced this fall with the restrictions we had in place it seems prudent to continue the same approach for Trimester 2. We will require all day students to either board for the second trimester or attend classes online.
     
    I remain very concerned about managing the influx of students who would be traveling in and out of the larger community regularly and the potential impact on the residential community given the spread of the virus in the area. Therefore, it will be critical to maintain the restrictions we have had in place. It is impossible to attempt to create a "bubble" with students arriving and departing, and that such exposure will pose a real risk to the larger community.
     
    We believe the risk remains too great to have students arriving and departing the campus regularly at this point. If you have decided that you wish to board for the trimester term, please contact Ms. Geter-Hunter, dean of students, at jghunter@stt.org immediately so we can plan for your arrival. There will be an additional fee and an addendum to the contract that will need to be signed for our day students.
     
    I want to remind all families of the travel advisory in effect prior to return to school on January 10, 2021. All students will be required to have tested negative for COVID-19 within 3 days of arriving at school and we will need proof of that test. Students will need to have kept a 14-day log of self-quarantine to ensure that they have not been exposed prior to arrival at school. For students who are traveling internationally, via air travel, or to high risk areas, they must quarantine in the State of Maryland for 14 days prior to arriving on campus. For students who wish to quarantine at St. Timothy's School, they should plan to arrive here at school prior to December 27, 2020 so that they can complete their 14 days prior to January 10, 2021. All documentation regarding COVID-19 should be sent to Megan Yeager, school nurse, at myeager@stt.org.
     
    I thank you, our dedicated families, for your patience and support as we navigate this challenging time. 
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • Aug. 7, 2020: Updates on Returning to Campus



    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    We are truly excited for your return to campus on August 29, though I realize this will be a challenging fall as we all adjust to necessary changes on campus. I write today to ensure you are aware of our updated plans related the fall trimester (Orientation ScheduleFall Academic Schedule and School Calendar). All of the information contained in this letter is also available on the School’s website.
     
    We will begin the trimester cautiously so we can reopen St. Timothy’s School successfully. The safety of you, our faculty, and our staff is our top priority, and scientific knowledge about transmission of the virus continues to develop. We are continually monitoring the effectiveness and necessity of our protocols, which were formulated based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infectious disease specialists at Johns Hopkins University, and local health officials.
     
    Because COVID-19 cases have risen nationally and in Maryland since I last wrote to you, this letter includes some additional precautions we have adopted. On the other hand, we remain committed to relaxing guidelines over time if campus and local infection rates lower. Please know we will be flexible this fall and ready to adapt to changing conditions.
     
    Updates on Returning to Campus
    1. You will be able to access your class schedules on Friday, August 14, 2020.
     
    2. You can access your class schedule by loging into the School portal at https://stt.myschoolapp.com/. If you forgot your username or password, click on ‘forgot password’ and enter the email address you provided the school with. You can check your schedule under ‘My Day’ or under ‘schedule.’ Make sure to navigate to 2020-2021 as academic year and go to September as a month.
     
    3. If you note a mistake in my placement in any of the courses or desire a change you should email the Academic Dean, Ms. Ghada Jaber, at gjaber@stt.org with your concern or request and she will get back to you within 24 hours.
     
    4. We cannot change sections or teachers. Multiple factors are involved in setting a schedule and your input was already taken into account in choice of elective and language course, but students cannot choose sections or teachers. We place you in the courses you requested taking your four-year plan, previous transcripts, and other details from your application into consideration while always putting your best interest at heart. We thank you for putting your trust in our processes and assure you that we would attend to any concerns or questions that may arise as we start classes.
     
    5. You can purchase you books on the same school portal where you checked your schedule (myschoolapp.com) by clicking on the Resources tab, Booklist 2020-21. Read the legend/key carefully before making any purchases. Some books are purchased directly by the school and billed home, some are provided for free and others you have the responsibility to purchase. The booklist is organized by grade and department. You can buy the books required with a $ sign on them but the ones with a ✓ $ for example are purchased directly by school and billed home. If you buy books online and you are attending school in person, you can put the school address as the delivery address (your name, St. Timothy’s School, 8400 Greenspring Ave, Stevenson, MD 21153).
     
    6. The additional materials you will need to bring include your iPad which is the most important device to bring along. Specifications: 4th generation only, iPad Air/Air 2, iPad mini 2/3/4, or iPad Pro, 64GB or higher recommended (required 32GB), WIFI model only (3G and 4G capable iPads are not allowed on campus), students will register their iPad to access WIFI once on campus.
     
    Other materials needed: Graphing Calculator (TI 84 or 86) for juniors and seniors, basic stationary (pens, pencils, markers, sharpeners, binders’ notebooks, etc.) as preferred or needed by individual students. Teachers will not require you to use specific materials given the organizational powers of the iPad apps but your learning preference will be taken into account.
     
    7. Blended Learning is the term we will use this fall for our classes where some students will be attending classes physically on campus and in the classroom and other students will be attending online. Students who are unable to return to campus this fall and for whom live attendance to classes may be challenging due to travel restrictions, day student restrictions, health issues, or visa issues may need to seek online status for a limited period. All students will participate in Blended Learning and will engage in both synchronously (real-time) and asynchronously instruction (pre-recorded videos lessons, emails, blogs, webinars, discussion boards, and online forums) to meet the requirements of their courses and to ensure that all students both on campus and off-campus are fully integrated into the course.
     
    7. If you are attending classes online (“Blended Leaning”) this fall you will access your class through the link on each class page. Teachers will post their Zoom class account on the bulletin and you can log in according to the EST times on your schedule each day. More information will come your way during the week before classes start. Meanwhile, it would be most helpful if you prepare your room setting to allow quiet and adequate desk space and have materials available in close proximity and an organized setting. Please plan on being in uniform and showing your face on camera for classes. Microphone can stay mute while you are not participating, but remember to ‘unmute’ when called upon or when engaging.
     
    8. We encourage everyone who is able to attend St. Timothy’s School in-person, yet we realize the challenges with visa issues and specific medical conditions. Hence, our allowance for the option of online learning. Classes will be offered live according to your schedule EST times and recordings will be posted. However, given that attending school whether virtually or in-person should be every students’ first priority, a change in routines may be necessary for continuing to achieve the excellent level you aim for in school and for us to continue
    functioning as one integrated community. For this to happen, it may mean choosing to sleep during day hours and staying up late to avoid missing live classes. Although recordings will be posted for you to view later as needed, we do not want you to miss out on engaging with your teachers and peers during live classes.
     
    9. Your teacher should be the first person to talk to if you cannot access their class and if you have questions specific to their subject submission. If you cannot access your teacher directly, email Ms. Ireland at hireland@stt.org and copy Ms. Jaber at gjaber@stt.org on the email. You can also call Ms. Jaber at 410-486-7400 ext. 8305 or leave a voicemail if she happens to be teaching at that time. One of them will get back to you within 24 hours.
     
    Updates on Nurturing Your Health and Well-Being
    We still require that all students receive a negative COVID-19 virus test result within 7 days of arrival on campus. Tests must be molecular/PCR-type tests. Rapid antigen testing is currently not acceptable. As testing availability and options vary depending on where the student is located, performing a web search for "COVID-19 testing sites near me" is a helpful way to find options nearby. Families are encouraged to contact the testing site prior to testing.  
     
    Based on a new regulation this week, LabCorp will no longer provide testing to individuals under the age of 18. An alternative at this time is Vault. For individuals residing in Maryland there is free testing from the state/county: https://bcwebservices.wufoo.com/forms/covid19-testing-appointments
     
    Students must provide documentation of a negative test prior to arrival on campus. Students arriving without evidence of a negative test result will need to remain off campus until negative test results are available.  Students who test positive for COVID-19 should not travel, should adhere to public health guidelines, and must receive clearance from the school prior to arrival on campus. If you have any questions, please contact Megan Yeagar at myeagar@stt.org.  
     
    Four simple practices will help keep you and our entire community as healthy as possible this fall.
    1. Wear a mask. The latest scientific studies suggest that wearing masks reduces transmission significantly by preventing the exchange of droplets and spread from asymptomatic carriers. Wearing masks is perhaps the most important thing we can do to minimize COVID-19 infection, and they are now required in all of Maryland (both for all indoor and outdoor activities).

    2. Practice physical distancing. Again, evidence currently available suggests distancing by 6 feet or more reduces spread substantially through the air. While staying physically apart is counter cultural in many ways, it is one of the best strategies we can use to stay together this fall.

    3. Wash your hands often. While scientists believe people acquire COVID-19 most frequently through droplets, good hand hygiene ensures you do not become infected through contact with surfaces or physical touch. This practice also prevents other common illnesses like the flu.

    4. Complete your daily health check. We are working with an outside vendor to launch a new app that we help us to check the wellness of the community daily. This tool will help us all keep track of our health as we establish new cultural norms, and also provide you with advice about next steps if you develop symptoms. If you are concerned about COVID-19 symptoms, please contact the school nurses or AOD immediately.
     
    Enabling Student Formation Through Programming
    The Dean of Students Office staff is working to help us program safely. Understanding the expectations surrounding our new normal, many students have asked what they can do to connect with one another and have fun. This is a great question, and we are ready to help make safe opportunities possible. I have a new team in the Dean of Students Office excited to work with you to envision creative new ways for our community to learn and grow together. Here are a few pieces of advice:
    1. Be creative about virtual engagement. We are already working to bring virtual artists and comedians to you and making additional venues like Athletic Fields available for students to use.

    2. Gather outdoors whenever and wherever possible. Campus has some beautiful grounds and trails to explore. Bring a blanket to campus, so you can take advantage of our lawns with these extra weeks of summer weather.

    3. Choose smaller versus larger gatherings. Connecting with friends is essential to your well-being but choose lower risk options. Avoid large gatherings indoors, because that is the environment where the virus spreads more readily. Please adhere to health and safety practices with respect to mask use. Do not share serve ware or glassware.

    4. Try a new form of exercise or sport. While we cannot offer IAAM sports this fall, we will offer ample intramural opportunities to enjoy as well as riding, dance, theater, and the farm program. In addition, Weekend programming will provide some opportunities to enjoy some new intramural sports as well.

    5. Get plenty of sleep and eat well. This is a trimester to work on boundaries when it comes to sleep patterns and nutrition. Make sure you relax and socialize with your friends. There are a number of great meditation apps available that you might want to consider.
     
    We Are Here for You and with You
    Again, we cannot wait to see you later this month. The excitement is palpable. We have been planning for several months now for this day to come. Thank you for your commitment to honoring our health and safety practices and working with us to adjust these protocols as the trimester progresses. Please be patient and kind to one another as we adjust to this ever-evolving situation. I understand some of the constraints we face this fall are significant, and I share your disappointment in the ways this virus has changed our lives. At the same time, I believe that being together on campus is infinitely better than being apart. We can get through this time together and still build community with one another. Travel safely back to us!  
     
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
     
     
  • Aug. 3, 2020: Travel Plans for the 2020-21 School Year

    August 3, 2020
     
    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    Before traveling to St. Timothy's, all students will be asked to quarantine for 14 days -- limiting close contact to immediate family members only. The number one activity of those who have tested positive recently was attending family gatherings. The next highest on the list was house parties and outdoor activities, so we ask all students to take extreme caution as they prepare for the opening of school. Domestic boarders may quarantine locally or at home before traveling to campus. All students are encouraged to limit contact with others during travel to campus as much as possible. Please keep track of your 14-day quarantine with the attached log that you will be required to submit when you arrive on campus. In addition, you must sign your liability waiver and Code of Conduct during Covid-19 forms.
     
