Statement Regarding SOA

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Silver Oak Academy (SOA) has implemented its pandemic protocol and followed CDC guidelines and Carroll County Health Department recommendations regarding hygiene, sanitation, social distancing, and use of masks to avoid COVID-19 exposure. Despite these efforts, first a staff member, and then a student tested positive for COVID-19 last week, prompting universal testing of all students and staff on Friday, May 15th.

Additional positive cases were identified, the majority of which were in persons without symptoms, as has frequently been seen in other settings where universal testing has been implemented. In conjunction with state authorities, SOA has safely moved all COVID-negative students off-campus to a state-operated quarantine site. The remaining 26 students on this 60-bed campus have positive results, and in following with the recommendations of the county and state health departments, will stay at SOA to complete their medical isolation period and will be monitored by medical staff, including a nurse and physician.  The testing results also confirmed positive staff cases, who are eligible to use their paid time off leave during their 14-day quarantine period.

SOA continues to work with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Carroll County Health Department, and Maryland Department of Health officials and will follow their guidance as well as our own pandemic plan protocols. SOA will continue to provide quality education, programming, and supervision to our youth. We are grateful for the support and dedication of our essential staff, teachers, and therapists who continue their tireless work with our students, families, stakeholders, and communities.