Changes likely coming to Keystone's indoor masking policy |
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Dear Parents,
Now that the CDC has revised its guidance on masking, we would like to take a moment to share where we stand with our masking protocols, and where we are likely headed.
Keystone’s practice of requiring masks indoors has served us well. As you have probably seen in our daily reports, our school’s positive case and exposure numbers have decreased dramatically over the past few weeks. This chart shows the trend on our campus:
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Because of these trends and the recently revised CDC guidelines, the Safety Committee has discussed masking going forward. In addition, we have consulted with the experts on the Medical Advisory Committee. The doctors advised us that we base our decision not only on positivity rates, but on the community stress score, and hospitalization numbers.
Based on these numbers, information we have learned, CDC recommendations, and the advice we have received, if present trends continue, we will likely change our policy from universal indoor masking to mask-optional after Spring Break. We will announce a decision on whether we will move forward with new masking guidelines next weekend before we return to campus.
This will give us time to make sure that the numbers are where they should be. In addition, the change in weather after spring break should allow more time outside for everyone and lessen the chances for spread of any airborne virus.
We would also like to let you know that when we return from Spring Break, we will change our system of notifying people about cases. We will pause the daily updates and notify the community when there are positive cases on campus.
A couple of important points we would like to emphasize:
First, we reserve the option to return to a policy of universal indoor masking if the situation warrants it.
Second, by saying that masking is optional, we strongly urge everyone to respect the choice to wear or not wear a mask. We want everyone to feel comfortable with whatever decision they make regarding masking, and nobody should feel pressure either way.
We realize that this decision may engender a variety of emotions. We are happy to meet with anyone who wishes to discuss it more.
With hope,
Billy Handmaker Monica Gutierrez Penny Moyer
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Sign up now for Summer at Keystone programs |
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Registration is now open for Summer progams at Keystone. Here are the offerings:
- Camp Cobra - Basketball/volleyball camp, for rising 3rd-8th graders
- Camp Hollywood - Film production camp, for rising 3rd-8th graders
- Sensational Science/Infinite Fun-Irrational Experience - Math and Science fun, for rising 5th-6th graders
- Little School Art and Science - for ages 3-8 at the Little School
- Cat Class - for rising 10th-12th graders, who have taken 9th grade Biology
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8th Graders excel at regional Science Bowl |
Congratulations to the 8th graders who proudly represented Keystone at the Middle School Regional Science Bowl.
Out of more than 20 teams that participated, Team 1 -- Ariana, Shaum, Darsh, Anna, and Zoe Wang -- finished 5th overall; while Team 2 -- Inaayat, Valerie, Suhin, Ujala, and Annika -- finished 6th overall. Team 3 - Eva, A.G., Ani, Joaquin, and Nayan placed 9th in the preliminary rounds and narrowly missed the playoffs. Elliot served as alternate for Keystone's teams.
All three teams competed on Zoom for three challenging rounds of answering timed, difficult science and math questions. They have been preparing since August for this contest and the work paid off.
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5th/6th Graders present Science Fair projects |
This year, we're trying a different procedure in 5th and 6th grade Science Fair presentations.
Instead of displaying projects in the gym, these students presented their work virtually and in person.
The virtual presentations allowed for questions and comments, while the in-person presentations gave students a chance to speak in front of a small group about their work in the Theatre, with Ms. Sobieszczyk handling the electronic projection. This way, all students could discuss their projects individually.
Ms. Sobieszczyk says she envisions a blend of both formats in the future.
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Senior receives presidential award |
Congratulations to senior Corinne, who received the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award, for performing more than 250 hours of volunteer service in 2021.
The award program honors the role of volunteers throughout the country.
Thanks for inspiring all of us!
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Brothers place well in music competition |
Seventh-grader Cameron (second from right in top photo) won second place in his division, and fifth-grader Colton (middle in bottom photo) was awarded Judge’s Choice in his division.
Besides cash prizes, both received the honor of performing in the Winners’ Recital at the Tuesday Musical Club on March 15.
Great job, guys!
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Fourth-grader places high in chess competitions |
Congratulations to fourth-grader Satvik on his recent chess performances.
He placed second in the 2021-2022 Texas State Online chess championship, and he placed third in a Texas regional competition, held in person.
Way to go!
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In-person author visits return |
Author Alda P. Dobbs visited with students in 3rd through 6th grades about her book, "Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna."
