November 2007

In this year, as much as we need rain, I can give thanks that we have not had many rainy school days.  Not only does this allow us to continue full speed ahead with our athletic center construction, but it has also meant that Physical Education classes have been able to be held outdoors.  I have so enjoyed watching our younger students run up the path from the Harris Center around and back down to the flag pole as part of their warm-up exercises.  Their smiling faces, happy voices and infectious spirits lift my heart and reinforce again why I love being at Roland Park Country School.

Actually, if there were ever a year when it might be considered a “good thing” to be without a gym and locker room, this would be the year, with all the recent reports of MRSA, the drug resistant staph infection.  Athletes seem to be at a higher risk for these infections because of the frequency of skin injury, physical contact and sharing of equipment. IAAM (Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland) Athletic Trainers are working on a “Fact Sheet for Athletes.” When it becomes available, we will share that information with you.  However, since RPCS physical education classes and competitive athletics are continuing - gym or no gym – please review the latest recommendations from the Center for Disease Control to prevent developing or spreading MRSA and other infections or disease:

• Wash hands often using soap and water or an alcohol base hand sanitizer
• Cover cuts and scrapes with a clean bandage
• Avoid touching other people’s wounds or bandages
• Do not share personal items such as clothing, towels or razors
• Wipe down shared gym equipment before and after use
• Shower daily and as soon as possible after sports
•  Dry towels in a heated dryer (rather than air dry)

RPCS has not had a confirmed MRSA case, in recent history – and certainly not this fall.  Last year, as part of our planning for pandemic influenza, we installed alcohol based hand sanitizer pumps in numerous locations throughout the building. In an effort to ensure the safety of the RPCS campus, please inform the School Nurse or the Athletic Trainer if your daughter develops a staph infection of any kind.

The rules that the School has established for morning and afternoon carpool also help ensure that our campus is safe.  I want to thank those of you who follow these rules carefully.  In the last two weeks, I have been on morning carpool duty twice.  I was pleased to see how many parents approached the crosswalk by the bridge with care and caution – obviously looking out for students who might be using the bridge. 

I am concerned, however, that there still times when a few parents disregard the carpool and parking rules or speak with disrespect to RPCS employees or the security guards who help direct traffic.  Please follow their instructions.  For your own safety and that of your daughters, please remember that is illegal to turn into the RPCS campus from the middle lane coming southbound on Roland Avenue.  Doing so could cause a serious accident.  I also need to remind you that there is NO parking at St. Mary’s Seminary during athletic practices and events.  This rule applies to the area near the tennis courts as well as the fields.  St. Mary’s has graciously provided additional field space this year and has been very cooperative about the disruptions caused by our construction.  We do not want to jeopardize our relationship with our very friendly neighbor.

We all know the expression, “Do as I say, not as I do.”  However, we also know that it is what we do that our children more frequently emulate.  Country singer Rodney Atkins, in his song “Watching You” quotes his son, “I want to do everything you do, so I’ve been watching you.”  When you, our parents, disregard school rules or speak unkindly, you unintentionally model for your daughters that they do not need to adhere to our school rules or community standards or treat their classmates and teachers with respect.

Even though we have no gym, we still enjoyed our annual Lower School Halloween parade.  The entire school community, along with many parents and grandparents, gathered on the front lawn to watch our Lower Schoolers and join in singing, “Hodge-podge Halloween.”  As soon as I sent this letter to the printer, I am heading home myself to turn on my porch light and light my jack-o-lantern, looking forward to having some trick-or-treaters come to the door!

As I look ahead to November, I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

~ J.W.B.