LIFE AT VMS: Expanding In-Person Instruction
by Ann Clark, Head of School

Dear VMS parents,

Next Steps
Thank you for responding to our "On-campus or Off-campus" decision poll. The number of students who have opted to return to campus in elementary and middle school is crucial information that will guide our decisions on cohort size, classroom reconfiguration to accommodate social distancing, and on-campus staffing requirements. We are working with our teachers on these logistics and, at the same time, ensuring the distance learning program will remain intact for those who opted to stay at home. Thank you for your patience as we work through this complex process.

For those in Middle School, there are a few additional steps required by the county to officially open for in-person instruction, including submission of a Middle School Reopening Plan. (Currently, the Middle School is designated as childcare for students participating in distance learning.) Our reopening plan has been in the works, and with the additional student decisions we received this week, we will submit it for approval.

Staff Vaccinations
I am happy to report, vaccination appointments have opened for our teachers. Many of our staff are scheduled to be vaccinated in the coming weeks. Along with all of our existing Covid protocols in place, we feel this will provide another layer of safety for our community.

We are looking forward to welcoming more students back to VMS and will keep you updated with our timeline once it is confirmed.

With hope and gratitude,
Ann

ALL SCHOOL NEWS
IMPORTANT DATES:
3/1 - 3/4 Community Engagement Collaborative Book Drive
3/5 Teacher Work Day: AMS Conference - School Closed
3/25 - 3/26 Parent Teacher Conferences via Zoom
4/5 - 4/9 Spring Break
The VMS Community Engagement Collaborative is holding a Book Drive!
Join us in enhancing our VMS School Library! Have your children outgrown any of their books? If so, bring those that are gently used to VMS March 1-4. There will be Covid-safe drop boxes by the front doors.
 
What type of gently used books would we like? 
  • Chapter books
  • Science and reference books
  • Historical and cultural books showcasing our global diversity
  • Quality picture books with realistic photos and illustrations, no cartoon characters please

All books will be reviewed before being added to the VMS Library. Those we are unable to keep will be donated to another school or charitable organization. Thank you, in advance, for participating!

VMS Parents and CEC Coordinators,
April Gallagher, Erika Morales, Jessica Kinlund and Annie Callahan
June 14 - July 30
Signups will begin in April.

Valley Montessori School
1273 N Livermore Ave Livermore CA 94551