    At present, serious consideration is being given to requiring all day students to either board for the first trimester or attend classes online. We remain very concerned about how best to manage the influx of day students who have been in the larger community daily and the impact on the boarding community. It is impossible to create a concealed bubble, but the challenge of students arriving and departing daily poses a real risk to the larger community. We will make a final decision regarding this matter by August 15, but would encourage all day students to seriously consider boarding for the first trimester if they desire in-person instruction.
     
    In addition, all students are required by law to receive a negative COVID-19 virus test within 7 days of arrival on campus. Tests must be molecular/PCR-type tests. Rapid antigen testing is currently not acceptable. As testing availability and options vary depending on where the student is located, performing a web search for "COVID-19 testing sites near me" is a helpful way to find options nearby. Families are encouraged to contact the testing site prior to testing.
     
    Alternatively, families can order a home test via Labcorp: https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/at-home-test-kits/covid-19-test. If you choose to use Labcorp, you will need to complete a brief screening questionnaire. Please select "congregate setting," as the boarding school environment qualifies as such. LabCorp allows for insurance information to be added or the out of pocket cost is $119. Please make sure to send a copy of your results to the school nurse, Megan Yeager at myeager@stt.org.
     
    Students must provide documentation of a negative test prior to arrival on campus. Students arriving without evidence of a negative test result will need to remain off campus until negative test results are available.
     
    Students who test positive for COVID-19 should not travel, should adhere to public health guidelines, and must receive clearance from the school prior to arrival on campus. The School will perform surveillance testing, as well as other safety measures, throughout the school year in order to maintain the healthiest environment possible.
     
    Students are to be extremely mindful that there is a health advisory in Maryland for individuals traveling from states where the percent of positive cases of coronavirus tests is greater than 10%. States currently covered include: Florida, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, Nebraska, and Idaho. Anyone who does travel from those states is expected to get a coronavirus test and quarantine until receiving results. Additionally, in accordance with Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, international students will be required to quarantine for 14 days in the United States. If students are traveling or living internationally over the summer, it is important for families to remain up to date with CDC travel guidelines. Please be prepared for your student to quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms prior arriving on campus. 
     
    St. Timothy’s School recommends students schedule their travel so they are able to meet self-quarantine guidelines before arriving on campus on August 29. However, those unable to meet the guidelines may request permission to quarantine in designated campus facilities, as long as space is available. Students seeking those accomodations must arrive by Friday, August 14, 2020.
     
    The Houses will open for students on the dates below. When traveling, please ensure your student is following safe travel protocol such as wearing a face covering, maintaining social distance where possible, and cleaning their hands often. Students should continue to wear their face covering after arriving on campus. Face coverings and social distancing will be expected in all shared campus spaces. Please note the staggered arrival time to allow for social distancing in the Houses.
     
    Friday August 14, 2020 - International students who are quarantining on campus, arrive between 8:30am-12pm.
     
    Saturday August 29, 2020 - Domestic boarding students and international students not quarantining on campus, arrive at your assigned time below (staggered by class year and last name).
    Threes and Fours whose last name begins with A-K, arrive between 9am-11am.
    Threes and Fours whose last name begins with L-Z, arrive between 11am-1pm.
    Fives and Sixes whose last name begins with A-K, arrive between 1pm-3pm.
    Fives and Sixes whose last name begins with L-Z, arrive between 3pm-5pm.
     
    We understand some families have made travel arrangements already for August 29 and cannot arrive at the assigned time. If you have confirmed travel that does not align with your assigned arrival time, we will accommodate you as best as we can given other arrivals, while still allowing for social distance measures. There is space on the form to indicate this. If you have not yet made travel arrangements, please make an attempt to meet your assigned time.   
     
    If you indicate that you would like St. Timothy's to coordinate your transportation, students will be notified with an email listing the time that they will be picked up as well as the name of the car service that will be driving them. St.Timothy's faculty members will pick up students who are flying as an "Unaccompanied Minor" and new students traveling alone into BWI airport or Baltimore Penn Station. Any other pickups will require either a car service or other form of transportation to be coordinated. 
     
    We will do our best to assign a car service or faculty member driver to pick up students together with similar arrival times. Students flying into BWI airport will be picked up outside, in front of baggage claim by FreedomCar Service or a faculty member driver. For students traveling to Dulles (IAD) or Reagan (DCA), we will hire Burki Limo for your pickup. 
     
    The dollar amount of any transportation that is coordinated for you will be charged to your student account. It is illegal and students are not permitted to use Uber, Lyft, or any ride sharing service.
     
    Students may have one parent or family member on campus to assist with initial move-in of a student in housing. Said family member must present a negative COVID-19 virus test within 7 days of arrival on campus, and pass the prescreening to enter the campus, wear a mask at all times, and practice safe hygiene in accordance with CDC recommendations. The individual will only be allowed to assist with the move-in and must depart campus once the move-in is complete.
     
    Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time. We look forward to seeing you!
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy S. Stevens
    Head of School
     
  • July 9, 2020: International Student Update

    Dear St. Timothy's International Community,

    On Monday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released guidelines prohibiting international students from remaining on campus if classes are held online. This was wholly unexpected, and it is a senseless and unfair policy that runs counter to all that we stand for as an International Baccalaureate World School.
     
    I write today to express our unqualified support for our international students, who enrich our community in so many ways. St. Timothy's School has, since the 1960s, welcomed students from around the globe to study here; simply put, we would not be St. Timothy's School without them.
     
    While it appears that St. Timothy’s international students will largely not be negatively affected by this ruling because of our recent decision to use hybrid teaching (both in person and online) this fall, we nonetheless stand in the strongest opposition to this recent policy decision. We are actively working with our elected representatives, and with our peers and professional associations to change ICE’s stance.
     
    Ms. Heather Ireland (hireland@stt.org) our Registrar/Associate Academic Dean will issue you a new I-20. The new I-20s are going to the be sent to each students' St. Timothy's email account. Please check your account to make sure you receive it. If you have not received it please contact Ms. Ireland or me directly. We are asking that all of our international students stay on campus for Thanksgiving Break (November 22-29) and attend the online classes on campus (November 30-December 18) so that you can avoid any Visa issues as well as quarantine and travel issues. 
     
    For travel purposes, we would ask that our international students arrive in the United States on or around August 14, if possible, so that you can have a two-week quarantine here on campus prior to the August 29 start date. If you wish to leave campus we would ask that you not make any arrangements to do so until December 19.
     
    Our international students contribute daily to the diversity, excellence, and global engagement of our community. To each of our international students, I want to say directly: You belong here, and we will do everything in our power to support you to be here. We stand with you and with all of our international alumnae around the world.
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • June 30, 2020: Fall Opening Update

    June 30, 2020
     
    Dear St. Timothy’s School Community,
     
    Thank you for your tremendous support over the last several months as we have navigated the coronavirus pandemic. Indeed, this has been an unprecedented time, and we are still facing unprecedented challenges. After several months of focused planning, I'm writing to share some important updates with you about the upcoming academic year. While some details still need to be confirmed, I am thrilled to share that we plan to resume teaching and learning on campus this fall and intend to welcome back students on schedule on August 29.
     
    While the realities of COVID-19 certainly mean that life at St. Timothy’s School will be different in August than it was in February, we have worked hard over the last several months making plans to reopen campus for our school community, and we will continue developing those plans and sharing additional details in the weeks ahead. As these plans take shape, I ask for your continued understanding, patience and support. In some ways we are preparing for the worst at the moment but remain hopeful for the best.  Regardless, we are committed to delivering a vibrant experience for your daughters this coming year in the safest and most responsible way possible.
     
    In the midst of this fluid situation, we will continue to monitor relevant health guidance from the State of Maryland and other experts. Because the inherent complexities and uncertainties of the pandemic are beyond our control, we will need to be flexible and responsive as we chart the path forward. Although the plans laid out here represent our most up-to-date thinking about the year ahead, please understand that all is subject to change in response to evolving circumstances.
     
    We are developing specific protocols and practices in accordance with guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local health departments, and independent experts. We will share policy and permission forms later this summer as they are finalized. But for your planning purposes, I have provided below a general framework for the year ahead. Please let me know if there are items we have missed.
     
    It is important to understand that unless we move to a total distance-learning program, there is no way to eliminate all risk of COVID-19 exposure on campus. We all assume risks when we live, learn, and work outside our homes. To protect our community members, those returning to St. Timothy’s campus must adhere, as much as possible, to the standards and protocols established by the School. This will require a commitment by each of us to place collective needs and expectations before our own.

    We are in this together. Our path forward will require adjustments and sacrifices. I know I am not alone in wishing for a return to pre-COVID-19 practices, but I also know that St. Timothy’s School students, families, faculty and staff will stand together with me in doing what it takes to return safely to campus this fall.

    Again, thank you to everyone for working together to help St. Timothy’s School move forward in ways that emphasize community health, safety, and well-being. Next year will be different, but we will continue to bring the community spirit, tradition, and full engagement that are hallmarks of the St. Timothy’s experience. 
    I have great confidence that, even in the face of real challenges, our community will work together with integrity, maturity, commitment, creativity, and foresight to fulfill our mission and ensure the best possible educational experience for each of our students in the coming year.
     
    With best wishes for your health and safety, now and in the days ahead,
     
    Randy S. Stevens
    Head of School
     
     
     
    We will implement a modified on-campus calendar for the 2020-21 academic year.
    Because current health guidance requires 14 days of quarantine before students come to campus, short breaks are not practical. Students will arrive on campus on August 29 for registration and orientation.  The fall term classes will start on August 30. The fall term will run until Saturday, November 21, with girls going home that afternoon following the Brownie-Spider game. We plan to have a virtual family weekend on October 16-17.
     
    Consistent with the planning of many colleges and universities, we will hold classes online between Thanksgiving and Christmas, beginning Monday, November 30 and concluding Friday, December 18, 2020.  We plan to welcome girls back to campus on January 10, 2021. Winterim will occur March 6-13, 2021. A tentative spring break is planned for March 14 – 21, 2021. Commencement will occur on June 6, 2021.
     

     
    We encourage families to retain flexibility in making all travel arrangements this year. For those traveling via air, we highly recommend refundable and/or easily changeable reservations. 
     
    We will require some additional changes to campus behavior while on campus.
    Ensuring the safest possible campus environment will require some changes to the way we do things: 
    • Everyone will be expected to wear face masks in public areas and maintain physical distance (6 feet) whenever possible.
    • We will modify the way we use a variety of spaces on campus, including classrooms and large public areas, to ensure appropriate physical distancing.
    • Dining services will look different, with meals served to minimize density and individual plated servings instead of buffet-style service.
    • Large gatherings like School Assemblies and Chapel will be modified, at least as we begin the year, so we will have to adjust our programming to maintain an engaged community while promoting health and safety.
    • Independent, non-school affiliated activities that require off-campus travel by individual students will be restricted with permission from the Dean of Students’ office as conditions allow. Students will be subject to required return protocols: screening, testing, and quarantining. This makes outside travel difficult. 
    We understand that adjusting to the "new normal" on campus will take time and feel strange at first, but we have confidence in both the flexibility and resilience of the community to embrace the changes we need to make in order to be back together on campus and benefit from the relationships and interactions that make the residential life so special. 
     
    Please know that we are making special plans for our new students, recognizing that they need to feel welcomed, supported, and known here at St. Timothy’s even as all of us adjust to the unfamiliar aspects of community life during a pandemic. We have great confidence that faculty, staff and prefects will play an important role in welcoming the newest members of our community, and we look forward to getting to know them!
     
