March 24, 2020
Dear Students, Parents, and Staff
We are doing our best to keep you informed during this rapidly evolving situation involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as we prioritize the health and safety of our community and the ongoing continuity of our academic mission. I had said yesterday I was hoping to not be e-mailing daily, but, unfortunately, things continue to evolve and change rapidly. As of this evening, there are now 715 reported cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the State of Texas involving 65 counties, including the 4 cases confirmed in Comal County. Based on investigation by the Department of Health, there are no cases which have any known contact with our school community.
Comal ISD announced the cancellation of school through April 24. As previously announced, NBCA will adhere to the same measures taken by Comal ISD regarding school closures during this time. Therefore, NBCA will not plan to return to school until Monday, April 27.
Earlier today, in line with the announcements made by Dallas, Harris, Tarrant, Collin, Bexar, and Travis counties, New Braunfels Mayor Barron Casteel announced a Stay at Home and Work Safe order that will begin at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. NBCA will follow the biblical model of submission to our authorities and comply with this order.
The orders state that all individuals currently living within the City of New Braunfels are ordered to stay at their place of residence to prevent and slow down community spread of COVID-19. All persons may leave their residences only for essential activities, essential governmental functions, or to operate essential businesses and must continue to practice social distancing (at least six feet from others) when they are outside their residence. Outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, running, or riding a bicycle, with proper social distancing, is allowed. With this order, grocery stores, restaurants serving to-go meals, banks, pharmacies, healthcare offices, civil offices and other "essential" services will all remain open.
Here are some important things you need to know about how these actions affect the NBCA:
- We are shifting to all staff remaining at home. All NBCA buildings will close tomorrow. After tomorrow, teachers will all be transitioning to offering all lessons from home only.
- The childcare we have offered to our elementary families with two working parents will no longer be continued.
- We understand some employees may have to return to campus periodically to complete essential parts of their work or to support business continuity. These staff members will be contacted individually by school administrators. All teachers should gather any materials they may need from the school tomorrow to take home with them. Continuing education is considered an "essential" aspect of society, and, while school faculty are being asked to work entirely from home, we also recognize that some may need to come to the school very briefly for a specific reason. Please contact your school administrator before coming to campus.
- Please continue to strengthen your personal health protection, including social distancing practices, and follow the instructions of federal, state and local officials. If you are sick, please stay home and follow CDC guidance for what to do next.
We recognize that this situation changes each day, and we appreciate your understanding and adherence to these important directions. We ask that our school community prepare for continued disruption and teleworking procedures at least through April 24. We will continue to share information and updates by email, the NBCA app, social media and on our website at www.nbcatx.org.
Thank you, again, and I continue to lift up prayers for our entire Wildcat Family.
Sincerely,
Shannon Marek
Board President and Head of School