CALENDAR | BULLETIN | DAINFO | ATHLETICS | PARENTS | DPN
Dear Deerfield Families—
Good evening. I am happy to report that we have fully completed our arrival process and that students, faculty, and staff have settled into the Winter Term. Arrival testing—and the positive results associated with that—offered a few early bumps, especially for those students who have been in isolation, but energy on campus is high, rec hockey is on the outdoor rink, and we are gathering momentum.
On Wednesday, Professor Ned Hall, Chair of Harvard University’s Department of Philosophy, visited campus and spoke with interested students and members of the Philosophy Club on the important topic of “arguing to enlighten vs arguing to persuade.” Also on Wednesday, athletic competition resumed with 12 interscholastic games. We are looking forward to more than a dozen matches, meets, and games this weekend, and then to Monday’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Our operating goal, for the reasons I outlined in my previous letter to you, is to weather the present spike in cases, which appears to be abating, and return as quickly as possible to our Fall Term protocols. The good news is that Omicron, while more infectious, is statistically less dangerous than earlier strains for all age cohorts, and the risk it now poses to community members is in keeping with other risks we regularly manage, such as seasonal flu and bronchitis.
On-campus health data and results of student testing are trending in a positive direction. Even before coming to campus, our prearrival testing identified approximately 12% of the student body as positive. We tested the entire Deerfield community on Saturday, January 8, completing upwards of 1100 tests with a test-positivity rate of ~1.8%. Since then, we have continued to test close contacts and that small number of students with symptoms. Our community-positivity rate on tests has declined each day, and currently stands at less than 0.5%.
To put that in context, local towns have positivity rates that hover around 10% (the Town of Deerfield ~9.6%; Greenfield ~10.5%). Additionally, the number of individuals who are currently in isolation has consistently dwindled, and now represents approximately 3.5% of the community, compared to a high of 5.2%. Over half of those students who have tested positive are asymptomatic, and the remainder have mild to moderate symptoms. Since November 18, 2021, 169 students have tested positive, and they will not be tested for a period of 90 days. It is likely, our medical advisors tell us, that many other students and members of the community have been infected but do not know it.
My team and I meet daily to assess our strategy, and we will continue to rely on and consult widely with our medical advisors, changing our approach as necessary. With them, we assess existing and sometimes conflicting Federal and State guidelines—always within the context of Deerfield and its mission. In light of their advice, and their analysis of existing and emerging medical research, we review regularly all aspects of our approach, including protocols for the testing of close contacts, time in isolation, rules around athletic competition and, of course, masking.
Masking, I know, is a vexed and polarizing issue. Two things are clear: Masking decreases (but does not eliminate) spread. It also diminishes the quality of our interactions, which are so important to young people’s social and emotional development and the fabric of this community. The risk of increased spread that might come with voluntary masking, therefore, needs to be carefully weighed against the impact extended masking has on student well-being and learning. I will seek to strike that balance. We will, of course, embrace those students and community members who will wish to continue masking once the indoor mask requirement is lifted. That has been our practice since the beginning of the school year, and it will continue.
Two additional announcements:
Please know that parents and guardians are welcome on campus this weekend, but should limit their time indoors to the Athletics Complex and the Hess Center for the Arts. For now, families should not enter other campus spaces, including their children’s dorm rooms. Thank you for understanding.
Finally, recognizing travel and other disruptions caused by the recent spread of Omicron, Deerfield will remain open to some students over the Long Winter Weekend, which begins at noon on February 3. Students must return to campus by 7:45 pm on February 7. If your child faces hardship, and you’d like to request that they remain on campus, please complete this form no later than Friday, January 21.
Thank you, as always, for your continued flexibility and support.
John Austin, Head of School
Important Dates
for the
2022 - 2023 School Year
- August 29 - 30, 2022 | Students Arrive on Campus
- August 31, 2022 | First Day of Classes
- September 4, 2022 | Convocation
- October 14 - 17, 2022 | Fall Family Weekend
- October 17, 2022 | Fall Term Holiday
- November 18, 2022 | November Break (starts at noon)
- November 28, 2022 | Students Return (by 7:45 pm)
- November 29, 2022 | Winter Term Begins
- December 15, 2022 | Winter Break (starts at noon)
- January 2, 2023 | Students Return (by 7:45 pm)
- January 3, 2023 | Winter Term Continues
- February 2 – 6, 2023 | Long Winter Weekend (starts at noon, students return by 7:45 pm)
- February 7, 2023 | Winter Term Continues
- March 3, 2023 | Spring Break (begins at noon)
- March 19, 2023 | Students Return (by 7:45 pm)
- March 20, 2023 | Spring Term Begins
- April 21 - 22, 2023 | Spring Showcase (formerly known as Spring Family Weekend)
- May 26, 2023 | Last Day of Classes
- May 28, 2023 | Commencement
- May 29, 2023 | Students Depart (at 2:00 pm)
The "Important Dates" for the 2022 – 23 school year are confirmed as of January 2022. While changes are not anticipated, please know that flexibility may be necessary due to the future public health landscape and/or unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for understanding.
