Media and News Archive

A Letter to the Community Before the Break – Message from Jim Best – 3/13/20

Dear Dalton Community,
 
These past few weeks have moved so swiftly and swerved so suddenly that I wanted to take a moment to try to steady myself and reach out to you as we head into spring break. Click the title (above) to read more...
I'll note for the record that I'm trying to do so while helping my son move out of Middlebury College (which will be operating remotely for the remainder of the term), figuring out what it will mean to return to the city (which is under a state of emergency), and overhearing the president declare a national emergency.
 
So—I'm trying, but it's hard to stay grounded. 
 
My heartfelt hope is that—whatever comes our way—we can steady ourselves, ground ourselves, in the community we've built together. So many of you have asked about ways we can look after each other; and all of you have made sacrifices to adapt to changes in our schedule. This is the kind of moment that shows us who we really are and what we really value. And it turns out that we’re good, generous people who want to do right by our neighbors—down the hall, across the street, and around the world.
 
A few notes as we head into the break:
  • We're still awaiting results for a colleague who was tested for COVID-19. We’ll share that information when we get it.
  • We're considering the best course to take after the break. My Admin Team and COVID-19 Task Force have been meeting daily, weighing options, and reviewing the most up-to-date recommendations of civic and medical authorities.
  • If we're compelled to complete the rest of the year remotely, we know we'll be prepared, thanks to the incredible amount of work our faculty and staff have put into Digital Dalton. If we're able to return to school in person, we'll know that we're prepared for the next crisis—and that we've given ourselves the digital tools and know-how that can expand our teaching practice going forward.
 
I hope you'll relish this break. Clear your mind, replenish your energy, and use whatever constraints you're under as an excuse to find joy in small moments and unexpected places. Be kind to yourself; be of service to those in need; be relentlessly compassionate.
 
And, of course, do the simple things that help you stay healthy (and contain the virus).
 
Proud to be going forth with you—
 
Jim
Back
(Grades K-3) 53 East 91st Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5463
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: fpadmissions@dalton.org

(Gr. 4 Dalton East & PE Center) 200 East 87th Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5262
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: admissionsmshs@dalton.org

(Grade 5-12) 108 East 89th Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5262
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: admissionsmshs@dalton.org