August 24, 2021
Dear HPA Families,
As the number of COVID cases rises throughout the country and in the Upstate*, we want to do our part to stop the spread of the virus and a potential (and preventable) closure of school. Our goal is to keep High Point Academy’s doors open so we can educate our students, but we must also strive to keep our students safe and healthy. As a public school, there are limits as to measures we can take in our prevention efforts. We want to make sure you, our families, are aware of these restrictions. We ask you to read carefully through the following:
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recommends that all residents wear masks indoors, even if fully vaccinated. State law does not prevent districts from encouraging the wearing of face coverings in these settings. HPA would like to reiterate our support of the following operating guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
- HPA STRONGLY ENCOURAGES teachers, staff, and students to wear masks, even if fully vaccinated.
- All DHEC mandated contact tracing protocols and quarantines will be followed.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is not required, but it is encouraged and can greatly reduce the possibility of quarantine.
- Staff and students displaying symptoms are required to stay home.
- Student handwashing is encouraged by faculty and staff.
- Touchpoints are disinfected on campus daily.
While I do not have the authority to close school because of the number of COVID-19 cases, SC DHEC can close schools if a certain percentage of students and/or staff test positive. *** SC DHEC shares the number of reported, confirmed cases in public schools on its website. If your studenT or a household family member is exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19, please notify our school nurse, Adrienne Clark at [email protected].
With deep appreciation,
Brian J. Sherman
Superintendent
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*According to DHEC, the Delta version of the virus grew from less than 1% of cases in May to more than 80% in July. Delta spreads about twice as easily as past strains of the virus and its victims are mostly people who are unvaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to protect you, your family and your community.
** South Carolina public schools are bound by Proviso 1.108 which was passed by the General Assembly as part of the 2021-22 General Appropriations Bill. This was an act of the General Assembly signed by Governor Henry McMaster and neither the SCDE nor Superintendent Spearman has the authority to reverse it without legislative action.
***The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is working closely with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and other agencies to ensure local school districts, parents, and students have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 (commonly called coronavirus). Have a general question about COVID-19? Call the DHEC Care Line at 1-855-472 3432 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.