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Update: August 09, 2021



Dear Emery/Weiner Community,
 
Last spring, I spoke at Emery’s Commencement about the relief & value of taking off our personal masks. Unfortunately, that was then & this is now — and the now is very different. Given the severe spike in COVID cases caused by the highly-infectious Delta variant — and the dramatic increase of not only infections, but of hospitalizations, which includes an increasing number of pediatric cases — our Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) has recommended that Emery/Weiner require everyone to wear masks indoors for the time-being. This recommendation is in keeping with that from the CDC & AAP, and has been approved by the Executive Committee of the EWS Board of Trustees. 
 
I know that many of you may be disappointed by this news. I understand. However, I’d like to share a few thoughts:
 
First, we expect (and certainly hope) that this policy will be temporary. Our MAP believes that relatively soon, the infection rate will diminish to the point that the School can safely adopt a more lenient approach. The decision-making criteria for relaxing our protocols will be local data, in tandem with Emery/Weiner-specific information, such as vaccination rates.
 
Second, in terms of vaccinations, currently we are not requiring students or staff be vaccinated; however, we are strongly encouraging it for every member of our community who is eligible. This is the most effective way to mitigate the virus and its harmful effects. Hopefully, children under age 12 will be eligible later this semester.
 
Third, notwithstanding the relative inconvenience of having to wear masks while indoors, we are committed to resuming the full-blown Emery experience. For example, we will have assemblies in the Becker Theater again, including Opening Ceremony. And we are planning to travel again — despite the delay of fall Shabbatonim. From athletics and arts, to clubs, Kallah, Ma’amad, Torah services, holiday celebrations & even the JOE Dinner, we expect life on Stella Link this year to look very much like it did pre-pandemic. Providing these things to our students & families is incredibly important -- we just want to do so safely.
 
Finally, below is more detailed information related to our campus protocols. Please review and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We look forward to seeing your kids on campus next Tuesday & having a great year together.
 
Warmly,
 
Stuart J. Dow
Head of School
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

  • DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?

    Yes. While indoors, all students, faculty, and staff must wear masks. Outdoors masks are optional.

  • WHAT IF I HAVE BEEN VACCINATED?

    All protocols are currently across-the-board. For the time being, we are not going to distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The Emery/Weiner School and our Medical Advisory Panel strongly recommend vaccinations for all who are eligible. This is our best tool to return our campus to normalcy. If your student has been vaccinated, please update their medical record on Magnus.

  • WILL TEMPERATURES BE TAKEN DAILY?

    No. We will not be taking student temperatures as they arrive on campus, and students do not need to complete the SchoolPass wellness app. However, if a student is feeling sick or experiencing any COVIDsymptoms, such as fever, cough, body aches, etc., we expect them to stay home.

  • HOW WILL ATHLETICS BE AFFECTED?

    Athletes participating in indoor sports will be required to wear a mask — with the exception of fully vaccinated athletes, who may choose to remove their mask during high-intensity drills and game play. During outdoor sporting events, masks will be optional for athletes and spectators.

  • HOW WILL THEATRE BE AFFECTED?

    While rehearsing indoors, actors will be required to follow the same on-campus masking protocols as above.

  • WILL WE HAVE LARGE INDOOR GATHERINGS?

    Yes. Anyone attending an assembly (i.e. Opening Ceremony, Ma'Amad, Kallah) will be required to wear a mask in the Becker Theater.

  • WHAT ABOUT TRIPS?

    Though we have delayed the Shabbatonim during the current COVID spike, we intend for these and other experiential education trips to take place.

  • WHAT ABOUT REMOTE LEARNING?

    We will not be offering remote learning as an option this school year. In cases of prolonged absences, for whatever reason, division administrators will coordinate with the affected student & family on an as-needed basis, just as they were pre-COVID. 

  • WHAT ABOUT QUARANTINE OR ISOLATION?

    Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 or has a close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed positive for COVID-19 must notify the EWS COVID Coordinator, who will determine isolation and/or quarantine protocols.

  • HOW LONG WILL THESE POLICIES LAST?

    We will reevaluate all protocols with the MAP in the next few weeks — and continue to do so on a regular basis as circumstances dictate.

  • CAN WE HAVE VISITORS TO CAMPUS?

    Yes, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to campus. We expect visitors to follow our current protocols.

  • ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

    Tammy Feldstein
    COVID Response Team Coordinator
  

Other Resources

  
  

The Emery/Weiner School

9825 Stella Link Road Houston, TX 77025
Phone: (832) 204-5900 Fax: (832) 204-5910 
A private, college-preparatory middle and high school serving grades 6-12. 
Click here for more information.