FIRST PRESBYTERIAN ACADEMY (FPA) URGENT SCHOOL NEWS

In response to the Covid-19 illness, both the Downtown and Shannon Forest campuses will be closed beginning Monday, March 16.
Distance Learning programs are in effect for K2-12th Grade.

March 15, 2020
Dear First Presbyterian Academy Families,

In light of recent news regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to follow up our previous correspondence with additional information.  Our leadership team has been busy planning for every scenario that might occur during this period of the outbreak in our area and in our state. 

After careful reading and learning from the experts at the CDC and SCDHEC, several decisions have been made concerning the next two weeks.  At this time, school will be closed for the next two weeks.  Closer to the end of this period of time, we will be sending out additional information about next steps. 

To support our students and families, distance learning will be available either through Google Classroom (4th -12th Grades) or virtual learning packets (K5 - 3rd Grades).  Details concerning the process of accessing the information will be sent at the beginning of the week.  The completion of these assignments is mandatory for credit.  Preschool students will receive a learning packet as well.  This instructional period will count towards completion of the academic year and graduation requirements for our High School students. 

Extracurricular activities (Sports, Drama, Music, etc.) are being postponed to a later date.  As soon as the dates can be confirmed, information will be sent to those participating.  Also, students in the Upper School can retrieve any materials from school during regular operating hours tomorrow, Monday, March 16.

Please know that we are in prayer for all members of the school family.  We covet your prayers as we continue to serve the Lord.  All members of our team continue to trust the Lord for the protection of our school and families.  Like Nehemiah in scripture, we want to be diligent to do our part.

In Christ,

Tom Roe
Head of School 

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Update as of Sunday, March 15, 11:30am:

Church activities at First Presbyterian are being held this week as usual. Should individual groups or organizations, however, wish to cancel in light of the coronavirus they should feel free to do so.

As a church we are asking those demonstrating symptoms of ill health to remain at home and those with underlying health issues to also remain at home.

We are wiping down and cleaning all public areas on a regular basis. We are providing hand sanitizer and wipes in all public places and are following the advice provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with Greenville County Council and Greenville City Departments of Public Health.

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As you are aware, the spread of the coronavirus disease has dominated the news headlines over the last few weeks. In order to keep you up to date with how we are responding as a church, I am including below the advice we are receiving from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On their website is a dedicated page for Faith-based Organizations, and out of an abundance of caution, we are following their advice.

Because as a church we are in regular contact with vulnerable people in our society, we are proactively seeking to protect them and our congregation from the possibility of infection. We believe that this common-sense approach is prudent and necessary at this time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell us there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases includes:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Staying home when you are sick.

• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Following CDC's recommendations for using a face mask.

a. People who are well should not wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

b. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of others in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

• Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) if soap and water are not readily available.

As a church we are taking the following actions:

• Providing a point person to liaise with healthcare professionals and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Updating staff and congregation with advice from CDC.

• Sanitizing and cleaning all public areas daily, some areas multiple times daily.

• Providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer in public areas, including the reception area, Memorial Hall, Fellowship Hall, Parlor, Choir Room, offices, and Loggia.

• Appointing the Interview Room adjacent to the main reception area as an isolation room for caring for individuals who show signs of illness while we contact the individual's family and doctor, or until the individual can be taken home or to a medical facility.

• Communicating with the congregation updates relevant to Faith-based Organizations that we receive from healthcare professionals.

• Minimizing and preventing contamination when preparing and serving communion.

If you or a family member suspects you have been in contact with someone who has the virus, please take the appropriate action and quarantine yourself while contacting your doctor. The most obvious symptoms of the coronavirus are fever, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. If you are displaying these symptoms, please take the sensible precaution of remaining at home and contacting your doctor.

If you choose to self-quarantine and wish to participate in Sunday morning worship, please watch our live stream Sundays at 8:30am and 11:00am. Our live stream may be viewed by

• Computer: Click Here

• Roku: if you have a Roku channel, find our channel by searching for First Presbyterian Church Greenville.

• Mobile App: download our mobile app FPC Live and click Live Streaming.

You may also watch a 30-minute television broadcast of our 11:00am worship service (one week delayed) on Fox Carolina each Sunday at 10:30am.

Members of our pastoral staff and congregants who visit our elderly or members in need will telephone ahead of a visit to ensure visitation is appropriate. This will apply to all hospitals, care facilities, and homes.

As a church we deeply appreciate your prayerful concern as we navigate these healthcare issues. If you are aware of people in need during this time, please do not hesitate to be in touch. We will seek to be of assistance wherever we can.

Thank you for being willing to adopt this common-sense approach to minimizing possible healthcare issues. It is also worth remembering that those who "dwell in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" (Psalm 91:1-2).

Yours in Him.

Richard