JDLH Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe's highest priority is the health and safety of our students, staff, and campus community. Please review the following information and resources to stay informed on our school and COVD-19 plans.
From the President
Dear JDLH Family,
It is no secret that COVID-19 has shaken our world, but as a community, it is important that we stay strong, safe, and healthy. Every decision made by our staff is student-centered and as President, it is my #1 goal to provide a safe home away from home for our incoming students.
We assembled a task force including our teachers, administration, and school consultants to consider our options and capabilities during this unprecedented time. We carefully considered the guidelines provided both on the state and federal level and received input from our incoming JDLH parents, employees, legislative, and community stakeholders.
Based on these findings, the task force and JDLH administration have decided to offer in-person learning this school year, with social distancing enforced in all school facilities. Our students will move into their residential housing on August 15, 2020, and our school calendar will begin on August 17, 2020.
We realize that agriculture is an essential industry and the curriculum that our students will partake in requires hands-on learning in the safest way possible. Students learning on our 1,300-acre campus in this unique school setting is essential, not only to our mission and vision but for our students to achieve their full potential and gain the proper experience within the field of agriculture.
To protect the health and safety of students and staff on campus, we will:
- Require students to self-quarantine and continue strict social distancing two weeks before our student move-in weekend.
- Limit residential housing to one student per room, unless the room allows for two students to sleep more than 6-feet apart, in each of the six residence halls currently available on campus. Following these residential guidelines, the school can house a maximum of 54 students.
- Allow staff the option to work or teach virtually from home, as need be, if there are health concerns or if they are considered high-risk.
- Enforce protocols for frequent hand-washing and sanitizing.
- Provide and require face coverings for students and staff to be worn throughout the school day and in common areas.
- Place signs as reminders for students and staff to wear their protective equipment and to keep a safe distance.
- Ensure frequent cleaning of both the educational and residential spaces on campus.
With a lower student population and our one-of-a-kind campus setting it is our belief that we will be able to provide the ideal location to enforce social distancing protocols and procedures this school year. We will continue to monitor the current happenings and guidelines provided concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19), and adjust our plan as we see fit.
These are hard decisions and we realize that there is no right answer on how to operate during these times. In our first year with a new mission, we are committed to providing a top-notch agricultural education program that contributes to the state of South Carolina. We appreciate our JDLH parents and families who have entrusted us in keeping their children safe and we will continue to do just that. GO AGGIES!
Sincerely,
Tim Keown, President
Recent Announcements
FULL PLAN: John de la Howe - School for Agriculture COVID-19 Opening Plan
PRESS RELEASE: John de la Howe – School for Agriculture COVID-19 plan for August grand opening
LETTER OF SUPPORT: Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee
COVID-19 Resources
The links below contain updated information from the following government agencies.