    Students will need to quarantine before arriving in the fall.
    Before traveling to campus, all students (boarding and day students) will be asked to quarantine for 14 days - limiting close contact to family members only. Domestic boarders may quarantine locally or at home before traveling to campus. All students are encouraged to limit contact with others during travel to campus as much as possible. Additionally, in accordance with CDC guidance, international students will be required to quarantine for 14 days in the United States before arriving on campus.
     
    If students are traveling or living internationally over the summer, it is important for families to remain up to date with CDC travel guidelines. Please be prepared for the student to quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms prior arriving on campus. We will require additional screening and testing when students arrives on campus. Current CDC and state guidelines recommend self-quarantine after traveling from international destinations and some domestic U.S. locations. St. Timothy’s School recommends students schedule their travel, so they are able to meet self-quarantine guidelines before arriving on campus. Those unable to meet the guidelines, however, may request permission to quarantine in designated campus facilities as long as space is available.
     
    Students will need to be tested for COVID-19 before school begins.
    All students must be tested for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, 2-4 days prior to coming to campus and bring documentation of a negative result upon arrival at school. Anyone who is positive must notify our school nurses, Megan Yeager (myeager@stt.org) or Jenny Joseph (jjoseph@stt.org), to determine a re-entry plan, and must remain home for at least 14 days after testing positive, prior to coming to campus. Students who are unable to obtain testing before coming to school will be tested immediately upon arrival.  Any student who tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 at that time will be required to isolate off campus for 14 days in the care of a parent, guardian, or other caretaker before returning to campus.  All faculty and student-facing staff will also be tested for SARS-CoV-2 just prior to the start of school in the fall.
     
    If students test positive when they return to campus and cannot go home, they will be immediately isolated on campus until they are COVID-free. 
     
    Routine testing will be required.
    We plan to repeat testing 12-14 days after arrival for all students (boarding and day), faculty, and student-facing staff. A system of routine surveillance testing will be established based on the prevalence of the virus at St. Timothy’s School and in the State of Maryland. Testing will be available in the Health Center throughout the year. All faculty, staff, and students on campus will be asked to complete simple symptom and wellness checks each day to help screen for possible illness. 
     
    Testing will be divided into two categories: diagnostic (if a student is sick) and surveillance (broad testing within a population e.g. a “house”). Diagnostic testing will be performed at the Health and Wellness Center, with results and isolation of positive cases. As for surveillance testing of the community during the year, we will follow the guidance of the CDC and Maryland/Baltimore County Department of Public Health.
     
    Screening (completing a brief wellness questionnaire): This will be required upon entering campus and will occur as needed while on campus as determined by health staff.  Staff will document any potential symptoms and will check the student’s temperature as appropriate.
     
    Tracing: If a positive test presents, we will initiate contact tracing, establish quarantine procedures, and initiate deep cleaning of infected areas.
     
    If a student is diagnosed with COVID-19, they will be admitted and isolated in rooms established in Carter House. We will ask parents within 200 miles of campus to pick up the student to self-isolate at home. They will remain at Carter House or at home until they recover and meet the return-to-community guidelines as per the CDC. In addition, as soon as a student or employee is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will initiate contact tracing and any exposed students will be quarantined and their families will be notified immediately. We will work to ensure that all potentially exposed spaces are deep cleaned as per CDC guidelines.

    If a student needs medical attention beyond what can be provided on campus, they will be transported to one of the local hospitals. Our first line of emergency room care is Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Any pediatric patients requiring admission would be transferred to the Johns Hopkins Children Hospital. 
     
    All students will be required to have the flu vaccination this year.
     
    The School will limit the access of outside visitors to mitigate the risks associated with families bringing students to campus on drop-off day.
    Whenever possible, only one adult should bring a student to campus for drop off. All individuals coming to campus must wear a mask. Upon arrival, students and any accompanying adult will be screened for symptoms and COVID-19 risk before beginning registration. Parents or guardians will be asked to drop students off and depart campus promptly. Only students will be allowed to enter campus buildings. Ample support will be provided to help students move into their rooms and acclimate to the new school environment. While parents will remain an important part of their student’s support network, we need to limit the number of people who move around our campus in order to promote a safe and healthy environment for all students and other residents.  
     
    New safety measures will be put in place for the houses.
    When the term begins, students will be required to maintain social distancing and wear masks when in the presence of others, including while inside the houses except when in their room. Students must wash their hands regularly, and restrooms will have capacity limits. In addition, access to common rooms and kitchenettes will be limited. All halls will be cleaned and disinfected by our Environmental Services Staff on a daily basis, with students assisting with cleaning efforts on a rotating schedule. All halls will also be equipped with hand sanitizer stations. Signage and reminders will be placed throughout the houses. For obvious reasons, Day Students will not be allowed to stay on campus or visit in the houses. 
     
    All restrooms will have capacity limits. The restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected regularly by Environmental Services Staff. Students will also be required to use disinfectant to wipe down any restroom surfaces they touch after each use.
     
    Students will be expected to modify their behavior on campus to help promote a healthy campus and minimize risk of infection to themselves and others. 
    In accordance with public health guidelines about preventing transmission of the virus causing COVID-19, students will be expected to follow three basic principles: physical distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing/sanitizing. Students will also be expected to limit any travel off campus, and any off-campus travel will require permission from the Dean of Students. Given that any off-campus travel will require a 14-day quarantine on campus upon reentry, it is highly recommended that parents do not plan any appointments, visits, or vacations during the academic year. Please schedule any visits or appointments during the summer or during the December break.
     
    Adhering to the physical distancing, mask-wearing and handwashing requirement will be enforced in shared spaces (houses, classrooms, etc.). 
    An educational program will be undertaken to acquire “buy-in” from the students about necessary health protocols. Maintaining physical distancing and mask use is a social responsibility to keep each other and our community safe. Faculty will be expected to model these behaviors themselves and modify student behaviors if they are not complying. Other common spaces will be evaluated and reconfigured as needed for appropriate use (e.g. lowering density) in alignment with health and safety guidelines. Failure to comply with this requirement could be grounds to be asked to leave the community.
     
    If you are unable to get your visa or there are travel restrictions that prevent someone from getting to campus, you will be welcomed whenever you can arrive.
    Students who are unable to return to campus for the beginning of the academic year may start classes as remote learners and make plans to return to campus whenever they are able. Our program will ensure that students can return to school at any time throughout the trimester without disruption to her academic and social progress. Families should not make any travel plans that can’t be changed or canceled; please consider purchasing travel insurance if it is available. Some policies do not include Covid-19 so make sure you know what you are purchasing. 
     
    We will be running a robust hybrid academic program to allow for both in-person and online learning for the year.
    While we are excited to resume in-person teaching and learning here on campus, we recognize that there are several reasons to maintain our ability to teach and learn online for the 2020-21 academic year: Some students may not be able to return to campus, and any student or adult who exhibits symptoms of illness will need to stay away from classrooms and other shared spaces until they are healthy. Therefore, we will be running a robust hybrid academic program for the year, allowing in-person classes held and required for healthy students and adults on campus, and remote teaching and learning for those whose health or distance prevents their presence. We look forward to supporting all of our students, both on campus and off, with a rigorous IB curriculum in the year ahead.
     
    The "hybrid" or "blended" classroom combines live classroom teaching with online learning. In a hybrid classroom some students are physically present in the classroom while the others follow the lesson from home.
     
    We intend to use a new academic daily schedule in order to support learners in all time zones.
    We recognize that some students may begin the year at home and then be able to join us on campus at some point, and others may learn remotely for the entire year. All classes will occur during waking hours in Stevenson, MD, but with enough flexibility that students based in other parts of the world can view the recorded classes and meet with their teachers to review the materials in one-on-one tutoring sessions.
     
    Recordings of all class sessions will be available on each student class page for easy access and teachers will schedule flexible additional support times to allow for time zone differences. A rotating block schedule will be used to reduce the time zone inconvenience to students who cannot be physically on campus due to any forced international travel restrictions.
     
    We intend to make modifications to our co-curricular offerings in order to support health and safety.
    Though we will need to make modifications to many of our co-curricular offerings in order to support health and safety, we are busy making plans to maximize students’ engagement and growth in their endeavors outside the classroom. We are in ongoing conversation with our peer schools in the IAAM about interscholastic athletics. The league plans to make a decision about interscholastic athletics for the fall term in the latter half of July 2020; we will share additional information as it becomes available. Transportation to competition continues to be one of the major concerns. Our riding program has been successfully active since late May.
     
    We are hopeful that guidelines will allow us to offer interscholastic competition next year. However, regardless of the scenario with league play, we will support all of our student-athletes, both recreational and competitive, with appropriate opportunities for skill development, strength and conditioning, competitive play, and fun with a wide range of programs on campus until we can resume interscholastic play.
     
    The Arts Department is developing plans to modify music, theater, and dance for physical distancing as well. Many of the lessons learned this spring will guide our thinking as we look to offer safe and productive alternatives in the arts. 
     
    Online student leadership training and orientation will be provided. 
    We will provide leadership training online for new student leaders the week of August 10. We will provide new student orientation sessions online the week of August 17.
     
    Students who do not have a discounted tuition already and are unable to return to campus for the entire term will receive a tuition credit/refund.
    At the end of each semester (fall/spring), boarding students who have been unable to return to campus for the entire term for visa or travel reasons, or other documented obstacles beyond their control, will receive a refund of $3,100 per semester. 
     
    SAT will be offered on campus on September 23.  PSAT is scheduled for Saturday, October 17.  ACT is October 6 and with accommodations October 6-9.  The make-update is October 20.
    It is our expectation that all students (day and boarding) will take these examinations at St. Timothy’s School and not register to take the examinations at an off-campus site, which could pose a risk as students would be exposed in a larger testing environment.
     
     
    Day students are important members of our School community, and we strive to ensure their active participation in the life of our campus.
    As expected, day students will engage in campus activities and have a designated campus space to keep some belongings and accommodate drop off and pick up. Anyone living off campus — day students, faculty or staff — will be screened daily (with a brief wellness questionnaire) via a school app, must stay home if they present with any symptoms. If St. Timothy’s School determines that students should remain home, they will have the opportunity to participate in classes, in real time, via technology. Day Students will not be allowed to visit the houses or stay overnight during the academic year.
     
    Given our overarching goal to keep the campus healthy, we will be asking everyone to limit visits to campus. All visitors will be asked to screen themselves for COVID-19 symptoms before entering campus. Faculty and staff will be doing the same each day before going to work. One of the best practices to maintain a healthy student body and enjoy a more relaxed life is to reduce outside exposure. We ask parents to assist us with day students to ensure they follow similar guidelines at home that we are asking of our boarding students to protect the entire community. If day students are seen taking trips and attending events that put the community at risk, it will become problematic. We need to ensure that our day students are following safe practices at home.
     
    We are encouraging any day students who would like to become a boarder for the first trimester to notify Ms. Geter-Hunter so that we can assist with this transition. This will enable any student who would like to have greater access to the campus during the fall trimester an opportunity to become a boarder for the first trimester. 
     
    Family engagement is an important part of our School spirit and community.
    Family visits are traditionally encouraged. As we strive to maintain a safe, COVID-free campus, however, we may have to adjust specific protocols for campus visits. Protocols for student drop-off and registration will be confirmed by August 7. At present, we do not anticipate that families will be able to freely attend orientation, sporting events and art performances, many of which will be streamed. Campus access will also likely be limited to specific spaces. While we will not hold Fall Family Weekend this year, we will arrange for virtual conferences with teachers, advisors, and coaches.
     
