Portsmouth Christian Academy Issues COVID Update, Remains in Session On and Off Site

DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE (December 10, 2020) – Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) provided an update to its community Wednesday night of new positive COVID cases in the Upper School community. Since last Friday there have been six positive cases in that group, as well as two cases from other staff members. All cases have been reported to New Hampshire health officers. Based on review of these cases, school officials cannot determine a nexus of transmission on campus.

All affected individuals are continuing to rest and recover off-site, each with varying degrees of symptoms. All contact tracing and close contact notifications for these individuals have been assessed and completed.

The Upper School opened as normal today for both on and off-site learning. The school has employed additional health and safety protocols to further limit the risk of any possible spread on campus.

In an email to families, Upper School principal Jordan Heckelmann wrote, “We will continue to adapt and refine our protocols to maximize both safety and learning.” Heckelmann’s email highlighted the details of health and safety at the Upper School and went on to explain the next steps. Heckelmann asked the community to pray for the individuals who tested positive, and for the staff and faculty who continue to educate both on and off-site students. He encouraged families to have continued communication with the school.

These events followed PCA’s December Health and Safety Update, which was presented to all PCA parents, staff and faculty, as well as Upper School students on Tuesday through Zoom. This meeting highlighted PCA’s goal of keeping the school open and safe, with students either on or off campus according to parent preference. Head of school Mike Runey discussed the current state of health and safety in the local region and in relation to the state of health and safety at the school. Runey and Heckelmann went on to answer questions from the community. Both explained PCA’s commitment to keep ongoing communication with the community as the state of health and safety at the school developed. Today Runey communicated with state officials as they worked to refine protocols and plans to receive staff and students back after Christmas and New Year holidays.

Portsmouth Christian Academy has been inspiring students on the Seacoast to maximize their potential for forty years. PCA provides a nurturing educational environment that emphasizes Christ-centered community, outstanding academics, differentiated learning, and exceptional character. Located just minutes northwest of Portsmouth, NH on a beautiful fifty-acre riverfront campus, PCA is a dually accredited, independent, college-preparatory, day school where young people from Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire in Preschool through Grade 12 are challenged to thrive academically and grow as servant-leaders prepared to impact the world for good. For more information, inquire here.