Principal

August 29, 2020 
 
Good Evening Mill Hill Families, 
 
Our Mill Hill Staff reported to school on Friday and began the work of preparing for student arrival. Yes, things functioned a bit differently. We had our larger staff meeting virtually, classrooms were adorned with fewer desks and furniture, and our review of health protocols included a lengthy discussion of Covid-19 protocols and PPE. That being said, the staff were their normal hard-working selves, putting aside their personal anxiety to focus on doing all they could to create a safe and productive learning environment for our Mill Hill children. 
 
I also want to address the safety concerns that have been raised regarding the air quality at Mill Hill specifically as it relates to our renovation. I can assure you that no one takes the safety, security, and health of students and staff more seriously than I do. Air quality check intervals are built into the work of construction with the first having happened already. While the Building Committee has not received the official report, I spoke to the gentleman conducting the analysis and the unofficial word was that everything was looking perfect. I have no reason to suspect anything different after receiving the report. I raised the concern of ventilation with the Building Committee and our Executive Director of Operations in the areas where our contractor, Gilbane, has discouraged opening windows to mitigate increase of classroom temperature. We discussed alternatives to maintain appropriate air circulation, flow, and quality. Friday, we discussed the feasibility and availability of portable air conditioning units as one means of remediating the issue. We face the complex and unique challenge posed by a major renovation during a pandemic. I will provide you with regular updates on the status of my efforts. 
 
Additionally, some school-based procedures information, specifically the pick-up/drop-off plan, has been delayed until Gilbane, my leadership team, and the FPD can determine a safe and reasonable solution. I prefer to not release a plan and cause confusion by having to then alter it as a result of construction progress. Therefore, I expect a plan, along with other needed parent information for the start of the school year, will be sent out to you Monday afternoon at the latest. I apologize for the delay, but our situation is both complex and unique considering the renovation and pandemic.  
 
Flexibility, Teamwork, and Patience will most certainly be the three guiding principles of this year at Mill Hill given the adjustments needed to be made as a result of Covid-19 and our renovation. I thank you for your continued support of our Mill Hill staff and the Mill Hill Renovation. I thank you for your continued patience and understanding was we navigate these waters together. 
 
Regards, Kevin Chase Principal