    We encourage international students to minimize any unnecessary travel risks or immigration issues presented by short-term travel to stay on campus.
    We encourage students to remain on campus during holidays (including winter break) for a modest fee during the 2020–21 school year. This may require students to temporarily relocate to another house for a period, and our programming during these periods will be limited. But it ensures that families do not have to manage the additional challenge of short-term travel. This option will be open to domestic families as well.
     
  • May 30, 2020: Commencement Weekend Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    Governor Larry Hogan has announced that due to the successful Stage One reopenings across the state and improvements in key data and metrics, the State of Maryland can now safely move forward with the completion of Stage One of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,’ which includes the resumption of outdoor dining and outdoor activities such as youth sports and youth day camps, and the reopening of outdoor pools and drive-in movie theaters. With this order in place, we now plan to proceed with our Graduation Weekend Celebration Plans for June 12-14, 2020.
     
    For each grade level, a student must arrive at the Athletic Center between 9-9:30 a.m. to have their temperature taken before proceeding on campus. Parents will need to drop off students at the Athletic Center and pick up there as well. For the safety of the entire community, we ask that no one except for the St. Timothy's School student exit the vehicle while on campus. Once on campus a student must comply with strict physical distancing and appropriate masking requirements at all times. Due to space limitations, and in case we are forced to move the events inside because of weather we cannot exceed 50 people at any one time. Please confirm with Ms. Callahan your attendance by Wednesday, June 3.
     
    The following schedule will apply:
    • Friday, June 12, 2020 (For Threes and Fours) – Class Day Ceremony, Five Arts and Student Center Courtyard, 10-11:15 a.m.

    • Saturday, June 13, 2020 (For Fives) – Baccalaureate Service and Ring Ceremony, Five Arts and Student Center Courtyard, 10-11:45 a.m.

    • Sunday, June 14, 2020 (For Sixes) –
      Photographs at Carter House, 9:30 a.m.
      Moongate Walk to Five Arts and Student Center Courtyard, 11 a.m.
      Commencement Service: 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (There is a limited number of parking spaces behind the Five Arts and Student Center for parents to view the Commencement Service in their cars.  They can access the campus wifi service from the building on their own devices. Reservations must be made in advance with Ms. Pohlman as space is limited and should be restricted to families who are traveling from out of state to attend the service.)
      Bouquet Toss: 12:30 p.m.
      Lowering of Flags: 12:45 p.m.
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • May 25, 2020: IB Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    The International Baccalaureate Organization has been in regular communication with universities and colleges across the world since the very start of the COVID-19 pandemic in January, including regular newsletters and webinars. In early April, they provided the universities and colleges with information on their approach to issuing of results for May 2020 students. They followed this up with a survey to understand how universities and colleges would consider these results.
     
    They have received results from over 400 institutions, from over 50 different countries, with representation from each of the continents. Almost 50% of the responses were from the USA, with 10% from both Canada and the UK, but there were also responses from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Netherlands. This very much mirrors the destinations for IB graduates each year.
     
    They asked universities whether they would be able to admit students based on the information provided. 88% of admissions officers confirmed that the information provided would be adequate for admissions, an additional 10% stated that their standard admissions process does not require the final IB transcript therefore student admission would not be impacted. It is extremely pleasing to hear that universities have adapted to these unprecedented circumstances and that the information provided by the IB will meet their needs.
     
    Around 50% of the universities that responded stated that their standard admissions process is to make conditional offers, where admissions are dependent on meeting certain grades in the IB Diploma. When considering these universities, over 85% of them suggested that they would try to be flexible when reviewing students final IB results. You can view a summary of these results here. 
     
    The U.S. universities and colleges who responded to the survey were asked to comment on the award of credit and/or placement. Over 85% stated that their standard policy with regards to credit and placement would hold for the students receiving their results in July 2020, which is extremely positive news. Where universities have already offered scholarships to students, based on completion of the Diploma, again broadly universities who make such an offer are most likely to honor these arrangements.
     
    Colleges require official IB scores be sent directly from the IBO for the results to be valid and used for placement and to issue credit. Some students may opt not to have results sent to their college at this time. However, you must take the responsibility to request the results and pay for them to be sent if you change your mind at a later date. If Ms. Jaber requests the scores before June 1 students do not have to pay for the results to be sent to the college when they are released on July 5.
     
    Assessing students’ work and awarding results
    The IBO still plans to release the IB results on July 5. In order to award a Diploma or certificate following the cancellation of all external written components of our examinations for the May 2020 session:
    • Students were required to complete their Internal Assessment coursework as usual.
    • We had to submit registered student coursework as required.
    • We had to submit predicted grades for each subject taken by a student.
    Following the submission of the above, the IB will be using historical assessment data to ensure that they follow a rigorous process of due diligence in what is a truly unprecedented situation.
     
    This is an outline of the processes for marking assessments for May 2020:
    • Every item of coursework in most subjects will be fully marked by trained and experienced Examiners. Normally, only a sample of marks in one subject from an individual school is moderated to ensure uniform standards between schools, so this is a major change for IBO.
    • The IB has well-established processes with built-in quality controls to ensure that Examiners and Moderators work to the same standards as each other. These processes will be used exactly as in previous sessions. You can find out more about ensuring marking reliability on the IB website.
    • Extended essay, theater, visual arts and theory of knowledge coursework are being externally examined in the usual way. The deadline for submission of this material for our school allowed for the completion well in advance of the deadline and the widespread impact of COVID-19.
    I am hopeful that this outline will provide clarity on when and how the awarding of the IB diplomas and certificates will be handled for the Class of 2020 and we await additional direction and guidance for the Class of 2021.
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • May 18, 2020: Commencement Weekend Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    We do not have a final plan in place for Commencement Weekend as of yet due to the fact that Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued an executive order after the Governor announced plans to remove his emergency order. The order from the Baltimore County Executive prohibits gatherings or events of 10 or more people at all locations and venues, making a ceremony or other activities impossible at this time. 
     
    Given that it is not clear when this order will be lifted, we will need to postpone our end-of-the-year events until June 5-7, or later. We will notify the community as soon as the orders are lifted and we believe we can proceed with a safe plan. I will certainly send out details so that families can plan accordingly. The safety and well-being of our community is our highest priority. We remain committed to proceed with an in-person event when it is permissible.
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • May 16, 2020: Academic Schedule Updates

  • May 14, 2020 Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    I am conscious of the emotional toll this COVID-19 has placed on our campus community, and the extended St. Timothy’s family. This public health crisis has been so insidious to St. Timothy's School because it has so dramatically affected our ability to physically gather as a community. Since spring break, we have been a virtual online community. While the learning process has continued and I am proud of how our faculty and students have responded, we completely understand how different the virtual experience is on a personal and community level. We pride ourselves on the high quality of the relational teaching that occurs in our classrooms, on our fields, on our stage, in the Commons, in the Chapel, and in our houses. 
     
    The traditions that bind our community together cannot be fully executed and experienced in a virtual world. We all miss being together on our beautiful campus, especially this time of year. It is just not the same living in a virtual community, and Zoom does not replace a traditional classroom. We are a place that values human interaction and engaging one another in the “here and now.” We are a place where every member of our community is both known and loved. That engagement is made difficult in a virtual world. The letters I have received from parents makes very clear to me that the unique value of the St. Timothy’s experience has never been more important than now. 
     
    One of the sad realities that we must begin to accept is that the coronavirus will be with us for some time. While I pray that a vaccine is quick in coming, until that day we will have to be very aware of the presence of the disease among us. Therefore, we must find ways to continue to live our lives as best we can. With that in mind, our Trustees and management team are committed to doing all in our power to bring students back to campus this fall.
     
    I am ever mindful that the steps required to safely open a residential campus remain uncertain, but we hope to share those details with you by June 30, 2020. We are working with several outside professionals to help us to think through how we proceed in the best manner for this community. In the midst of this challenging work, we rely on a few guiding principles:
    • Protecting the safety and well-being of the members of our community realizing that there will be inherent risk until a vaccine is found for this dreadful virus. Yet, even with a vaccine it will not be a cure for this virus although it will help reduce the risk.
    • Delivering the exceptional educational experience for which St. Timothy’s School is known. The IB is a rigorous academic program that is designed to prepare students for college and life. We have limited flexibility in how much we can alter the program to adjust to workload demands given the requirements for external assessments. With our goal of having the Class of 2021 successfully complete all the IB requirements, including all of the external assessments, we have a responsibility to ensure our students are fully prepared to excel by the established examination dates.
    • Ensuring that we continue to support our students financially as best we can, given the commitments we have made to their education when we enrolled them. Yet, we are ever mindful of the ultimate fiduciary responsibility we have for the School.
    • Finally, no student will be required to return to campus to be enrolled. We will continue to offer some form of online instruction to support students who cannot or opt not to return to campus this fall. We will remain flexible.  
    Clearly a number of factors outside of our control will determine the shape of St. Timothy’s fall/winter trimesters; therefore, we must proceed cautiously. I do want to emphasize though, it is our every intention to open in August with students back on campus on Saturday, August 29, subject to our making the campus safe for the community and adhering to all Maryland and federal regulatory constraints.
     
    At the same time, we are developing contingency plans, recognizing that residential education presents particularly complex scenarios around physical distancing that extend well beyond a classroom setting. Even the reality of our Thos. Moser Seminar Tables provides a unique set of challenges for physical distancing. We may have to be flexible in our approach given uncertainty around health and safety protocols, international travel, and varying health risk profiles in our student and adult populations. Still, I remain confident in our ability to respond based on what we have achieved already.
     
    Finally, we are exploring some virtual summer enrichment opportunities for our students to assist them with college counseling, SAT/ACT preparation, as well as academic support to ensure all students are prepared to return to campus in the fall. Please let Ms. Jaber and/or me know where you might believe needs exist so we can plan accordingly. I understand some of the fatigue being felt with virtual learning, but I am mindful of the necessity of some additional support work that might be required this summer. I will need some of your guidance.
     
    St. Timothy's School has experienced many disruptions since the founding of the School. Our School has for nearly 150 years beckoned generations to its hallowed grounds and has survived the Great Depression, two world wars, previous pandemics, and countless natural disasters. We are meant to be together and we will gather again, safely. We will come out of this even stronger than we were going into it. I have been lifted by the outpouring of support during this time from our alumnae, parents, friends, and especially students. Make no mistake, it will take all of us, working together, to keep our campus as safe and productive as possible when we’re together again. 
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • May 6, 2020: Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    I would like to begin with a prayer that Bishop Mariann Budde shared last Sunday that Dr. Rueben Varghese, Director of Public Health in Arlington County, Va., recently shared on social media:

    O God, Keep my anger from becoming meanness.
    Keep my sorrow from collapsing into self-pity.
    Keep my heart soft enough to keep breaking.
    Keep my anger turned toward justice, not cruelty.
    Remind me that all of this, every bit of it, is for love.
    Keep me fiercely kind. Amen.
     
    Dr. Marsha and I have found ourselves rereading books and rewatching old movies. I really did not think much of it until I read an interesting article last week indicating that our desire to reread books we adore was not uncommon during times of stress. Familiar books, worlds, and stories may be exactly what we need when everything both changes by the minute and remains relentlessly the same. The comfort of the couch and a good book helps bring some calm to the craziness we might be feeling at the moment.
     
