LIFE AT VMS:
by Ann Clark, Head of School

Dear VMS parents,

Re-enrollment via FACTS was a great success last week! We are now moving to the next phase of the enrollment process which is for families who left VMS due to Covid concerns but intend to return for the 2021-22 school year. In March, we will move to the third and final phase, which is extending offers to new families who have completed the application process, all of which is based on enrollment availability.

Community Connection
Our newly formed Community Engagement Collaborative is eager and enthusiastic to bring our VMS families closer together. We all need social connection and support and VMS is dedicated to finding creative ways to have fun, get to know each other and build long lasting friendships. I hope you will jump on one of the upcoming parent social zooms that is convenient for you. 

Next Steps in Expanding in-Person Instruction
Tomorrow, families in 1st through 8th grade will receive a text notification requesting a response to a one question poll: Do you wish to have your student participate in on-campus learning through the last day of school, June 8, 2021. (There will be a separate text/poll for each level.) We are requesting a prompt response - Monday, 2/15 at noon - so we can make definitive plans for adding students in the elementary level and potentially re-opening the middle school for in-person instruction.

In this next phase, we will continue to adhere to safety protocols in compliance with the county health department (ACPHD) and office of education (ACOE). In addition, we have submitted our application for staff vaccinations and hope to receive instructions for setting the appointments soon.

We look forward to taking these positive steps forward in safely expanding in-person instruction at VMS. As always, thank you for your ongoing support.

With Gratitude,
Ann
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
IMPORTANT DATES:
02/11 Middle School Parent Zoom Social Hour, 7pm
02/13 Early Childhood Parent Zoom Social Hour, 10:30am
02/15 Priority Enrollment for Families that Withdrew in 2020 due to Pandemic
02/15 Presidents Day - School Closed
02/16 Toddler/Primary Parent Zoom: Importance of Self-Care 7-8pm
CELEBRATING FEBRUARY
During the pandemic, traditional Valentine’s Day activities may be different, yet we can still spread the sentiment in unique and simple ways within our homes, VMS community, and beyond.

  • Spend time with your immediate family doing what you love!
  • Call or Zoom with extended family or friends to express love and gratitude.
  • Give food at an upcoming food drive to support your local community.
  • Give clothing - Start spring cleaning early and find some clothing to give to a local shelter or organization in need.
  • Send cards of gratitude to local essential workers or congregate living facilities (hospital, police/fire station, senior center, or your mail carrier). 
 
As always, we’d love to see you in action! Share your photos of your children showing love and kindness at events@valleymontessorischool.com

Here are photos from some of our early childhood classrooms!
FREE PARENTING ZOOM
Join Montessori teacher Molly Oto for a Parent Zoom to gain strategies for prioritizing, “keeping it real”, caring for your self, and staying positive for the benefit of your children and family. Molly will lead a discussion, answer questions, and offer tools to keep you feeling strong and capable as you parent during this challenging time. Taking time to focus on being our best selves allows us to better care for others.

Toddler/Primary Parents: 2/16 at 7pm


Zoom Link:
VMS Parents - We are looking to create more opportunities to connect with each other through fun activities, community service, family outings (when it's safe to do so), and more. Join us for a Zoom Social Hour to get to know each other! Click the date for the corresponding Zoom link:

February 11 at 7:00 PM Middle School Parents
February 13 at 10:30 AM Early Childhood Parents

We look forward to meeting you!

VMS Parents and CEC Coordinators,
April Gallagher, Erika Morales and Jessica Kinlund
June 14 - July 30
Mark your calendar!
Enjoy the three day weekend!

Valley Montessori School
1273 N Livermore Ave Livermore CA 94551