Head of School Update & Reminders for Next Week

Greenhill Families,As the week draws to a close, I wanted to reach out to you again to share some thoughts about where we are today and to offer some reminders for the week ahead.The events of the past week have felt a bit surreal. Since my last communication with you, the number of documented coronavirus cases across the country has skyrocketed, and the consequences of the virus have become more real as it inches closer to home. State and local officials have issued new restrictions on places that each of us visit regularly, like restaurants and gyms. The CDC has set even stricter guidelines, limiting the number of people who can gather together. Each of these decisions is necessary, supports public health and wellness, and reminds us of the responsibilities that come with the freedoms we enjoy. Unfortunately, they also place a tremendous strain on our communal ties. To me, the pace of change over the last few weeks has been dizzying, and I know that many of you likely feel the same way.In light of the economic effects of the virus, many of you have expressed concern about the wellbeing of our Greenhill families who own businesses. To help connect those businesses to the larger Greenhill community, we will post a list of Greenhill-family-owned businesses on our coronavirus webpage. For those of you who own businesses, please click here to enter your information with the name of your business and a website link, and we will include it on our webpage. If you’re ordering takeout or need another service in the weeks to come, check this list first! This is one way we can support each other during the weeks ahead.REMINDERS FOR NEXT WEEK:
Our administrative team has been in close contact over the break as we prepare to start remote learning on Wednesday, March 25. Our faculty members will be spending the next few days preparing to welcome your students virtually. Here are some important details and reminders regarding our campus closure from March 23 – April 5:

• Faculty members will continue their planning for remote learning Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24. Division heads and teachers will start contacting families with additional details early next week.

• Remote learning will start on Wednesday, March 25.

• SPC has cancelled all athletic contests through April 13. Team members will hear from their coaches with specific details about upcoming contests.

• The College Board is currently making determinations about SAT and AP exams that are scheduled to be held in May. Check this link for more information.

• We will continue to share administrative updates regarding any changes to closures or cancellations. This will occur weekly or more frequently if needed.

• Please continue to check our coronavirus website for a full list of event cancellations or postponements.

These are uncertain times, and the possibility exists that we may need to extend our closure for a longer period. As soon as we make those decisions, we will share that information with you. We know that the decision to extend remote learning presents challenges and complications for many and hardship for some. We will continue to balance the difficulty this creates for our families with the guidance we receive from the CDC and Dallas County Health and Human Services as we make decisions about the way forward for Greenhill.This is unlike anything that we have experienced before, but I know the strength of our community will carry us through this trial. Throughout our 70-year history, the Greenhill community has overcome tremendous challenges, and we will persevere now as well. Please take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and let us know how we can support you now and in the days to come.My best,Lee J. Hark
Head of School