As we begin a new school year on the Hilltop, we wanted to provide a few updates and remind families what to do when children feel unwell.
If your child will not be in school or plans to be late/leave early for a doctor’s appointment, please email
attendance@stlukesct.org.
Sick Days
St. Luke's asks that students, faculty, and staff stay home when they feel unwell. If your child is experiencing symptoms such as a fever, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, please keep them home — even if your child tests negative for COVID-19. The focus should be on resting and recovering. Students should not feel pressured to attend class. Please note: Zoom is not an option for a non-COVID-19 sick day(s).
COVID-19 InformationSt. Luke’s will continue to follow the current
CDC guidelines as it relates to the virus.
Zoom Classes
If your child tests positive for COVID-19—and is feeling well enough to participate in classes—they will be permitted to join classes virtually (by Zoom) while completing their isolation period. The reasons Zoom accommodations are provided for COVID-19 positive students are that COVID-19 requires an isolation period and students are often asymptomatic or experience very mild symptoms.
When your child takes a COVID-19 test, please let me know as soon as you have your test results. Once I’m notified, administrators will work with teachers to arrange Zoom sessions beginning either that day or the following day. Please note this will depend on what time the school is notified.
We know it is stressful when a student does not feel well, and missing classroom time contributes to that stress. However, it is important to stay home when unwell for the students' benefit and the benefit of the community.
Visitors
St. Luke’s no longer requires visitors, including prospective families, to be vaccinated. This is due to a low-risk environment in Connecticut and the limited time visitors are on campus (which further reduces risk). Any visitors who feel unwell will be asked to stay home. All enrolled students, faculty, and staff will continue to be required to complete a primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations.
MonkeypoxWhile the number of monkeypox cases has risen this summer, at this time, the risk of monkeypox to children and adolescents in the U.S. is low. We will continue to monitor its progression and follow
CDC Guidelines and recommendations from the New Canaan Department of Public Health.
Please contact your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your child’s symptoms, health concerns, vaccination recommendations, or whether your child may have been exposed to COVID-19 or is symptomatic.
For any questions about St. Luke’s health policies or to report a COVID-19 case, please email me at
maieri@stlukesct.org.
Sincerely,