All School Newsletter I August 10, 2021
From the Head of School
Our “Safety Card”
By Adrianne Finley Odell, Head of School


During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have missed out on many things that we previously took for granted. Attending concerts and performances. Spending time with friends. Getting together with our families. Having some of these opportunities again the last couple of months has helped us appreciate them so much more. For me, one of those things was the opportunity to travel as I was able to see family members again as well as enjoy a much needed vacation. Sitting in my seat on the plane, I noticed the safety card in the pocket in front of me and pondered about how “safety” has become something that is at the forefront of our minds these days. I felt gratitude for the way we have been able to keep our Roycemore community safe during the pandemic with NO COVID outbreaks (so far!). We were able to achieve this because of the commitment of all members of our community to each other--to do the right thing to ensure a safe and healthy environment on campus, protecting the on-campus learning experience for everyone. This has been Roycemore’s “safety card.” As we are about to embark on a new school year, and another year still in pandemic, I humbly ask for everyone’s continued vigilance in support of our “safety card,” ie. key mitigation measures that have worked for us so far and are outlined in our Health and Safety Plan:

  • Wearing a mask while on campus
  • Maintaining appropriate social distancing
  • Washing/ disinfecting hands regularly
  • Staying home when experiencing any COVID related symptoms.

And we have a new tool in our arsenal- the COVID-19 vaccine. All individuals 12 years or older are eligible to receive the vaccine and we highly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. Although not mandatory (yet), if we have proof of an individual’s vaccination status, and there is a close contact to a COVID-19 positive case, the vaccinated individual will not be required to transition to off-campus learning and will not have to quarantine unless they become infected themselves. Copies of vaccine cards can be sent to forms@roycemoreschool.org, the same place you send other forms. Forms are located on our parent resource page (New Students: https://roycemoreschool.org/course/new-student-forms/ and Returning Students: https://roycemoreschool.org/course/student-re-enrollment/) Also, don’t forget to sign and return the Community Health & Safety Pledge and send it to forms@roycemoreschool.org. This represents our shared commitment to each other.  

Finally, thanks to everyone who joined us by zoom last week for our Health & Safety Town Hall meeting. If you were unable to attend, you can watch a recording of the video here. Please reach out to your respective Division Head if you have questions or concerns.

In appreciation of your partnership in the education of your children,
Adrianne Finley Odell
Head of School
RFA Back to School Griffin Gathering
Save the Date: Parent Coffee with Head of School Search Consultants
On Wednesday, August 25th consultants from Educational Directions will be on campus to meet with parents and faculty. There will be a Parent Coffee from 8:45 - 9:30 am in the MPR. There will also be a virtual session at 7:00 pm. A sign-up for the virtual meeting will be sent out soon. Please save the date in your calendars. Your input is extremely valuable in the search for our next Head of School.
New Parent Orientation and Dinner
Roycemore invites new parents to join us for orientation and a dinner on Tuesday, August 17th. Free childcare will be available. If you are planning on utilizing this service, please let us know by Monday, August 16th by emailing Janine Bragdon, Advancement Coordinator, at jbragdon@roycemoreschool.org.
Interested in Hosting an International Student?
Global School Access is seeking host families for Roycemore School international students. Requirements include a private bedroom in a safe home, daily transportation to and from school, nutritious meals, and the love and understanding a young person needs to enjoy a successful academic year. Compensation is available to offset the costs of hosting. There will be local support and communication provided throughout the student’s stay. For more information, please contact Anita Chávez-Berry at 773-891-6625, or anita@globalschoolaccess.com.
Upper School News
Mark your calendar for Upper School Orientation on August 23rd from 12:30-2:00pm! This is for ALL 9th graders, and ALL NEW students in grades 10-12.
Middle School News
Early Childhood and Lower School News
Mark your calendar for Pre-K through 4th grade Student & Parent Orientation on August 23rd!

8:30-9:15: Families with last names A-M
9:30-10:15: Families with last names N-Z

Please work with your student's classroom teacher if a switch in time needs to be made. Students can bring classroom supplies at this time.

In preparation for Orientation, please create an SWS account for your child(ren) by August 17th so teachers can pass out the QR codes for their backpacks at the Student & Family Orientations on August 23rd. Information can be found in the EC/LS Procedures Guide.
Calendar Highlights
August.17: Middle School Summer Learning Celebration & Ice Cream Social (3pm): RSVP
August 17: New Parent Orientation (5:30-7pm)
August 20: RFA Back to School Griffin Gathering (4-6pm): RSVP
August 23: New Student Orientation (see division news for times)
August 24: First Day of School
August 25: Head of School Search Consultant Parent Coffee and Virtual Session
September 2: Virtual Curriculum Night (5:30-8:30pm)
October 24: Fall Admissions Open House (1-3pm)
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