Happy December! I am looking out my window at the beautiful yellow Ginkgo leaves falling onto the green grass. I can picture the scene I would typically see at this time — parents posing their children for beautiful photos, little children playing in the leaves, and older students racing around trying to bury their friends in the leaf piles. 

 

At first, I had a moment of sadness that the laughter wasn’t floating up to my window, but that quickly changed to gratitude that each and every one of our students are at home and are safe. I have heard so many reports of the unexpected benefits of this time together. Parents are appreciating having daily lunch time with their children, more opportunities to chat about the day, additional walks as a family to get out of the house, movie nights, shared cooking or baking activities, and so much more.

 

Admittedly, not everything is perfect. We also know of added financial stress, bandwidth challenges, and irritations that can pop up from too much togetherness. I firmly believe that the difficulties will fade away eventually leaving us stronger, and the benefits will last into our futures if we intentionally bring them along. It makes me proud that our community is equipped to do just that.

 

Some of you may have seen Clairbourn’s name on the approved waiver list for TK-2 grades in Los Angeles County. This waiver gives us permission to be on campus, but does NOT require us to use it. At this time, while the new stay-at-home order is in place due to unprecedented COVID numbers, it seems quite clear to me that this is not the time to bring people together. We will stay 100% remote until the numbers improve. 

 

The guidance right now is to stay at home avoiding interaction with individuals outside of your home. This is a three-week order at this time, but could be extended if the numbers don’t improve. This means we are in a wait-and-see mode for bringing back our JPK-2nd grade students in any form for full-day or individual activities. 

 

California is being asked to avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary. I know how hard that is during the holidays! I have family in St. Louis who just canceled their trip to come and see us for Christmas. It makes me sad to know that we won’t be together this time, but I also know that it is the right thing to do to benefit the larger world community.

 

Many of you are in similar situations. I also know that some will not resist the tug of family gatherings. Because of this reality, we will stay remote for at least the first two weeks in January as an extra precaution to keep our community safe.

 

The earliest we might start our younger grade activities would be Tuesday, January 19. If the numbers don’t improve dramatically by then, we will continue 100% remote until the numbers change for the better. We will have a much clearer idea of our timing in January. Rest assured, that even when we are able to bring students back, we will continue our remote learning option for those staying at home.  

 

Please know that our decisions are driven by the science provided by our health officials and what we believe is in the best interest of our students and teachers. Keep an eye out for January meetings for the families in the grades impacted by the waiver. These meetings are designed to answer any questions you may have about students returning to campus.

 

Thank you for your continued patience and support.