April 3 Letter to the Berkeley Community

Dear Members of the Berkeley Community,

As we move into the last day of our first week as a (temporarily) remote learning community, I am struck by the passion and diligence with which students, families, and faculty have approached the challenges before us. I am especially proud of the spirit of innovation that abounds. Of course, innovation involves iteration, so our practices continue to evolve and improve with each new day. The feedback we are receiving on our efforts is so appreciated; thank you for your continued patience and flexibility as we work through any kinks you may have encountered.

COVID-19 continues to stymie the nation. I am hopeful that societal practices are slowing the spread of the virus, but ongoing uncertainty instills anxiety and fear. As testing expands nationwide it has become clear that people everywhere potentially have been exposed to novel coronavirus, including members of our community. I am hopeful that any who may fall ill recover fully. Physically dispersed since March 13, we will continue to be so for the foreseeable future (at least through May 1); in the meantime, I hope all will continue to practice (and support students in practicing) all containment and mitigation measures recommended by the CDC.

Your school spirit, your pride in Berkeley, is palpable and energizing. I am thinking of all of you, and am appreciating our partnership now more than ever. We are currently ‘1,100 Schoolhouses, One School’ – Go Bucs!

All my best,

Joseph W. Seivold
Headmaster
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Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,400 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.