Clarification Regarding Summer Program
by Ann Clark, Head of School
Dear Parents,
We have had some questions regarding our summer program and wanted to take this opportunity to provide clarification.
Who Can Register?
Although originally slated only for children of essential workers
, the program has been expanded to include children from families where parents are able to return
to work outside the home.
If you fall in this category and would like to register, please do so. The
Registration Site
is open through 5pm this Friday, 5/29. Limited space available.
Questions regarding face coverings:
At this time, although children 3 and up will be asked to wear face coverings in the classroom, they will be able to remove them while social distancing, to enjoy snacks and lunch as well as during naptime for the younger children. In addition, weather permitting,
we will spend a great deal of time outside where masks for students will be optional as
risk is greatly reduced outdoors.
We will practice physical distancing and extreme safety precautions to ensure your children stay safe while still having fun.
What if my young child refuses to wear a face covering?
As with any behavior we work to improve in a Montessori classroom, we will apply the same Montessori principles to address it in the most respectful and encouraging way possible. For some of our youngest children, we recognize this may be challenging at first, as are many new concepts at this age. In our extensive experience with children, we are continually amazed at how adaptable and resilient children are to change, much more so than adults! We also have creative and fun ways to make masks seem normal and will be providing
practical tips
, as in this article, to help with the transition.
Key Safety Components of Our Summer Program:
It's important to remember the two key safety components recommended for camps and schools that we will follow this summer. First, your children will spend the entire camp with the
same small group
of children and teachers. Second, frequent
handwashing and hygiene
will be part of all activities as a critical component for keeping your children safe.
Will these procedures continue into the new school year?
We look forward to learning from this summer experience so that we can adopt the best practices for our school when the doors open to a larger group of students on August 17.
These plans are preliminary and as restrictions change and it is safe to do so, we will adjust. Of course, the health and safety of the children and staff will remain paramount.
We recognize this is not the summer camp we originally imagined, but are confident we will provide a fun and safe experience for your children. Feel free to reach out with any other questions.
Respectfully,
Ann
