In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are making changes to the school calendar for 2020-21. These changes are the direct result of parent feedback. We hope they clarify how we will approach the possibility of temporary school closures next school year.
While there are still many unknowns, we are making plans that will allow us to maximize the time students are physically present at school. We will implement increased health and safety precautions to help prevent our campuses from being closed due to COVID. Both campuses will be isolated as much as possible to ensure limited opportunity for whole school closure. In addition, we are implementing a flexible 2020-21 school calendar.
Key Changes for Next Year's School Calendar:
Five weeks of additional school days were built into the calendar anticipating intermittent closures
The school year will start on Aug. 3, 2020 (the calendar may be adjusted if we are unable to open as scheduled due to city/state mandates)
The school year may end as late as June 11, 2021
Distance learning will NOT occur during possible school closures until the additional five weeks of budgeted closure time is used. If all five weeks of budgeted closure time is used, distance learning will occur for all students
We understand that this flexible calendar may make it harder to plan for vacations, but we hope that the trade-off of having your child in the classroom for as much of the school year as possible is worth the uncertainty. Click HERE to see the full calendar.
In closing, we wish to thank you for your continued feedback and engagement. The challenges of responding to the pandemic continue to call upon our capacities for innovation, adaptability, and equanimity -- all values embodied in Waldorf education. We are grateful for the strength of this community, for your ongoing support and participating as we move through these uncharted waters together.
Warmly,
Joseph Peychaud
Head of School
Michelle Fridman
Finance & HR Director