A "fridge friendly" calendar will be available to download and print on the Parents page early next week.
On-Campus Covid-19 Booster Vaccine Clinic for Students
When: Thursday, January 20, from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: The Field House
For Whom: Anyone age 12 and older, and it has been:
- 5 months since you completed your Pfizer vaccine series OR
- 6 months since you completed your Moderna vaccine series OR
- 2 months since you received the J&J vaccine
- If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 recently, you may still receive the booster as long as it has been at least 10 days since your diagnosis.
Registration
- If the student is 18 years or older, the STUDENT must click the link (button) below and register for their vaccine appointment;
- If the student is 12 to 17 years old, the PARENT/GUARDIAN must click the link (button) below and register their child for their vaccine appointment.
If your student has their original vaccination card, they should bring it along to their appointment, but it is ok if they don't have their card. Photo ID and insurance information are not needed (these will be provided by the school). Students will be excused from class and any other on-campus obligation to receive their booster.
The FDA and CDC have recently approved Covid-19 boosters for everyone 12 years old and up. The Academy strongly recommends that all students receive a booster shot.
Meet Our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Guests
January 17
Lawrence Alexander
Lawrence Alexander serves as the Practice Leader for Carney, Sandoe & Associates' Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Practice. The practice is responsible for leading retained searches for school DEIB leaders and providing consultative support for boards, executive leadership, and faculty and staff.
To date, Lawrence has conducted anti-bias training with more than 50 colleges and universities, more than 30 independent schools, and a host of corporate and community-based organizations. He provides guidance related to board governance, strategic planning, climate assessment, and inclusive hiring.
Steven Tejada
Steven Tejada is an educator, writer, and speaker. Born and raised in the South Bronx, he has toured throughout the country with his one-man show “Boogie Down Journeys.” Written, directed, and performed by Steven, the show focuses on the powerful experiences of people of color. The monologues are reflections on personal journeys from the streets of the South Bronx to the boulevards of exclusive worlds.
He has performed and spoken at venues throughout the country, including institutions such as Yale University, Boston University, Museum of the City of New York, Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, the Young Men of Color Symposium, the TedxSpence conference, the NAIS People of Color Conference, and many others. He has been described as “an amazing and inspiring performer whose powerful stories make you laugh, cry, and reflect all at once.” Steven graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Wesleyan University as a Psychology-Sociology major.
Steven worked on Wall Street as a management analyst and then decided to pursue his passion for working on issues of equity, diversity, and student support. He has taken on a variety of leadership roles in higher education, independent schools, and nonprofit organizations, such as the Oliver Scholars program. He is a faculty member of the NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute, a trustee of De La Salle Academy in NYC (an independent school for academically talented, economically disadvantaged students), and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Child Research Center.
Darryl Bellamy Jr.
Darryl Bellamy (pictured) graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and three years later became a corporate America dropout after quitting his job to inspire students. Darryl is a TEDx speaker, as well as the author of Waking Up Chase. While an undergraduate, Darryl was heavily involved on campus as an RA, an Orientation Counselor, with the Student Government Association, as a leadership workshop facilitator, and as a proud brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Darryl, known for his infectious energy, was an overly involved student leader who overcame his fears to receive multiple awards, participate in two corporate internships, and run for student body office. After collecting (still), reading, and cataloging thousands of written student fears as of today, Darryl is now considered an expert on the topic of student fear.
Get Your Tickets!
Carnegie Hall Performance
By Deerfield Chamber Musicians in New York City on February 3
Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 8:00 pm, the Deerfield Academy Music Program is thrilled to present a chamber music concert at Carnegie Hall. The event features students from the Advanced Chamber Music class and Advanced Vocal Ensemble alongside distinguished alumni performers and composers.
The program includes compositions by Helen Feng '20, Christina Li '20, Akshaya Tucker '13, Reena Esmail, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Estévez, Gjeilo, and Chesnokov.
Tickets are available for $30 at the link below:
Preview Performance
Families are welcome to attend a preview of the complete program, which will be performed on campus in the Elizabeth Wachsman Concert Hall on February 2 at 7:00 pm. No tickets are necessary for the on-campus performance.