The work of historical fiction takes place during the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century.
Ms. Dobbs was born in a small town in northern Mexico but moved to San Antonio, as a child. Before she devoted her time to writing books, she worked as an engineer.
It's so great to have an author back on campus.
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Cookout, service projects highlight last day before Spring Break |
As we return to the rhythm of the school year, we are happy to revive a pair of in-person events: Student Council Cookout and Upper School Service Day.
The cookout offered a choice of burgers, hot dogs, and Frito Pie. The burgers and Frito Pie offered vegetarian options with Beyond Meat.
Meanwhile, other Upper School students spent the morning sorting and packing food at the San Antonio Food Bank or helping paint and organize items at SA Youth.
Then they Upper Schoolers played outdoor games at Olmos Basin Park during their Field Day.
In all, a great way to end the quarter.
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Billy's Blog - From our Head of School |
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“Encourage and support your kids, because children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.”
—Lady Bird Johnson
Like people all over the world, I watched the news from Ukraine the past week with a sense of disbelief. Yes, there were all the warning signs for the past few months, but naively, I thought this type of conflict was relegated to the dustbin of history. However, as Abraham Lincoln said in his Second Inaugural Speech, “and the war came.” So here we are in 2022 witnessing what may be the largest conventional attack since 1945.
As head of a PK3-12 school, my thoughts immediately go to how we discuss this conflict with children as they are bombarded with images from the conflict.
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Important events and notes |
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Tickets, sponsorships now available for Keystone Food and Drink Festival - March 25 |
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Get your tickets now for the Keystone Food & Drink Festival.
Individual tickets cost $100, and sponsorships are also available.
This year's spring fundraiser will bring parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends of Keystone onto campus for an evening of enjoying outstanding dishes, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while coming together and catching up in person.
Funds raised through the Food and Drink Festival will support Keystone’s students, faculty, and campus. For sponsors, it's a an exciting opportunity to strengthen your brand while helping students who will take on the future challenges of our world.
This event will be held on the evening of Friday, March 25, so be sure to mark your calendars!
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And a big thanks to our Platinum Sponsors: Ortiz Pharmacy, Stagg Restaurants, and The Wheeler Family |
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Trip packages to support Keystone |
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One more reason to attend the upcoming Food & Drink Festival: the return of amazing trips!
Keystone is partnering with AmFund to offer some amazing trips that include Tuscany, Costa Rica, Iceland, Castles of Ireland, Spain, New York, Utah National Parks and Nashville.
You must be present to bid. See you at the event!
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Keystone Fun Day returns - March 26
After a two-year hiatus, Keystone’s Fiesta Family Fun Day is back! Come to campus and enjoy this outdoor event from 4-7 pm that's filled with food trucks, free games, inflatables, and crafts.
Open to all Keystone families, grandparents and siblings.
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Cobra Radio episode features NHS President |
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The next episode of Cobra Radio will feature a visit with the president of Keystone's National Honor Society chapter. He'll talk about making the adjustment to Keystone's Upper School, how he stays close with his family and about how playing ragtime piano turned into a passion.
Find this episode and subscribe on:
If you're searching for it on Apple Podcasts, type in "Cobra Radio" and "Keystone".
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Check this off of your to-do list: Order your yearbook now. The deadline to order online is May 1, and the yearbooks will be delivered over the summer.
For families of graduating seniors: If you'd like to purchase a Senior Ad and aren't sure how to do it, watch this video from Yearbook Sponsor Ms. Letos: How to purchase a Senior Ad
And for all families, if the online purchasing process feels a little tricky, Ms. Letos created a tutorial video: How to Purchase a Yearbook
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Get your Keystone gear now |
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We are working with Follett, which provides fanwear and other merchandise to colleges, universities and K-12 schools. Place your orders with Follett, and your merchandise will ship directly to your house.
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Support Keystone while you shop |
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If you're shopping with Amazon, please use AmazonSmile |
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If you're purchasing items from Amazon, please consider supporting Keystone with your purchases and use AmazonSmile. Just designate Keystone as the beneficiary and a portion of your purchases will go to the school.
Make sure to install the Smilematic browser extension. It works with Firefox, Chrome and Safari and automatically redirects users to AmazonSmile when they visit Amazon. Here's the tool: https://couponfollow.com/smilematic.
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We want to hear from you! |
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Follow Keystone on social media |
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