Dear Greene Street Friends Community,
While the Coronavirus has made us all change our plans for the coming weeks, the weather this weekend was a wonderful gift. I've heard from many that you have spent time out of doors, perhaps on hikes or walks together. I rode to Valley Forge on the bike path.
As we prepare to launch Virtual GSFS tomorrow, I wanted to share some updates from around campus, and also some suggestions.
At GSFS, one of the main reasons that we decided to launch an online platform was to limit the in-person interactions that we have with one another. Ironically, by isolating ourselves we help society -- by preventing the spread of a very contagious disease. The extended administrative team met via Zoom yesterday and is requiring only essential staff on campus. Teachers may still come to campus and work in their classrooms, but we are encouraging everyone to work from home. So if you see some family members next to your virtual teacher, don't be surprised!
Given the move to Virtual GSFS, many of our team's responsibilities have shifted, and we are doing our best to make it all work. I am incredibly proud of the adaptability of our team and appreciate the MANY new initiatives of our faculty and staff as we head into this new world. You never know, that Lower School Talent Show may still happen...
Just as we have made a commitment to you to deliver a virtual school, we have also made a commitment to maintain salaries for all faculty and staff. I hope that our time with CV-19 is short and that we are back on campus soon.
Just as we at school have decided to distance ourselves from one another, I do urge you and your family to practice social distancing - keeping at least 6 feet away from others during this time. While it is incredibly difficult, it will limit the spread of the virus. I appreciate the way that the article linked below outlines how this preventative measure can make an immense difference:
I regretfully discourage indoor playdates, or playing on outdoor playground equipment. You might consider outdoor walks and virtual playdates (resources include: zoom, skype, facetime and whats app).
We are working on creating a library of on-line resources for parents and will have something to you mid-week.
You should have received emails from your teachers with details about how Virtual GSFS will work tomorrow. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Be Well and Keep Your Social Distance!
