COVID-19 Information and Resources

We urge everyone in our community to take steps to protect good health. In order to mitigate the risk of infection and the spread of COVID-19, we ask you to incorporate these practices into your daily routine:

• wash your hands
• wear a mask in public and in situations when distancing cannot be met
• maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from others and avoid large crowds
• continue to follow public health orders and minimize exposure

If anyone in your household has been notified by the Monterey County Health Department (or another health department) that they were in contact with a suspected or confirmed individual infected with COVID-19, please notify your division head (Christy Pollacci for the Lower and Middle School and Julie Edson for the Upper School). Christy or Julie will inform the administrative team and take direction from the Monterey County Health Department.

If a student or employee becomes ill with COVID-19, or someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, you must notify Christy Pollacci for the Lower and Middle School and Julie Edson for the Upper School. The school will then notify the Monterey County Health Department. The school’s response will be dictated by health and safety concerns and our desire to provide uninterrupted education for all students.

Santa Catalina will follow a set of protocols in the case of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 found among any people on campus. Our two-page document outlines the different scenarios and the school’s actions in those circumstances.

It is strongly recommended that all members of the Santa Catalina community (staff, faculty, students) receive a flu shot. COVID-19 and influenza symptoms overlap (fever, cough, lack of energy). Any influenza case will create concern about COVID-19 until actually diagnosed.

Catalina remains committed to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational health of each member of our school community. We encourage everyone to practice self-care as we strive to maintain a healthy and thriving community. Here are ways that each member of our community can contribute to not only their individual wellness, but also the wellness of our entire school community.

• Physical: Take care of your own health by getting adequate sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and finding opportunities for exercise and movement each day.
• Emotional: In these days of uncertainty, fear and concern are normal reactions to these extraordinary circumstances. We encourage everyone in our community to stay connected and reach out if support is needed. Faculty, advisors, residential faculty, and our Upper School counselor are engaged and ready to help students navigate these challenges with resilience.
• Spiritual/Relational: Resilience will help us get through this together, so remember to pause, to reflect on the good, to practice empathy, to nurture relationships, to play, and above all, to seek balance. Whether in the in-person or distance model, Catalina remains committed to the development of the spiritual lives of our students.

Santa Catalina discourages non-essential travel and any activities that increase your risk of exposure and illness. If you must travel, notify your child’s division head before you do so.

On November 13, 2020, the California Department of Public Health issued a travel advisory which stated, “Persons arriving in California from other states or countries, including returning California residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. These persons should limit their interactions to their immediate household. This recommendation does not apply to individuals who cross state or country borders for essential travel.”

International students should refer to the Centers for Disease Control for a list of countries from which certain travelers are prohibited from entering the United States. Students from other countries may be able to fly directly to the United States.

The following is from Lower and Middle School parent Bill Hayward, CEO of Hayward Lumber:

"As we all hunker down with spouses, kids, and pets, our indoor air will get pretty stuffy, CO2 levels will go up significantly, and it will generally start to feel pretty uncomfortable. Adding fresh air and sunlight is critical to keeping your indoor air healthy and comfortable. By cracking open two windows on either side of the home to create cross ventilation, you can keep the house healthy without impacting your energy bill. Just crack them open enough to feel the air on the back of your hand but not enough to feel a draft. For two-story homes, do one upstairs and one downstairs.  You will be amazed how much better everyone will feel. If you want to learn more about keeping your home healthy, our team's advice is available at HaywardScore.com.”

The CDC also has a number of tips for keeping your home healthy.

• Supporting Families During COVID-19 – Child Mind Institute
• How to Help Teens Shelter in Place – Greater Good Magazine
• Tips for Managing the Stress of Social Distancing as a Family – KQED MindShift