Campus Health and Wellness Update - March 4, 2022
By Head of School James Moudry
Next Friday, we will share some updates to the school’s policies around on-campus health and wellness. Recent drops in case rates, hospital utilization rates, and community susceptibility rates are signaling a phase shift in the pandemic in Oregon and Multnomah County. As we enter a new phase of this global pandemic, we at Childpeace will continue with our practice of relying on the guidance and insights of our local, state, and national experts.
With recent updates in policy and guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, the Oregon Health Authority, the Multnomah County Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control, we are reviewing our policies and practices.
We know that during this pandemic, the many changes, shifts, and adjustments have been at times challenging to manage. Remote learning, travel restrictions, vaccinations, distancing, different face-coverings, cohort limitations, wellness checks, assigned seating, indoor/outdoor dining, and social gatherings are just some of the pieces of the puzzle we’ve all experienced in the past two years. For some, these shifts feel fast; for others too sluggish. Everyone is experiencing the pandemic, yet there is diversity in that experience. Some in our community have compounding medical issues or live with a family member who may be at greater risk for serious illness. Others have not yet had a vaccine available to their age group. Through all of it, we’ve aimed to keep attention on the many aspects of community wellness and prioritize keeping students in school in person.
As we look ahead, I also look back with gratitude for the efforts, partnership, and support of our families and staff. We’ve done a lot together and there is more to come. Being adaptive and responsive takes energy and flexibility. Our community is strong, diverse, and wonderful. Thank you for being here!
James holds a BA from the University of Minnesota, an M.Ed. from Loyola College in Maryland, and is AMI trained 3-6 from the Montessori Center of Minnesota. He grew up in Minnesota and has lived in Washington, Ohio, and Texas. He moved to Portland in 2020. James has worked in Montessori schools since 1997 as a teacher, division leader, and athletic coach. He served on the founding board of trustees of a Montessori charter school and helped to start three Montessori high school programs. In his free time, he enjoys designing, woodworking, travel, and time at the beach.