Head's Weekly Message — Nov. 15, 2019
Dear Mayfield Senior School Parents,
I’m sure, like me, you are deeply saddened and shocked by the terrible tragedy that took place yesterday at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita. Our hearts bleed for the community, especially for the injured and those who lost friends and loved ones. Our gratitude goes to the Saugus faculty and staff who acted with such skill and courage and to the first responders who rushed to help. I know that you join me in holding the entire Santa Clarita community in the Light as we pray for their healing and comfort.
At Mayfield, we continue to work hard to make sure our school is safe and secure. We regularly practice emergency drills to prepare for fire, earthquakes, and human threats. Our next lockdown drill is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 20. During that drill, faculty and staff will practice sheltering in place with our students. We will also be reminding everyone about the actions that they should take to protect themselves in an active shooter situation no matter where they are. We know that these drills can be disturbing and may raise anxiety, but we believe that this practice and preparation helps us develop important safety skills. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Next week we have also planned to test our emergency communication system. On Friday, Nov. 22 at 3:30 p.m. you should receive three simultaneous communications, by phone, email, and text. Please let us know if you do not receive these emergency test messages—that will mean that we need to update some part of your emergency contact information.
We are very blessed at Mayfield Senior School to have experienced and caring staff members who support our students’ health and wellness. Through our Formation of Self program and other initiatives, we are working hard to give our students the information and resources that they need. Just yesterday at our assembly, speakers from the Painted Brain Organization helped us understand the importance of de-stigmatizing mental health issues. It was a very powerful message—one that really resonated with our students.
Finally, I would like to ask your help in supporting our Health and Attendance Office. When your daughter has a planned absence—one that she knows about ahead of time—please remind her to complete the Planned Absence Form that can be printed from the iMSS resource page or picked up in the Health and Attendance Office. The form must be signed by a parent or guardian, the Dean of Students, and the teachers of the classes that will be impacted. This process gives your daughter the opportunity to plan the best way to make up missed work. Also, after the form is submitted to the Health Office, the absence will be recorded properly so you won’t need to call or email.
With Love and Gratitude,
Kate Morin
Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
