Update on School Scheduling

Dear SDDS Families,
This morning I met with the St. David’s Day School Board of Directors and the decision was made unanimously to follow the intent of Governor Abbott's executive order issued yesterday and close school until April 3rd.  The board ultimately decided that it is most prudent to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, families and teachers to hold off until there is more data available on the spread of the virus in Austin and Travis county.  Additionally, based on the survey results, a very small number of families indicated that care was essential during this time. We are committed to working with these families to help them to find alternate care and will reach out personally to help connect them to other resources.  
During the meeting, the board also established a COVID-19 subcommittee who will be meeting as needed during this time.  We are committed to updating families weekly, so you can be certain you will know what to expect moving forward after April 3rd.
Over the past few days, I have worked with both our Board President, Audrey Ench and Assistant Director, Colette Dunlap to begin to develop a web page dedicated to providing age appropriate resources for use at home.  We will have this page ready to launch early next week. So far, we are looking to include content such as teacher-led story time, at-home craft or science projects (some led by your child’s teachers and other in PDF format), virtual field trips, and outdoor activities or games you and your child can play at home.  While the site will be launched early next week, you can expect new content to be added regularly. The goal of the portal will be to connect families with one another and also keep connected to friends and teachers here at school. We recognize that during these uncertain times, routines, familiar faces and sharing joy will keep all of us healthier and happier.  
I want to acknowledge I know it will be a shift in communication, but now that I am officially on board as the new Head of School, I want to make sure you have my direct contact information. You have previously contacted Colette, and you are welcome to copy her on communications, but please reach out to me from this point forward.  Next week when I host the virtual meet and greet, I am hoping to get to put faces with names and get to know each of you well over the coming months.  
We continue to turn to Him for guidance and support through this time of uncertainty.  Please receive these words and seek comfort in your family, friends, neighbors and community. 
Almighty God, Heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 

​If you are in need of additional information, resources, or food assistance please review the links below: 
Austin ISD Coronavirus Updates
Texas Health and Human Services 
CDC Schools and Childcare Services 
Austin ISD Meals during closures 
Texas 211 - help finding food and other community resources
Central Texas Food Bank 
Sincerely,
Leigh Moss
Head of School 
St. David’s Day School 
leigh.m@stdave.org
512-486-0514