Calling All Volunteers:
First Link Needs You!
Want to make an impact in the DA community? Please sign up to be a First Link volunteer! All you need is a phone and email to welcome new families to Deerfield. The connections and sage advice you offer make all the difference as new families navigate the “Deerfield Experience,” which you can read more about here. An email with more details will follow after you sign up. Thank you!
Deerfield Parents Network Virtual Winter Meeting
January 20 5:30 - 7:00 PM EST
All parents and guardians are cordially invited to join the Deerfield Parents Network (DPN) Winter 2022 Meeting on January 20 (via Zoom) at 5:30 PM EST.
Dr. Austin will open the meeting with a school update followed by DPN Committee activity reports. Webinar link below. (Webinar ID: 928 0194 6257 Passcode: 254232 Or One tap mobile: US: +13126266799,,92801946257# or +19292056099,,92801946257#)
The Deerfield Parents Network (DPN) is an organization aimed at building partnerships among Deerfield parents, and between parents and the Academy. Schools no longer serve “in the place of parents,” but rather, “alongside of parents” and the goal of the Parents Network is to improve the Deerfield experience for all students and their families.
Senior Year Tribute Pages
Due March 22
Greetings from the Pioneer Valley and The Pocumtuck Yearbook Team. We are writing to invite you to create yearbook ads for your seniors! Ads provide an opportunity for family members to congratulate graduating seniors. Should you choose to submit an ad for a member of the Class of 2022, please plan to have it submitted and paid for by March 15.
Doors of the Week
Our Amazing Team at the Chen Center
A big shout out and thank you to this week’s Doors of the Week! This week's Doors include Dr. Benson, the nurses and staff at the D.S. Chen Health and Wellness Center, and the nurses overseeing our testing site. We are grateful for all your efforts and long hours to help our athletic teams safely return to action in 2022! We could not do it without you, and are lucky to have you all on our team. Many thanks!
Expanded Livestreams Schedule
Winter 2022
The livestream schedule for the 2022 winter athletic schedule has been expanded to include several junior varsity contests! With livestreaming cameras already installed in the Dewey Squash Courts, Koch Pool, Class 1953 Gym, and Class of 1993 Hockey Rink, the Athletics Department is excited to announce that we will be sharing several livestreams this winter of our junior varsity team contests.
The expansion is in addition to our existing livestream schedule, which includes all of our home winter varsity contests. Livestreams provide the opportunity for families and friends to tune in from afar to support and connect with Big Green teams.
Visit our livestream page below to view the upcoming livestream schedule along with access to the links to watch. We hope you can tune in!
Wrestling News
Deerfield Wrestlers Compete at Inaugural Andover Girls Dual Meet
On Wednesday, Andover hosted Deerfield and Nobles in the first of two scheduled girls dual meets this winter. At the meet, 11 wrestlers competed in nine matches. Abigail Fernald ’22, Adeeva Alli ’25, and Josephine Louis ’23 wrestled for the Big Green. Adeeva clinched a match by technical fall (a 15-point advantage) and Abby pinned her opponent. A great day of wrestling all around!
Weekend Activities Preview
Friday: Food Truck!
Saturday: Trampoline Park Trip
Sunday: Community Yoga, Open Swim, Chawne Kimber Opening Reception, New England West Skating Club, Special Olympics Training
Reminder:
Share The News!
Applications for the Summer '22 Experimentory Are Now Open
The Experimentory is a fantastic opportunity for students currently in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade to "sample Deerfield," and we absolutely can’t wait to welcome students back in person and on campus for Summer 2022!
This innovative program allows students to delve into project-based, creative learning that focuses on collaboration, communication, fostering creativity, and building character.
The Experimentory also strives to provide middle school students with a sample of the Deerfield Experience. Most Experimentory teachers and senior staff are Academy faculty, and many of classroom and dorm assistants are recent Deerfield graduates. The Experimentory is a great way to try boarding school life: spread the word and encourage the middle schoolers you know to apply today!
Campus Stores
New This Week!
We’ve received a few more long-awaited items at Hitchcock House this week! A number of hats are now back in stock: needlepoint ball caps, white "D" ballcaps, lacrosse and rowing hats, youth ball caps. And we’re very excited to finally have our knit-in "DEERFIELD" winter hats, ordered last March, just in time for the frigid winter weather that hit this week. Deerfield ties are now back in stock as well.
Stop by Hitchcock House or the Athletic Store during regular winter hours, or place an order online for store pick up or shipping to home.
