Dear Families, I hope your children were able to join us for today's virtual, mixed age lunch. My group worked so beautifully together, engaging students of all ages in our conversation, helping every member feel valued and really believing that their voice matters. For the three decades during which I have been part of this community, that is what I treasure most - seeing through actions and hearing through words that every person is valued. During a student's years here they come to wholeheartedly believe that, too. Along with very strong academics, students take that feeling of being valued, cared for and heard with them to their high school experience and beyond. There is no greater gift we can give them.  Here is one alum's story that will be launched on our newly built website in 2021, but I wanted to share now, as it tells the story of what a Pine Cobble experience offers every child as a scholar and a human being. I also write today to share that we will continue with our remote instruction after the Thanksgiving holiday. While I can't predict yet when the PCCRI (Pine Cobble Covid Risk Index) will begin a sustained downward trend, allowing a safe return to in-person instruction, I can confirm that we will continue to offer a robust remote learning program for your children.  As we did today, we will work to offer more and more ways for your children to gather in virtual experiences for socialization - some mixed age, like today, and others with their cohort. We are also working on developing other opportunities for socialization in the outdoors, keeping safety as our top priority.  I wish you all a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving holiday. Sincerely, Sue