On Friday it was announced that BFA would go into Swine-Flu Mode for the next week. This means that Monday and Tuesday we will not have school, and all students are to stay in their homes/dorms as much as possible. The German government wanted the school to close for a full 7 days, but our situation is unique because of the boarding program. By closing school and sending kids home, we are not isolating them – we are sending them to dorms full of students! This is why we are compromising and closing for 2 days and doing our best to keep the disease contained within the school and not letting it spread to the German community.
The exception to the shut down was the school play, “Said the Spider to the Spy.” There were family members flying in to see the performance, so we couldn’t postpone it, but we didn’t want to infect them. The solution:
The masked crowd awaits the start of the play
The masks were slightly uncomfortable to wear, but everyone enjoyed it as a unique experience.
Katie, Rachel, and I were excited.
Some kids also decided to have a little fun with the masks.
This kid's mask had some personality!
The play was an entertaining crime caper. The students did a great job!
Since the dorm staff normally has their afternoons off while the students are at school, Monday and Tuesday are creating extra work for them. Teachers have been asked to help fill in and give the dorm staff a chance to take a break. I will be going over to HBR on Monday and Tuesday mornings to help out. Fortunately, HBR does not have any known cases of Swine Flu. The worst cases are at Maugenhard and Palmgarten, where Rachel is helping. Hopefully she will not bring any Swine Flu germs home!
