Dear GMS Community,
This week we welcomed the 8th graders to campus to complete our first cycle of in-person learning rotation. This email will be our last weekly reopening update; going forward, we will communicate as needed when there are changes to our programming. And speaking of changes, read on…
Travel Update
Last week Santa Clara County removed the mandatory 10-day quarantine following travel and is now in accordance with state guidelines. The California Department of Public Health asks that Californians avoid non-essential travel beyond 120 miles from home. They recommend self-quarantine for 10-days when arriving in (or returning to) California from out of state quarantine is no longer required. GMS still asks that families avoid unnecessary travel and activities that may bring you into close contact with families outside your household/pod.
Vaccine Rollout
Now that vaccines have been made available to educators, most GMS teachers and staff have received their first dose (or at least have an appointment)! While this has not changed the state guidelines for schools, it is very good news and adds one more measure of safety.
Wednesday Activities Communication
We are excited to share an addition to our In-Person Learning Program… Wednesdays! At our recent Community Conversations, parents shared appreciation for the academic program teachers have delivered in remote learning but also a longing for more in-person school, whether for academics or socializing. We wholeheartedly agree that more in-person time for our community is advantageous. Incorporating Wednesday activities for students during their in-person week will be a great addition to our programming. Our first on-campus Wednesday will be March 17 with 6th grade, and these will continue through the end of the year.
Students will come to GMS on Wednesdays for their morning classes during the weeks they are on campus and then leave at 11:45 am or stay through lunchtime until 12:30 pm. Their time will be divided between Wednesday class (6th-grade SEL, 7th-grade Entrepreneurial, 8th Grade Personal Odyssey), Work Times (asynchronous class assignments), and organized outdoor activities. Students will leave school on Wednesdays in time for their afternoon Advisory and Community Connection.
Wednesday Morning On-Campus Schedule
8:00-8:20 am Arrival
8:20-11:45 am Classes, Work Time, and Activities
11:45 am-12:30 pm Lunch and Social Time (and Pickup window)
Wednesday Afternoon (at-home) Schedule
1:20-1:50 pm Advisory
2:00-3:20 pm Community Connection
Introducing Kheaton Scott
Our new Wednesday programming will be organized and run by returning GMS staff alum Kheaton Scott! Kheaton is a former GMS faculty member whose roles included Athletic Director, PE Teacher, advisor, coach, and trip chaperone to Pinnacles and Mexico. In addition to his GMS roles, Kheaton has been an educator at the Peninsula School, Palo Alto Unified, Sequoia Unified, and most recently, Los Angeles Unified. Serendipitously, Kheaton is temporarily back in the Bay area and says he is “beyond excited to return to GMS in this capacity and can’t wait to meet the students!”
From his recent wedding and his previous work at GMS, the photos below will introduce you to Kheaton and share a sense of the fun he injects into all activities. We feel very fortunate that he is rejoining our team.
