Dear Parents,
I want to thank my amazing staff for stepping up to the plate in a big way this week. In all at different times of the week, we had 6 staff members out with illnesses or emergencies. Without hesitation, our wonderful staff volunteered to work extra hours or take shorter breaks so our classes were all fully covered. I had the opportunity to teach Kindergarten 3 days this week and was so proud of our students. I am so very blessed to have such a stellar caring staff.
Because I had to be in a classroom a few days this week, I had to cancel my Science class but was able to set up the lab for Free Exploration for our VPK kids. I had a wonderful time taking our Kindergarten kids in Gold Door 1 to the garden. We picked and tasted green pepper, tomatoes, and lettuce. For the most part, the kids loved everything. I was surprised that EVERY CHILD loved the green peppers. Just goes to show you that kids who grow vegetables, learn to love them!
A COVID update regarding masks: We will continue to require masks in Rainbow and in our East Wing Classes. I understand that mask wearing is a personal family decision. I have consulted with the medical director of a hospital in Miami as well as our contact at the CDC. The guidance they have both given me is as follows:
The CDC has not changed its guidelines regarding mask wearing to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID. They advise that regarding childcare settings:
--Masks should be worn indoors.
--Mask do not need to be worn outside or while napping.
--Although the transmission rates are dropping, science is still behind mask wearing for childcare, especially since most children at this age are not vaccinated and are at greater risk.
At this time for the safety of the children in our care as well as our staff, masks will still be required while indoors for all children ages 3 1/2 and up as well as staff. The health and safety of our students remains our priority.
Our school is on a waiting list at this time. On June 13th we will move all our students into their fall classes so that we can open a handful of spaces to families from the outside. Students who will be attending our Kindergarten classes have already paid half of their registration fees to hold their spaces for the fall. We did this early installment for them as we had more kids wishing to be here for kindergarten than we had spaces.
All other families who will be here for the fall will be asked to pay their fall registration in 3 installments; $80 March 14th, $80 April 11th, and $80 May 9th. If you know you will be moving and will not be here for the fall, please let up know so that your account is not billed. If you prefer to pay the registration fee in full in one payment, please let us know so we can bill you accordingly.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Papa John's Fundraiser. In all we sold nearly 500 cards and the school will be keeping about $4,000 toward our playground renovation project. We have just started getting estimates for new shade sails. I am hoping by next week to have them all and decide if we can proceed. If you know a company you think would like to offer a quote, please let me know. The winning class was Silver Door. They sold a total of 147 cards. They will be getting a pizza party. There was a tie for the student who sold the most cards. The family of Kaiden Jenkins and Aleeya Darche both sold 32 cards. They will both be getting a prize pack.
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Finally, just a reminder, we are closed on Monday in Observance of Presidents Day. Have a wonderful long weekend with your family!
Wishing you well,
Beth Rosenthal Davis, Ed.S, NBCT