    The article suggests that our brain, much like the rest of us, is tired. As many experts, including coach and author Alexis Rockley have recently explained, our cognitive energy is a finite resource, steadily being used up by every piece of “new abnormal” we have to manage. The stress of information overload and lack of control was already overwhelming, even before adding the emotional stress of walking six feet around everyone, remembering masks and gloves and wiping everything down. When even getting the groceries involves a new containment process and constant proximity vigilance, there is no autopilot. Everything is new, so everything can feel at times exhausting. That loss of cognitive energy often means you do not have the usual pep for a new book, a new world, and new characters to enter into your life. So, it is a good time to revisit some of your favorite past companions instead.
     
    Familiarity can be helpful when dealing with mental overload. There is a sense of security that comes with knowing what’s going to happen, no spoiler alerts needed. There is some comfort in reading something that goes exactly as you plan given the time we are going through at the moment. It is certainly not the only way to get through this current period, but it is one way to pass some time with a little time on the couch. Refamiliarizing yourself with some old characters and places you have lost touch with is a good way to pass time now, for there will be plenty of time for new books when this is over.
     
    Regarding the most important matter based on information shared during Governor Hogan’s press conference today, we will remain in virtual school through the end of the school year. The last day of synchronous classes will be Thursday, May 28. So, we will have our virtual classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the last week of school. Grades will be due on Friday, May 29. I know how desperately all of us—students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff—were holding out hope that we could finish the year together, in person. As disappointing as this news is, we have proven that we can do this, and I know we will continue to rally and make the most of the next few weeks.
     
    Since we resumed classes on March 23, I have been inspired by the passion and motivation of both teachers and students in embracing the virtual classroom. It has not always been easy, but the determination and grit in which the work has been approached has been admirable. The teaching and learning that has taken place is to be commended. You are an inspiration to us all for what can happen when people pull together to provide an unparalleled educational experience.
     
    We remain committed to holding an in-person Commencement ceremony of some type for our Sixes on Sunday, May 31. We are hopeful that we might be able to hold a ceremony for the Threes and Fours on Friday, May 29 and the Fives on Saturday, May 30. This will provide an opportunity for boarders to return to campus to collect their personal belongings as well. A staggered schedule is being considered so that we can implement social-distancing guidelines. Each class will receive an update as soon as a definitive decision is made.
     
    While it’s hard not to feel sad about how this year is ending, I am continually uplifted by the strength, determination, and kindness of our community. Our community is strong, our mission is noble, and together we will come out of this even stronger and more committed to our primary purpose. I wish good health for you and all of your family members, and once we get through these uncertain times, I look forward to the day when I can welcome you back to campus.
     
    All good wishes,
    Randy S. Stevens
    Head of School
  • May 1, 2020: Update

    Dear St. Timothy's community,
     
    These days bring back memories to me of when I first arrived at Cornell University, almost 800 miles from home, and my mother suddenly died. My life was split in two. Everything that was comforting and good had come to an end. Now my life was uncertain and more than a little frightening. It hurt. Yet, I knew my mother expected me to make the best of this new opportunity I had been given as hard as it was going to be for me.
     
    My new community helped me to find new meaning in my own life. I found a new family surrounding me that was working to make other lives better while calming the chaos that disrupted our own. In the midst of misfortune, I found great meaning in a new place.
        
    Over the last few weeks, it has sometimes felt to me—as I’m sure it does to you—that the full life we’ve known has vanished for good. But it will get better. And we will reunite on campus. For now, my mom’s spirit assures me that we can, and we must make the very best of this new life. In the midst of misfortune, each of us can find meaning. Each of us has a calling.
     
    Our important work has only grown bigger and more urgent, even if the path is now far less familiar, far less certain. We must find new ways to do many things, but none is more important than keeping close. I hope, in some small but meaningful way, these words do a little of that for you. Stay strong. Stay safe. Stay in touch.
     
    And now for a few weekly updates. The schedule for next week is below. I know there have been questions regarding grades in visual arts. Please note that all visual art students, including the Sixes, will have access to their art grades on Friday, 5/8. Ms. Rogers was ill and unable to provide an interim grade. She has been very busy getting caught back up on all of the assessments to update the gradebook. 
     
    While the IB 1 Visual Arts students will have just submitted their current unit project when grades are posted, the up to date grade will reflect progress and engagement in process at this stage. The Sixes just completed final visual arts process portfolio this week after each student received detailed individual feedback on work before refining and completing final submissions. The visual arts grade submitted on May 8 will be the third trimester grade. For individuals who have questions or require further details, please contact Ms. Jaber
     
    Finally, I want to recognize one of our Sixes traditions. If we were on campus today, we would be
    celebrating May Day. May Day (May 1) is a celebration of the seasons changing as well as a day to celebrate workers’ rights. April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. This old custom involves gathering flowers on May Day morning and leaving them in front of the main threshold of a room or building. It was believed to protect the house from harm or evil. (I have attached a photo of a bouquet that I received from Dr. Marsha for May Day for you.) At St. Timothy’s School, it is a day when Sixes wear flowered dresses and give flowers to faculty, staff, and students in celebration of spring.
     
    Happy May Day.
     
    Sincerely,
    Mr. Stevens
    Head of School
     
  • April 24, 2020: Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    We find ourselves at the mid-point in the trimester already. The schedule for next week is posted below. I have nothing new to report regarding the return to campus. We are still in a waiting period and a decision from Governor Hogan. If we are allowed to resume classes on campus for May 18 we will proceed accordingly. 
     
    Interim reports will be open on the school portal for parents to view on Monday, April 27. Please note that our students now have five weeks remaining in this trimester and plenty of opportunities to improve their performance. The interim is an ‘up to date grade’ that can change significantly with submission of missing assignments and/or improving the quality of their assessments. Please encourage your student to make good use of the posted extra help sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays in order to get support and further guidance as needed. If you have any questions or need any support please reach out to your advisor, Ms. Jaber or me.
     
    I have two different pieces that I want to share with you this week. The first is directed to our Sixes but hopefully will speak to all our students. It was shared with me by one of my dear colleagues several weeks ago and I have saved it until today because I thought it was most fitting for the Class of 2020 at mid-term.
     
    For seniors and fans of Harry Potter ... a Xavier University senior reposted the words of her brother, a gifted, thoughtful writer ... 
     
    I was a bit upset, initially, with J.K. Rowling because of the way that the Harry Potter book series robbed Harry, Hermione and Ron of their final terms as Hogwarts students. I felt like we had traveled this far together with them through the wizarding school, and it only seemed fair that we get to watch them work through their last level. Life had different plans for them though, and Rowling wrote the path that was true for her characters as much as it is now for students everywhere — especially seniors.
     
    What you are doing right now is helping the world stand up against a deadly enemy in order to protect countless lives. You are Harry Potter. You are Hermione Granger. You are Ron Weasley. You miss Hogwarts, and Hogwarts misses you. But your role here is crucial, and it will bless the paths of many lifetimes to come. Though many will still fall in this battle, you are doing your part to stave off an even greater global disaster. You are being true to your school in the most unexpected of ways, and you will graduate with the honor of having played a key part in this fight. Your work so far and chance for further accomplishments haven’t been dashed. A world of opportunity will await you when we get past this. Take heart and have hope. And remember the words of Albus Dumbledore: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
     
    And finally, another colleague shared these thoughts that were posted on Facebook that I thought was a wonderful message to share with parents who are probably feeling a bit exhausted at this moment as well.
     
    Dear Parents,
     
    Don’t stress about schoolwork. In September, I will get your children back on track. I am a teacher and that’s my superpower. What I can’t fix is social-emotional trauma that prevents the brain from learning. So right now, I just need you to share your calm, share your strength, and share your laughter with your children. No kids are ahead. No kids are behind. Your children are exactly where they need to be.
     
    With love,
    All the teachers on planet Earth
     
    As days feel challenging at times, just remember that our community is strong, our mission is noble, and together we will come out of this strong and even more committed to our primary purpose. There is light ahead, and it’s there even when we can’t yet see it. I wish for you and all of your family members good health, and I look forward with great hope to the day when I see you back on campus once we get through these uncertain times together.
     
    All good wishes,
    Randy S. Stevens
    Head of School
     
  • April 17, 2020: Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    Well we are at the end of another week and time for a revised schedule. It is hard to believe. In the virtual world, I must admit that I seldom know what day it really is anymore. Time seems to be standing still and flying past me all at the same time. I am thankful for my calendar. I remain grateful for your support and kindness you are providing your student during these extraordinary and difficult times. I also appreciate your support of our faculty and staff, as we, like you, have moved quickly to adapt to our circumstances. I would like to give a shout-out to the DeGuzman family for the Easter treats they provided to the faculty children last Sunday. It was greatly appreciated and lifted the spirits of the faculty and staff. I am also very grateful to a number of our Chinese families who have sent masks to our faculty and staff as well.
     
    After several weeks of wrestling with immediate concerns, we are starting to look a little further ahead. I know many of you have many questions, especially about the remainder of this year. While I cannot yet offer answers to many of these, I want to ensure you that our management team is working to provide the best educational experiences possible while also making sure our community is safe. I also want to acknowledge that we are also committed to the traditions that our girls deeply value and will seek ways to honor them in some fashion in the weeks ahead. It may not be in our normal format, but we are thinking of how to make sure that over the next seven weeks that we do our best to honor what would be normal. It is one of the reasons we are trying to be slow and thoughtful in our decision-making process because we do not want to get too far ahead of ourselves and have to change decisions because conditions on the ground change. 
     
    I can inform you that Governor Hogan announced today that public schools are now closed until May 15. That would mean we could reopen on May 18 for the last two weeks of the term. We will not be making any decisions regarding student elections, commencement, or belongings in the boarding houses until that time. I would encourage students not to continue to share information that is not coming from the School as it only confuses families and decisions can be made on information that is not accurate. We will send out an official notice from the School when a final decision is made. We will make decisions based on data we believe to be in the best interest of our community and not on what everyone else seems to be doing. As we have seen, that seems to change rapidly.
     
    As we have started to settle into our "new normal," workload and time management has been the focus this week. I have spent time with colleagues worried about how they will cover the content they need to cover to prepare students for IB examinations next year and students stressed by the demands being placed on them. My heart broke as I listened to a child on the television speak about how she felt she was being left behind in her public school and no one seemed to care that she was not learning anything at the moment. They were just planning to pass her to the next grade. I read where some schools have moved to pass/fail grades to reduce stress, but some selective colleges were expressing concerns about those marks and might discount such grades in the college selection process next year. 
     
    I read with interest an article in the Chicago Tribune that stated, "the district will not closely monitor time spent on school assignments and hold students accountable." Students are worried about what this really would mean for college prospects and their education, especially for some who are IB students. Given all of this I have really struggled this week with the question of how we find balance in all of this craziness. I leave this week with more questions than answers to be honest. If I were teaching my TOK students now, I would tell my students that you sometimes need to learn to love the questions and not always want to find the answers. In TOK, a good question is sometimes better than a quick answer.
     
    IB is probably one of the hardest academic tasks that most students have done yet, but it will prepare them for the future in so many different ways. It helps them look at the world, a book, a journal, the newspaper and media differently. They will analyze it and think through it. They will become inquisitive. They will know time management and figure out how to deal with stress. They will be aware of the real world and how to interact with knowledge in different contexts. In many ways, what we are living through will prepare them to be stronger and better prepared to lead us through things like this in the future. Days like these are where grit is formed.
     
    Feeling stressed and overloaded is often a normal response to distance learning. I would offer some suggestions for you to consider in the coming weeks to help with some of what you might be feeling at this moment.
     
