Dear LFS Families,
We've just completed our first full week with all of the children on campus, and we're feeling very excited about it. While I'd gotten to know students via Zoom, nothing beats spending time with them in person. And while I've heard a lot about how amazing LFS kids are, I finally had the chance to witness their high level of academic engagement in person and to be on the receiving end of their boundless kindness and positive energy. The same goes for our teachers; observing classes on Zoom isn't the same as being in a teacher's real classroom, where their creativity and hard work most come to light, and where their skilled lesson planning and knowing/nurturing relationships with kids shine. I feel blessed to be able to help lead such a school and community.
We know, though, that our ability to remain on this campus hinges on all of us following our health and safety guidelines ... and perhaps on a little luck too. Please see below for a list of reminders that will help us keep our community as safe as possible, and that will help us to best deliver an in-person program in our small student cohorts.
I hope that you'll join me tomorrow at 5PM for our first-ever Fall Spectacular. While we'd rather be having a real campfire and hayride, we still can have a great time sharing spooky and fall-related stories and enjoying each others' virtual company! See the link below and in the side-bar.
I wish everyone a great weekend. Thanks for sharing your terrific kids with us, and for trusting us during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Tr. Neal
Reminders
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A health screen for your student must be completed each morning before the student comes to school.
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Check the weather for the day and send kids with appropriate torso, leg, and foot wear. Also rain gear and layering clothes, since we will be going outdoors regardless of the weather.
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Stewart is the only Drop Off and Pick Up point
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Reminder that there is no parking permitting on Lansdowne Avenue. Borough police are monitoring and will be present at times to enforce and to issue tickets.
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It is not necessary to call the Main Office upon arrival at the curb for afternoon pick up. Staff will be at the curb to assist you. Please stay in your car. You only need to call the Main Office when there is a change in your pick up plans or if you need to pick up a child at a different time.
- The water fountains are only available to refill water bottles, not to drink from. Remind your child to drink. It is harder to do when all are wearing masks.
- If your child needs a utensil to eat their lunch, please provide it. We do not have the lunchroom available to loan utensils.
- Please be sure your child's masks stay over their nose and mouth. If they slip down, please adjust the mask or try a different style. Masks are essential to being on campus together. If you are not sure, have them wear their mask for a while at home or while playing outside to mimic the conditions they encounter at school. Teachers will be in touch if your child's mask is not staying on properly.
- Children should not exit cars in the morning until greeted by a staff member. Please stay in the car until a staff member can inquire about your health screen.
Please also continue to reach out to me and to attend the Friday virtual coffees. Also be on the lookout for an upcoming parent survey, as we look to gather more information not only about our distance learning program (as we may at some point need to return to distance teaching), but also about our return to campus implementation and the prospect of moving back to "distance mode" between Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. I also envision hosting "town hall" conversations for parents in the coming weeks about the risks/benefits of being on campus during the pandemic.
Thank you so much for partnering with us--and for trusting us with your children--during this incredibly unusual time.
Tr. Neal
