A Way Forward - Wednesday July 22, 2020
Dear ASMS community,
We are grateful to you for reviewing the school's COVID-19 plan for the 2020-2021 school year. As I shared in my message last week, we have a challenging year ahead. Each day brings new data and information that influences decision making at every level.
Worsening Conditions
Since we announced our plans last week, conditions have deteriorated precipitously in Mobile and across Alabama. The number of COVID-19 cases in Alabama has continued to climb to the highest number yet, with over 70,000 confirmed cases, and Mobile County has one of the highest infection rates in the state. Another troubling trend is that some people are waiting more than 10 days for COVID-19 test results, and accessing a test can be difficult in some areas.
Candidly, our Leadership Team has grappled with how to move forward. Like school officials across the country, we face unprecedented decisions. We are protective of our school's mission, which calls us to provide our students with the highest quality education possible to develop Alabama's future leaders, and the living-learning nature of our residential campus is at the very heart of that. During a global pandemic, however, we have a tremendous responsibility to keep our community members safe.
Remote Learning Option
As of now, we are moving forward with plans to re-open campus, but each member of the community must understand that plans will probably change and that the school year will not look anything like it has in the past. Although we know many students want to return to campus, we are asking our parents to help their students understand the reality of what that choice will mean. For example, many activities have been or will be canceled, and campus life will be heavily restricted.
If you are concerned about your student at all, we strongly encourage you to pursue the remote learning option for the fall term. More and more students are signing up for this option -- a movement we support. Our remote learning students can participate in community life as many of our outside-theclassroom offerings (assemblies, club meetings, student leadership programs, student activities, etc.) will be conducted virtually this term.
ASMS COVID-19 Important Updates
Please be sure to review the following information as soon as possible.
- Updated COVID-19 plan: https://www.asms.net/covid-19/ (updates about walk-off, drive-off, and assemblies)
- Move-in Plan and Procedure: https://www.asms.net/campus-li...
- Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.asms.net/covid-19/
TONIGHT! ASMS COVID-19 Plan Webinar with Dr. Frye and Mrs. Whitney
If you have questions about the current ASMS COVID-19 plan, would like to know more about the remote option for the fall term, or need clarification on how the school year will look different from years past, we invite you to join us tonight at 6:00 PM. Academic Dean, Dr. Mitch Frye, and Director of Student Affairs, Mrs. Kara Whitney, will be addressing these topics areas. See below for joining information.
Again, conditions are changing rapidly, and we are making decisions daily. We will be proactive and transparent in communicating plans and information as the start of the school year approaches. You can also continue sending questions or feedback to newsletter@asms.net. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Hoyle, Ph.D.
President
Webinar Meeting Information
Wed, Jul 22, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com...
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 820-177-229