    1. Do Not Procrastinate.
    Delaying things may lead to piling of more and more work in the end. Another disadvantage of procrastination is that it only keeps adding more stress at the top of daily workload.
     
    2. Consider Having a Day Off.
    Create a good balance between schoolwork and life. It takes a lot of effort, but it is possible. Distance learning can be more draining than normal school because you are missing the social pleasures and community of school that makes the work more bearable. That creates fatigue. There is a significant amount of research that supports that "sometimes taking time off actually makes things much better; it gives you strength to handle more pressure, and things start getting better from there on." Even the fitness gurus ask their clients to have a cheat meal despite being on a very strict diet. The reason to allow a cheat meal is to keep the client motivated; else, if the client gets de-motivated with the regular strict diet, then he/she may quit all together. A cheat meal keeps their clients from quitting.
     
    3. Avoid Multi-Tasking.
    Though some may find it better to multi-task. However, the problem with multi-tasking is that it consumes more of your energy than usual and, in many cases, it’s proven that it actually ends up taking more time to finish those individual tasks. The best way to complete a task is to finish it and then move to another one. Taking breaks is of course ok, as you don’t want to drain out all your energies; however, try not to do everything at the same time. I would add that save your movie marathons or late night moving watching for the day off and the night before your day off.
     
    4. Avoid Distractions.
    Today, most of us get distracted time to time by using Facebook, Twitter, or checking our mobile phones all the time. These things can distract you from the work you may be doing and can take a lot more time than usual to finish tasks. At the end of the day, when you are not done with particular tasks, this may leave you stressed. So, focus is very important to complete one task and move to another.
     
    5. Take Care of Your Health.
    A nutritionist says, "A balanced diet is important for students. Studying mainly during exams may take up a lot of energy and, hence, the right amount of nutrition is a vital part of a student's life." Daily exercise or some sort of movement and drinking plenty of water is also an important part of your health. Stick to a healthy sleep schedule. Consistency is key for healthy sleep every night rather than binge-sleeping. Binge-sleeping creates exhaustion and becomes dangerous with stress.
     
    6. Stick to a Written Schedule.
    The reason for that is that when you plan things, then you always stay informed. It means you know when you will be able to finish a particular assignment or project. You can always include breaks or a small outing as part of the schedule. It will work as an incentive to stick to the schedule, knowing when to do what; otherwise, you may end up with a pile up of work, including new stuff that you were not aware of because you didn’t schedule. Write things up, make notes, plan well, and you will find it much easier to balance your life between study, work, and personal life. Including sleep will help you keep track of it as well. This is very important especially during periods of high stress. A written schedule will help Ms. Jaber and me understand workload issues and how best to manage things here at the School as well.
     
    7. Reflect on the End of Each Week.
    If you do not already, I would encourage you to keep a journal of this experience. It will be a valuable historical document one day. Furthermore, it can help you process how you are doing and feeling. It will be good to look at in July and see what happened over the several months you were in this process. Reflection is very valuable to our growth. You are growing in ways that you do not appreciate at this moment and your journal will help you see it. Here are some questions to get you thinking: What were the highs and lows of this week's work? Where did you see yourself grow this week? What inspired you this week? What interfered with your ability to give your best effort this week? Where did you work on your goals this week? Do not underestimate the value of reflection to help you grow and move forward.
     
    Our community is strong and together we will come out of this better and even more committed to our mission. There is light ahead, and it’s there even when we can’t yet see it. I wish for you and all of your family members good health, and I look forward with great hope to the day when I see you back on campus once we get through these uncertain times together.
     
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
     
     
  • April 10, 2020: Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    Congratulations! We have made it through another week with success. In these strange and rapidly changing times, I have taken some comfort in the resilience, determination and humor demonstrated by so many in our community. Someone recently shared with me an Instagram post that stated, "You have the chance to save the world by sitting at home reading a book. This chance will not come again. Don’t mess it up." While I am on this topic, the other suggestion I want to offer to you is to view the new YouTube show "Some Good News" with John Krasinski if you have not had the opportunity to see it. I think we need to find some moments of humor during this time or it will drive us all insane.
     
    As schools and workplaces have closed, events have been canceled, and our daily routines have been disrupted, reshaped, and disrupted again, I have seen again and again a spirit of community that has made me enormously proud to be a part of St. Timothy's School. Both our parents and students have inspired me with their positivity and resiliency. While none of us would have chosen to interrupt this year this way, all of us understand that it is not a choice. I am still struggling to process and put into some perspective the past two months. It still feels surreal what has happened. Yet, it is our responsibility, as a community, to safeguard our own health and well-being, and the health and well-being of those around us while we struggle to make sense out of what is happening. For most of us, this means simply staying home and physically distancing ourselves.
     
    Starting today, students will have access to their grades. This should allow students the opportunity to follow up directly with their subject teachers with any questions and submit any outstanding assignments for evaluation, as per course policy stated by each teacher. Students have a significant amount of time left in this trimester to make up work and adjust course, so it is critical for them to check where they are and see what might need to be modified now to reach their goals. Distance Learning has been a big adjustment for everyone so now would be a great time to take stock of where things stand and see what adjustments might be needed and how to move forward in the next seven weeks. Please reach out to your advisor, Ms. Jaber or me if you have any questions or if we can help.
     
    Please find a revised schedule for this upcoming week (4/13/20). Again, we have adjusted the schedule including the advisory time.
     

    Thank you for the outpouring of generous support, thoughtful counsel, and tremendous patience as we have sought to support our students in the best possible ways in the wake of COVID-19. The situation has demanded that we take decisive steps to protect our community, and the love, goodwill, and trust you’ve shown us have lifted spirits in one of the most challenging times of our generation.
     
    All Best,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • April 3, 2020: Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,  
     
    Few of us could have anticipated how radically our lives would change over the course of the last few weeks in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As we all work to settle into new routines, as we try to settle into this new normal here at school, I want to acknowledge the disruption and challenges that we are all experiencing in various ways. Like many of you, I am seeking to balance working in a restricted environment, caring for family who are far away, and concern about loved ones who are in the hospital. I have developed an ever stronger appreciation of, and connection to, my friends, family, and colleagues that now I can mostly only see electronically. I am encouraged by the way that we are coming together to support each other during this time.
     
    Please find a revised schedule for next week below. Please note that Art classes will resume this coming week. Ms. Rogers continues to be ill and in Canada so you will have a substitute teacher during this period but it is critical that we continue your coursework now. We have made some modifications to the schedule to respond to the feedback we have received. We are only going to have Advisory on Tuesday next week so that Thursday can be freed up for coursework. We are continuing to monitor workload balance, but I encourage you to remember that Tuesday and Thursday are academic class days. Additional information has been provided to the Fives regarding the Extended Essay. Please let Ms. Jaber or me know if you have any questions.
     
    One of the most gratifying aspects of this challenging time has been seeing how our school community (faculty, staff, students, parents, alumnae, and trustees) have tackled this situation with a true spirit of teamwork and working for the best interest of all. I am so honored to be part of these efforts. I have been moved by the parents in China who have sent our faculty and staff masks to use while they continue work here on campus. I was truly touched this morning by one student who is currently making masks by hand for our entire faculty and staff to wear for protection during this crisis. My heart has been warmed by a number of alumnae who have reached out to make gifts in support of the school during this financially difficult time.
     
    While this has been difficult for us all, my heart goes out especially to our Sixes, who were anticipating this final special time together on campus with their classmates. Yet, I have received some of the most positive responses and emails of encouragements from them. Their positivity has meant the world to us all, as they have continued to stay focused on the important tasks before them. It is reassuring to know that with their St. Timothy's School education, our students are equipped to play a key role in addressing the most pressing challenges we face and will do so with resiliency and a commitment to finding ways to improve lives in their communities and beyond. It is certainly times like these when resiliency and grit are born.
     
    While we are currently focused on the complex and challenging situations in front of us, it is refreshing to remind ourselves that there will again come a time when our students, faculty, staff, and alumnae are all able to return to our collective home at St. Timothy's School. I wish for you and all of your family members good health, and I look forward with great hope to the day when I see you back on campus once we get through these uncertain times together.
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
    Click here if you cannot view the image above of the updated academic plan starting April 6, 2020.
  • March 27, 2020: Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    If there's a sliver of a silver lining in these uncertain times, it's music — from free virtual concerts to suggested playlists. One of the most inspiring efforts we've seen this week comes from a virtual performance of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "What the World Needs Now Is Love" by students from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee College of Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=QagzdvzzHBQ&feature=emb_logo  
     
    We hope you will enjoy it as you start your weekend. Stay safe and remember the revised schedule for next week.
     
     
     
     
    All Best,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • March 25, 2020: Schedule Updates

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    I write to provide you with another update based on the decision announced by the Maryland School Superintendent Karen Salmon on Wednesday morning that public schools in Maryland will remain closed until April 24. Given this new information, we will plan to continue our distance learning and virtual classes until April 24. Our updated plan would be to have students return to campus on Saturday, April 25 and classes to commence on Monday, April 27. If we are able to return on that date, classes would continue through May 28 for all students, including Sixes. We would have Commencement and School Traditions during the weekend of May 29-31, 2020.
     
    Given that we are going to virtual classes for several more weeks we have attempted to revise the schedule to reflect some of the feedback we have received this week. We will try this new model for the upcoming week. We realize that it does not fully answer some of the challenges confronted by the multiple time zones. We ask that you schedule times to meet one-on-one with your teachers when you are not able to attend class because of the time zone issues. Your teachers stand ready to support and assist you.       
     
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • March 23, 2020: We're in This Together

    Dear. St. Timothy's community,
     
    Today was the first day of the spring term. It was the first day unlike any other term of my seventeen years at the school. The campus was empty, and it was raining. It was probably appropriate that it rained today. While there was gloom in the air today, there was also visions of hope as I looked out around the campus. The daffodils are in full bloom and the flowering cherry and apple trees are starting to come back to life. It does give us hope that we will be back as a community soon. We made it through the first day of online instruction, thank you to our entire community of students, families, faculty and staff for stepping up during this challenging time.
     
    We know there will be issues, questions, etc. as we move forward and navigate this new temporary world. I recently participated in a webinar with Heads of Schools of west coast colleagues talking about what they had learned over the past three to four weeks and one commented that in this new environment of distance learning, all teachers are like first-year teachers, and all students are like first-year students. I thought it was an important comment to keep in mind.
     
    We are all learning together, and it takes an enormous amount of energy, emotion, and time. We need to accept failure and learn from it. We need to appreciate and underscore small successes. We need to remember the lessons we are learning, because many of them may prove to be gifts that will be meaningful long into the future. We appreciate everyone responding with patience and kindness. We know it's not easy, but as a community we will make it through this together.
     
    Bishop Mariann Budde shared these wonderful words at the National Cathedral yesterday and I thought they were worth sharing with you today as we start our new term online:
     
    I can’t help but think of a line from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, when the reluctant young hero, Frodo, confesses to his mentor Gandalf, "I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened." Gandalf replies, "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Gandalf goes on, "There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil." That is a statement of faith, there are forces for good at work in the world, even in the darkest hours. I believe that God wants us to trust that, in the midst of this pandemic and the enormous cost of efforts to slow its spread, there are also forces for good at work now, and that we are our best selves whenever we join those forces and do our part, tipping the scales ever more slightly toward the good in the midst of trial. 
     
