LIFE AT VMS: Re-opening and AMS Conference
by Ann Clark, Head of School

Dear VMS parents,

In-Person expansion and Middle School Re-opening
We are continuing to move forward with our plans for Phase 2 Re-opening set for March 22, 2021. Here are some updates:
  • We have finalized our Re-opening Plan for the Middle School. As soon as Alameda County moves to the red tier, we will be able to submit our plan to the ACOE for final approval. Based on current numbers, we anticipate this shift to red will happen next Wednesday.
  • Since the Elementary program, Grades 1-5, has been open for in-person instruction since November, no new approval process is needed by the ACOE, as we are only adding additional cohorts.
  • Campus logistics and Covid safety protocols will be sent to all on-campus families once the plans are submitted to the ACOE. A parent acknowledgment, indicating agreement to comply with the protocols, will be included.
  • For the new students returning to campus on March 22, all students will use carline. Drop off will be at 8:30am and pick up at 3pm.
  • All on-campus Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School student schedules will be 5 days a week.
  • Staff continue to get vaccinated. By our re-opening day, more than 70% of our staff will have been vaccinated.
  • Reminder: The VMS Elementary and Middle School will be closed on March 18 and 19 to prepare classrooms for re-opening Monday, March 22. (These days are in lieu of the originally scheduled conference days on March 25 and 26. School will be open for all students, including Early Childhood, on March 25-26.)
  • Families currently on campus that require childcare on March 18 and 19 should email Gretchen Mancieri by this Friday so we can make staffing arrangements for childcare. If you do not need childcare, thank you for keeping your student home so staff can prepare for re-opening.

Teacher Workday this Friday
This Friday, our staff is looking forward to participating in the annual American Montessori Society conference. It is exciting that with every passing year, more and more Montessori schools are opening around the world, and as the Montessori movement grows, so does this annual gathering. One positive outcome of the pandemic is the increased ability for thousands of Montessori teachers to attend the conference virtually, making it the largest gathering of Montessori educators in the world.

Teachers will have the opportunity to:
  • Gain Perspectives. Being in the company of thousands of other educators. The opportunities are endless!
  • Find Inspiration. AMS has chosen keynote speakers not only for their expertise, but also for their passion, charisma, and ability to spark thought and discussion.
  • Stay Current. It is a jam-packed schedule with research-related workshops that will keep teachers abreast of the latest findings.
  • Make Connections: Attendees are a global family of thinkers, doers, action-takers, and world-changers.
  • Learn Valuable Skills and Grow Your Expertise: With so many sessions to choose from, teachers will come away with heightened awareness and new know-how to put to use immediately, and to ponder.
We are grateful for your participation in the VMS Annual Fund that provides
the financial support to sponsor our teachers and staff to actively participate in this epic Montessori event!

With gratitude,
Ann
VMS will be closed this Friday, March 5, 2021.

Thanks to funds from the 2020 VMS Annual Fund, VMS faculty and staff have the opportunity to attend this annual, national conference - the largest Montessori event in the world!

ALL SCHOOL NEWS
IMPORTANT DATES:
3/1 - 3/4 VMS 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, open as usual
4/5 - 4/9 Spring Break
4/19-25 VMS Move-a-Thon
Choose your favorite activity to get moving for VMS!

Run, Bike, Walk, Skip, Jump, Dance or anything to get you moving! The VMS Move-a-Thon is a creative and fun way to support our school virtually this spring (replacing the funding traditionally raised at our annual spring gala).
Everyone can participate: businesses as event sponsors, parents and grandparents as participants or sponsors of their child's chosen activity.

Raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win many fantastic prizes from our Raffle Extravaganza! Watch for more details next week on how you can be a part of this fun filled event!
Get Moving April 19th - 25th!
Join us in enhancing our VMS School Library! Bring your gently used books to VMS March 1-4. Drop boxes are by the front entrance. We'd like:
- Chapter books
- Science & reference books
- Historical & cultural books 
- Quality picture books with realistic photos and illustrations

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY!
June 14 - July 30
Registration will begin in April!

Valley Montessori School
1273 N Livermore Ave Livermore CA 94551