Friends,
Our monthly theme for March is integrity -- an inner sense of wholeness and consistency of character. At Aspen Country Day School, as we support and challenge children to become their best selves, integrity means taking the time to reflect on how we show up for each other. We expect respectful behavior from all members of our community, as outlined in the
Aspen Country Day School Community Code
. It is this code that guides our approach to discipline and our efforts to teach children what it means to be part of a caring community. I encourage parents to look at the
Community Code
as a possible topic for family discussion, and to keep in mind that disciplinary issues are sensitive for the children in our care and are confidential in nature. There is no place for gossip, speculation, or labeling. As adults, we rely on each other to model the kindness and courtesy we seek to foster in children.
March is a short month, but it brings so much to look forward to. I am often in awe of the active learning that I see in the classrooms, from the Seventh Graders' National History Day research to the Egypt presentations in Fourth Grade, from the First Grade animal projects to the Second Grade economics fair and the Third Grade's Changemakers. All this activity proves that excellence doesn't just happen. It takes bold and intentional preparation. As they prepare for the month's many multi-disciplinary projects, children are tackling challenges that build their confidence, resilience, and joy in learning.
I am looking forward to my turn being a Mystery Reader in PreKindergarten this month; enthusiasm for reading is one of the best gifts we can give to children. I'm also looking forward to Parent-Teacher Conferences March 11 and to All-School Ski Day at Buttermilk the afternoon of March 13. Along with
Blue Green Night
(coming up Saturday, April 4), these are purposeful events that show the true spirit of our community. As returning families re-enroll for next year, and as Eighth Graders prepare for graduation in May, I thank you for your support for Aspen Country Day School.
Josh
A word about the coronavirus
Many schools are discussing the coronavirus outbreak and updating their communities. I wanted to let you know that we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 news. We are relying on expert advice from public health officials and additional guidance from our National Association of Independent Schools.
- If you plan travel or have traveled to an area for which health organizations suggest self quarantine, we ask that you contact us as soon as possible so we can follow appropriate guidelines. Please reach out directly to Director of Operations Brian Davies or Head of School Josh Wolman. All contacts will be treated appropriately and confidentially.
- As always, keep children home when they are ill. Even in the absence of any cases of COVID-19 in Colorado to date, we continue to see cases of flu and upper respiratory viruses in our school community.
- As outlined in our Family Handbook, page 38, children must be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school. This means fever-free without the aid of any fever reducers like Tylenol or Advil. The school reserves the right to ask for documentation from a medical professional that children are non-contagious and cleared to attend school.
- Please work with your children to take handwashing more seriously than ever. Likewise, stress the importance of covering coughs or sneezes into the elbow rather than into hands or open air.
- Children who may seem fine at home in the morning can present symptoms during the day. In these cases we will continue to err on the side of caution, asking parents to immediately make arrangements to bring home children who are coughing, sneezing, or showing signs of possible contagion of any kind.
Our priority is the health and well-being of students and faculty. Aspen Country Day School is in touch with Pitkin County Public Health, which coordinates response to the outbreak with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We will provide updates and inform you of any possible changes to our procedures or daily activities.