    In our various religious traditions, we are often told, "Do not be afraid." But it’s important to remember that we are not being scolded for our fears. Fear is an understandable response to the realities we are facing. But I believe what our faith teaches us is that in the midst of all this legitimate fear, the spirit of wisdom and courage and love is also here. Fear in itself is not a bad thing; we are meant to pay attention to legitimate fears. Yet they need not be the only lens through which we see, and thus the sole driver of our lives. There are other forces at work for good in the world and in us.
     
    All best,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
     
     
     
    During this time of uncertainty, we are grateful for the caring and supportive nature of all in the St. Timothy's community. We hope to provide you with some positive content. We invite you to spend a few moments and walk the St. Timothy's Class of 1965 Labyrinth with us. Breathe deep and take in the sounds of nature, the wind and the birds, as you walk. 
  • March 22, 2020: IBO Announcements

    Dear Students, Parents, and Faculty/Staff,
     
    As we enter our first week of virtual classes I think it is important to remind ourselves that we are living in a time of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. All of us are learning to live with this unprecedented environment, and it brings with it enormous challenges and stresses. We need to understand that we may stumble, or even fall, and we must be patient with one another.
     
    The International Baccalaureate Organization has just announced that the May examinations for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
     
    They had requested this information be kept confidential until a public announcement on Monday, March 23, but given that it is all over Facebook I wanted to respond today. As an organization, the IBO felt it was critical to ensure that the options it provides its global community of IB World Schools are based on compassion and fairness for the difficult circumstances that its students and educators are experiencing. As a result, based on considerable advice from stakeholders across the globe, including schools, students, universities and official bodies, the IB has determined what it believes to be the most responsible and ethical way forward.
     
    The letter from IBO to schools today stated that, "The May 2020 examinations as scheduled between April 30 and May 22 for Diploma Program candidates will no longer be held." 
     
    It is, however, imperative that our Sixes continue their work through the month of May because our school assessments will still be required to allow St. Timothy's School students to meet the State of Maryland graduation requirements. Given that the IB examinations have been considered academic hours in the past, alternative instruction will now be required through the month of May to fulfill the instruction time required by the State of Maryland. It is critical that students do not make plans for alternative activities during the month of May just because exams are not being held. Students will still have some type of academic instruction and assessments during this period. More details will follow once we have a detailed plan from the IBO. 
     
    The current information we have from IBO states that, “depending on what students have registered for, the student will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on student's coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the program.” Again, this is why continued commitment and quality work will be critical.   
     
    We know parents and students will have many questions for which will still do not have any answers at this time, but I will send you the details as soon as we have them available. The IBO has indicated that they will share full details and FAQs with us by March 27, 2020. I appreciate your patience and understanding. 
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • March 21, 2020: College Counseling Updates

    College Counseling Updates
    March 21, 2020
     
    1. What is the status of ACT/SAT testing at this point? ACT is opening an in-school emergency test date on April 21 and the in-school SAT is still scheduled for April 28. If we are able to provide these tests at St. Timothy’s School, we will offer the test to students who wish to take them. You should be in touch with Ms. Walker if you desire to take these tests. We would encourage students to use some of your time at home to study for the SAT or ACT especially if you wish to take these tests.

    2. Will the IB offer alternate test dates? The IBO has not made any additional announcements regarding the May test dates but it is our expectation that the test will be offered as scheduled. If students are unable to take them on the dates offered the only alternative will be to take the November examinations. Given that it takes the IB 18 months to develop examinations, it is highly unlikely they would develop two sets of examinations for the spring testing date and would require students to sit the fall dates if they are unable to take the spring dates. So, we encourage our students to be prepared for spring test dates.

    3. How will colleges assess the results of second semester/fourth quarter performance especially for juniors? No good answers on this. Some high schools are considering a pass/fail grading option for fourth quarter. It is St. Timothy’s plan to continue with regular assessments so we can give regular grades for the third trimester. We will keep you updated as this evolves, but it our plan to use assessments that will allow us to provide standardized grades. What students should be thinking about is how they might answer this question in the late fall: “what did you do with all that time during ‘shelter in place’?”. Whether learning a new skill, trying another language, writing a blog, whatever it is. Be prepared for this question.

    4. How will seniors choose a college? How can they make an informed decision without campus visits? Colleges are doing everything they can to move their yield activities online, adding content like chats, tours, student performances, any kind of online content that can present the college life well. Some colleges have extended their deposit-by deadline beyond May 1, but the selective colleges have not extended at this time, and they don’t plan to do so.

    5. What about Waitlists? Colleges are quietly saying “this s a good year to be on a waitlist.” But the wait may be longer. Fortune will favor the patient.

    6. Summer programs on college campuses, will they still happen? Probably not. This will be an unusual summer; juniors should get jobs or participate in service activities.

    7. For juniors, what about visiting colleges and “demonstrating interest”? Students should do everything they can to visit virtually. Sign in wherever you can. Reach out to the Baltimore-area reps for favored colleges, contact them and express your interest. Students can look for the admission staff and find the Baltimore or Maryland rep with contact information. Check out https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/ for campus and community videos.

    8. What should juniors do about SAT and ACT testing? More colleges will choose to be either test-optional or test-flexible in that they will take whatever test results you have. There is an expectation that College Board and ACT will add dates this fall. ACT is readying their two-day turnaround for testing online, and the College Board will simply have to ratchet up their scoring or produce online versions of their tests. Most agree that the current situation may be the death knell for SAT subject tests. Only Harvard and MIT require them; some competitive colleges recommend them, but no one has been turned down for not taking SAT II tests.

    9. What will be the climate for ED in the fall? Most colleges will continue with their ED process with a Nov. 1 deadline. Some colleges may experiment with ED2 in a much more robust manner, perhaps choosing an early January deadline for an ED2 season. Some colleges may add EA in addition to ED and ED2 to their menu of options. Colleges are uncertain about overall deadlines for the coming year. Most likely there will be more flexibility in their options offered. The Common App, however, will be ready by August 1 and their essay prompts will remain the same as last year: https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2019-2020-common-app-essay-prompts
  • March 20, 2020: Revised Online Academic Plan

    REVISED - St. Timothy’s Online Academic Plan
    3/20/2020
     
    Starting the week of 3/23, our students should log into their myschoolapp to connect with teachers using the schedule below (if you are having trouble viewing the image within the email, click the top link to view the email online). Once you log into myschoolapp you will have instructions in student area for how to connect to Zoom, which we will be using for “live” connection with your classes. Attendance will be taken. If you are ill and unable to attend a class you should notify Ms. Ireland as normal. Attendance, participation, and timely assessments will be critical for St. Timothy’s School to be able to provide students with credit for the third trimester.
     
    NOTE: Ms. Rogers will not be available for online classes the week of 3/23 as she is still in Canada due to extenuating circumstances. Sixes are still required to complete their assigned spring break homework. Ms. Jaber will speak with all Sixes art students on Tuesday because your external assessments need your critical attention now.
     
    Each course would have three forty-five minute virtual meetings a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). On Tuesday we have scheduled class meetings (see addition on schedule below) so that students can ask any questions of Ms. Geter-Hunter, Ms. Jaber, or Mr. Stevens that do not relate to your academic class. I know students have many questions and we want to provide a time to try and respond to issues that do not pertain to your individual subjects. In addition, we will schedule time for advisory after our first week of classes. When you are not attending Class Meetings, students should use their time on Tuesday and the time on Thursday to complete independent assigned work. It is our expectation to function in a manner so that we can award students’ academic credit for the third trimester. It is imperative that we manage attendance and assignments as we would in a normal academic setting.
     
    We will use the usual EST time zone, but sessions will be recorded and links to each will be stored in topic folders labeled with each meeting date for students in different times zones to access. Students in different time zones can reach out to their teachers individually to coordinate further support or seek online help through Zoom. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THEIR TEACHERS AT LEAST THREE TIMES PER WEEK.
     
    For each course, the weekly assignments will be posted on the announcements page of the
    bulletin. Individual teachers will explain to students during the first meeting of the week where materials related to the topic are stored and provide the usual instructional support to help them navigate new material and manage assignments. It is imperative that you are vigilant in following the honor code and the academic honesty integrity agreement, which all students signed at the beginning of this year. Assessments and assignments submitted should abide by all regulations and parameters stated by teachers (for example: no calculator for certain assignments, open book, closed book, time limits, etc.).
     
    We will do the best we can to maintain the usual routines and points of reference for troubleshooting. Students will have daily homework and assessments, the school calendar for assessments will be used as usual to coordinate workload. If a student has any academic issues with instruction, support or assessment, she should contact the Academic Dean, Ms. Jaber. For problems with connection or technology issues, contact Ms. Ireland. For counseling support, contact Ms. Geter-Hunter. If you are sick, please let our nurses know and make sure your teachers are aware particularly if further accommodations (extension on an assignment or additional support) are needed. Class meeting bulletin pages will continue to be used for grade-level specific announcements. Please check them frequently for announcements from form deans, academic dean, or dean of students.
     
    Ms. Cook will continue to meet with students virtually through Zoom. She will establish a schedule so that students can continue their one-on-one sessions. Given the modified schedule the times will need to be adjusted but the amount of time supported will not change. Ms. Cook will be in touch with each student directly to work out a time to provide their one-on-one sessions.
     
    Parents are kindly asked to provide quiet space for their student to study and connect with teachers from home. Resuming the structure is critical to their success during the third trimester. We know these are unusual times, but we have confidence in our students’ commitment and resilience, and we trust that, with their teachers continued support, they will make it through this year successfully without compromising their education and preparedness for next year.
     
  • March 17, 2020: Online Academic Plan

    St. Timothy’s Online Academic Plan
    3/17/2020
     
    Starting the week of 3/23, our students should log into their myschoolapp to connect with teachers using the schedule below. Once you log into myschoolapp you will have instructions in student area for how to connect to Zoom which we will be using for “live” connection with your classes. Attendance will be taken. If you are ill and unable to attend a class you should notify Ms. Ireland as normal. Attendance, participation, and timely assessments will be critical for St. Timothy’s School to be able to provide students with credit for the third trimester.
     
    Each course will have three forty-five minute “live” meetings a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). Students will use Tuesdays and Thursdays to complete independent assigned work. We will use the usual EST time zone, but sessions will be recorded and links to each will be stored in topic folders labeled with each meeting date for students in different times zones to access. Students in different time zones can reach out to their teachers individually to coordinate further support or seek online help through Zoom. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THEIR TEACHERS AT LEAST THREE TIMES PER WEEK.
     
    For each course, the weekly assignments will be posted on the announcements page of the bulletin. Individual teachers will explain to students during the first meeting of the week where materials related to the topic are stored and provide the usual instructional support to help them navigate new material and manage assignments. It is imperative that you are vigilant in following the honor code and the academic honesty integrity agreement, which all students signed at the beginning of this year. Assessments and assignments submitted should abide by all regulations and parameters stated by teachers (for example: no calculators for certain assignments, open book, closed book, time limits, etc.).
     
    We will do the best we can to maintain the usual routines and points of reference for troubleshooting. Students will have daily homework and assessments, the school calendar for assessments will be used as usual to coordinate workload. If a student has any academic issues with instruction, support or assessment, she should contact the Academic Dean, Ms. Jaber. For problems with connection or technology issues, contact Ms. Ireland. For counseling support, contact Ms. Geter-Hunter. If you are sick, please let our nurses know and make sure your teachers are aware particularly if further accommodations (extension on an assignment or additional support) are needed. Class meeting bulletin pages will continue to be used for grade level specific announcements. Please check them frequently for announcements from form deans, academic dean, or dean of students.
     
