LIFE AT VMS: The Road to Phase 2 Re-opening
by Ann Clark, Head of School

Dear VMS parents,

Poll Results
We've compiled the numbers from the 1st - 8th grade parent poll regarding returning to in-person instruction. The following reflects the total number of students, including those that are currently on campus plus those that intend to return in this next reopening phase:
  • Lower Elementary: 62% (45 students)
  • Upper Elementary: 76% (29 students)
  • The Middle School: 74% (46 students)

Re-opening Steps
The established re-opening date is Monday, March 22. In order to accomplish this to provide the smoothest transition for all involved, teachers will need time to make this shift in learning. We have been planning for this day and know that it requires re-opening and re-configuring classrooms to accommodate social distancing and meeting all safety protocols. In addition, we will need to make adjustments to staff these classrooms while ensuring our off-campus students have a seamless transition and continue to receive the same level of instruction and support they have received all year.

To achieve this goal, Elementary and Middle School teachers will take two days preceding reopening, March 18 and 19, to accomplish these tasks. There will be no formal instruction on these days; however, we will provide childcare for current on-campus students who require it. If you do not need childcare on these two days, please enjoy the time at home. We will make up this time by remaining open on our originally scheduled conference days, March 25 and 26. Conferences will be rescheduled.

Important note for Early Childhood families:
School closure on March 18 and 19 will NOT impact our Toddler and Primary programs. School will be open at these levels as usual. Also, school will be open as usual on March 25 and 26 for all levels at VMS.

What's Next
In the coming days, 1st - 8th grade families will receive an email confirming their choice as well as the VMS on-campus safety protocols and Covid Safety Agreement. Please note, as indicated in the poll, since staffing resources will be committed to accommodate each program, your choice for either on-campus or off-campus learning will be in place through the end of the school year.

We are excited for this next phase of re-opening. Thank you for your support and understanding as we make the minor schedule modifications in March to prepare for this important step. We will continue to keep you informed throughout this next phase of the re-opening process.

With 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
3/18-19 Elementary & Middle School closed, childcare only
3/22 First Day of VMS Phase 2 Re-opening
3/25 - 3/26 Parent Teacher Conferences cancelled, school as usual
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!
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
The Community Engagement Collaborative would like your feedback! As we launch our first event next week, the Book Drive, we are looking to the future to plan additional events and virtual meet ups. We are interested in your thoughts so we can focus our efforts in a way that is meaningful to our community. Click the icon to complete this 2 minute feedback request. Thank You!

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

Valley Montessori School
1273 N Livermore Ave Livermore CA 94551