    Ms. Cook will continue to meet with students virtually through Zoom. She will establish a schedule so that students can continue their one-on-one sessions. Given the modified schedule the times will need to be adjusted but the amount of time supported will not change. Ms. Cook will be in touch with each student directly to work out a time to provide their one-on-one sessions.
     
    Parents are kindly asked to provide quiet space for their student to study and connect with teachers from home. Resuming the structure is critical to their success during the third trimester. We know these are unusual times, but we have confidence in our students’ commitment and resilience, and we trust that, with their teachers continued support, they will make it through this year successfully without compromising their education and preparedness for next year.
     
  • March 17, 2020: COVID-19 Update to Alumnae and Friends

    Dear alumnae and friends,
     
    It has been an unprecedented few weeks at St. Timothy's School. Like many institutions, we have been responding to the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic. As I write this, I know many in our community, especially our students and their families, are navigating uncertainty and stress as we make the necessary shift to virtual academic instruction, and our students travel home. This has been an especially challenging period for our international students as flights have been extremely limited.   
     
    Many in our alumnae community have reached out with questions about our response to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as how major activities and events may be impacted. I wanted to try and respond to some of the questions I have received and provide as much detail as I can for you. 
     
    At this time, there are no known cases of coronavirus at St. Timothy's School. The School's top priority is always the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, the U.S. State Department, the Maryland Department of Health, and our peer and local schools. We will continue to look to these organizations for guidance in how we respond to the outbreak. Below are some responses to the questions I have received to date:   
     
    Campus Impact 
    Our Spring Break started on March 7 and was scheduled to conclude on March 17. The most immediate change is that Spring Break has been extended until Monday, March 23, at which time we will resume our academic program via online instruction and other remote methods of interaction. Our faculty are scheduled to return to campus tomorrow. Teachers will use Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20 to adjust their coursework, so they will be fully prepared to deliver our curriculum in this fashion. Our current plan is to conduct class remotely for three weeks. If we are able to keep to that plan, students will return to campus on Sunday, April 12, and classes will resume on Monday, April 13. However, I want to state very clearly that such a return may prove inadvisable depending on how events develop. For the moment, I ask families to refrain from planning travel and purchasing plane tickets. We will provide an update by Friday, April 3. Part of the reason for the delay is to provide everyone time to practice social distancing. During this period of online instruction, we ask that students stay home, spend time with their families, avoid crowds, and take care of their health.     
     
    Spring Break Trip to Spain and Portugal 
    We had a group of 15 students traveling in Granada and Seville, Spain as well as Faro and Lisbon, Portugal during the Spring Break period. Fortunately, the group was able to return back to the United States prior to the travel restrictions being imposed. The group literally landed at Dulles late Friday night.
     
    International Baccalaureate Examinations 
    The IB examinations are still scheduled to commence on May 4 and we are planning to proceed with the stated timetable. The examinations have not been canceled and it should have no impact on college acceptances. 
     
    Annual Auction 
    We will postpone our annual Auction until May when students are able to be on campus to participate. 
     
    Hannah More Day 
    We were scheduled to dedicate the new Art Gallery in honor of Hannah More Academy and Hannah More on April 4. We will reschedule this special event for the fall. 
     
    Day of Giving 
    St. Timothy's Annual Day of Giving is ordinarily a day for spirit and friendly rivalry among our community while raising funds for a great cause. Given the unprecedented changes happening on campus, and the impact on our students and their families, we have thought long and hard about whether we should continue with this Day of Giving. In the end, it does feel right to continue -- to unite our community around the globe in a common effort to support the School during this critical time. The Annual Fund is crucial to the support of all that we do here at St. Timothy's and the Day of Giving is a vital part of that success. With the markets in turmoil, our endowment is significantly impacted. Support of the Annual Fund has never been more critical. We hope you will consider participating in this important day on April 21. More information will be sent shortly. 
     
    Commencement 2020 
    While we sincerely hope to hold our traditional Commencement Weekend, it is unknown at this time whether that will be possible but it is certainly our plan. We will review all options and make a recommendation later this month but it is our expectation that we can continue our ceremonies as usual.   
     
    Alumnae Weekend 2020 
    We also hope to continue with Alumnae Weekend 2020. For now, all large on- and off-campus events have been canceled through April 15. Plans for events beyond that date, including Alumnae Weekend, will be reassessed as more information becomes available. We will keep you posted. Certainly times like these remind us how important these opportunities are to be together when we can. So, we are most hopeful that you will be able to attend Alumnae Weekend if we are able to convene. 
     
    THANK YOU for your patience as we carefully navigate these uncharted territories.   
     
    Sincerely, 
    Randy Stevens 
    Head of School
  • March 16, 2020: COVID-19 Update

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,
     
    It has been an unprecedented few weeks. Like with many other institutions it has been challenging to determine how best to respond to the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic. As I write this, I know many in our community, especially our students and faculty, are navigating uncertainty and stress as we make the necessary shift to virtual academic instruction, and our boarding students travel home. This has been especially stressful for our international students as airlines have limited flights and travel has not been easy. We continue to hold our entire community in our thoughts and prayers.
     
    We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and have implemented changes to normal operations in response to the CDC guidelines and Governor Hogan's State of Emergency. Most of our professional staff are now working from home in response to the new guidelines. In order to adhere to the social distancing guidelines, faculty will only be in their classrooms but others will not be permitted to enter. We cannot allow students on campus to collect belongings or other materials at this time. If you have materials related to an IA please be in touch with Ms. Jaber who can assist you.
     
    At present, we anticipate opening school again on April 13 but this is still subject to change. We have not received any updated information from the IB regarding examinations. Currently, all examinations are still as scheduled so students should be prepared to take their exams as previously scheduled. If there is a change to the examination schedule we will alert you immediately. Given the current schedule, it will require incredible attention, focus, and structure for our Sixes in order to be prepared for these examinations.
     
    The only IA outstanding at this point should be Economics and it is due as previously scheduled. There is not an extension granted for this IA internal deadline because of the coronavirus. Please be in touch with Ms. Jaber if you have questions because these materials must be submitted in order for your work to be assessed.
     
    If you have any additional questions please direct your questions to me directly as I am in my office.
     
    Sincerely,
    Randy Stevens
    Head of School
  • March 13, 2020: Important COVID-19 Message

    Dear St. Timothy's Community,

    Since my last communication to you, the challenges posed by COVID-19 have expanded significantly around the country. While we still have no known cases of the virus within our community and extra measures were taken to avoid having students travel to high risk areas during the break, the conditions on the ground have shifted. With this in mind, today we have determined that we will postpone the return of students to campus following the end of our vacation through at least Monday, March 30. We will use the week of March 16 to prepare for the online delivery of our academic program, which will begin for our students on Monday, March 23.

    We will review our status each day and send regular updates to you at home. We are eager to have everyone back on campus, but we will continue to consult with health authorities and, if the situation warrants, adjust our return date. Any change in the return date will be sent to you with at least a week of lead time to help you with your planning.

    We do not make this decision lightly and recognize the inconvenience this delay will pose to many. Yet public health officials are increasingly warning of the risks of bringing together groups of people, with the result that many colleges are suspending in-person classes and businesses are canceling conferences and banning employee travel. We are most concerned about students, staff, and faculty with asthma and other chronic diseases and respiratory conditions that the CDC says appear to put them at a high risk for a more severe COVID-19 illness. Health experts have specifically warned individuals with these underlying conditions to avoid travel and large gatherings.

    When we are a community that seeks above all else to protect and care for each other, we cannot brush aside such cautions, particularly when we can provide our education another way.

    We are confident we can ensure the continuity of education for all our students. Our faculty is experienced in teaching with various technologies to accommodate individual students as well as groups of students virtually. We have already begun work to scale up those efforts, and teachers will be adapting their coursework for the next few weeks accordingly. Our teachers will be working next week to finalize these plans, and students will receive additional communications about their teacher’s distance-learning strategies and how their classes will resume. I am very sorry for the disruption that this delayed return will cause for those students in athletics, arts, and other activities that are not possible to conduct virtually.

    We will have many more details to share with you in the coming days, including a plan to address the need for students to obtain their academic materials and other items from campus that they may need. We ask students to refrain from coming to campus for those items until further communication. We will support our international students who need to remain on campus during this period and do all that we can to help their daily experience remain positive and productive.

    We wanted to send this message immediately so you can adjust your travel arrangements. More information will follow. We are finalizing a webpage with information that will be updated regularly to provide answers to key questions.

    Thanks so much for your patience and understanding as we work through this period of transition. I remain grateful for the caring and supportive nature of all in our school community.

    Sincerely,
    Randy S. Stevens
    Head of School
  • March 5, 2020: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

    Dear St. Timothy’s School Community,

    We continue to closely monitor COVID-19, the new coronavirus, and its potential impact on our community. Currently there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at St. Timothy’s and no confirmed cases in the state of Maryland.

    Since our last communication, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new travel guidance and St. Timothy’s is updating its recommendations accordingly. The CDC identifies three levels of travel advisories: Warning Level 3 (avoid all non-essential travel); Alert Level 2 (practice enhanced precautions); and Watch Level 1 (practice usual precautions). There are currently two countries with Warning Level 3 advisories for COVID-19: China and South Korea. Due to these elevated advisories, families have made changes to their spring break travel plans and will not travel to Japan, Italy, China, and South Korea. We have no students traveling to these countries and alternative travel plans have been made.

    Senior Staff is communicating regularly to coordinate St. Timothy’s response to both the COVID-19 virus and influenza and would like to remind you of the following recommendations: If you are sick, please stay home and rest. This guidance is applicable to students, faculty, and staff.

    If you have not already, please consider getting a flu shot. Influenza prevention suggestions, which are also recommended for COVID-19, are available on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

    More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.

    Sincerely,
    Randy S. Stevens
    Head of School
  • January 30, 2020: Important Health/Coronavirus Information

    Dear St. Timothy's School Community,

    Information about the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China, its spread to the U.S., and other areas of the world is evolving rapidly. The Senior Management Team and Health Center staff are closely monitoring the situation and taking actions aimed at keeping our community safe and healthy. I know many of you, particularly those with personal connections to China, have been deeply concerned about this situation, and we offer our empathy and support to those affected.

    At this time, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at St. Timothy's School or in the State of Maryland. We will communicate with the school community immediately if this situation changes.

    Yesterday, the CDC raised the level of its travel advisory to include all of China, recommending no nonessential travel to China at this time.

    The following additional measures are being taken on campus:
    • Individuals visiting the Health Center are being screened during their appointment for recent travel and contacts in the US, and will be asked about their health and travel history.
    • Flu activity is high in the U.S. and expected to continue for weeks. The flu is a major health concern as well. Anyone who has not received a flu vaccine this season should consider getting the vaccine.
    • On the recommendation of our nurses, we have reminded anyone who is ill or thinks they may be ill to seek medical care immediately.
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides helpful details regarding the Novel Cornoavirus as well as flu. We will continue to add and update FAQs as the coronavirus situation evolves.

    Finally, it is imperative that we all do our part to reduce the danger of infection by observing best practices for preventing incidences of the flu and other illnesses within our community. I want to remind everyone that our Health Center always strongly recommends that anyone who is ill or thinks they may be ill should seek medical attention immediately. This advice applies to everyone, every year, as well as to anyone who suspects exposure to coronavirus. The flu season is at its peak right now, and this alone would warrant such a directive. Indeed, anyone who has not received a flu vaccine this season should consider doing so immediately.

    Sincerely,
    Randy S. Stevens
    Head of School