Hello, Friends. We’re winding down our second week of our new school year! For the EWingers, it was a long awaited re-entry and the emotions that always go along with new beginnings. Establishing new routines and taking the time needed to get back into a comfortable rhythm is our focus right now and it feels good to be in it together. For you new WWingers, it’s been two weeks of developing trust and getting to know us. With the two-family-at-a-time visits, Family Pages Night, virtual one-on-one connections, and home visits with the teachers, it’s a new beginning to making relationships and yet a very real way that speaks to our values of what it means to be a caring community.
Caring community. . . . those are the key words that have always guided our work and during this time of Covid, those words are taking on an even deeper, more tangible meaning. What does “taking care of each other” really mean? With this question, I’m reminded of the quote from Carlina Rinaldi, President of Reggio Children and Professor of Pedagogy at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia:
Only if we cultivate the “us” can the “I” exist. If you’re not okay, I’m not okay.
Honoring our Community Agreements takes on a whole new meaning as we put faces and stories together and get acquainted (and reacquainted!) with our newly formed smaller groups. For the EWingers, it means branching out and meeting new friends in a different way. For you WWingers who are new to us, you’re not just a bunch of “yellow application cards” anymore! You’re becoming a part of our family! Thanks to all of you for your commitment to do what’s expected to keep us all healthy. We appreciate, and depend upon, your continued openness and honest transparency as we maneuver this new way of living and learning together. . . .wearing masks, physically distancing, refraining from gathering in large groups, avoiding non-essential travel, taking the necessary steps if you need to quarantine and letting us know, and taking on the rituals of washing hands and disinfecting with vigor.
For the teachers, venturing back into school after a month of furlough, has been emotional and the “what if?” questions do arise from time to time. Being back with children is the high and seeing the joy on their faces as the children connect and reconnect with their new environment is gratifying. Hopefully, the posts on the NSW Parents Portal capture that magic of new explorations. Be sure to reach out to Katy (katy@newschoolwest.com) if you are having trouble logging in. We want to keep you connected since this is our main source of communication.
We are grateful that you continue to be in the dialogue with us. Teachers have shared that even though parents had some concerns about mask wearing at school, the children are actually doing really well with understanding the importance of taking care of others and wearing masks is a part of that. They have also shared that the children are really using 4 to 5 masks a day so this is a good reminder that bringing an extra supply for your days at school is a wise thing to do. Remember that masks with vents are not regulation. Amelia (Copper’s mom/WW) shared two links that might be helpful when looking for info about masks and finding the right fit:
(scroll down to just below half way to the section titled “Masks with Exhalation Valves or Vents”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html and this one. . . The “Kids” size is perfect for 3 year olds https://www.joahlove.com/collections/mask
Adriana also shared this link for disposable masks. What we know to be the key factors here are the right fit and the right comfort. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087Z9SY1H/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_i_altrFbN562RTC
These links and a few others to masks parents have recommended are included on the Parent Portal under Quick Reference and What to Bring.
We continue to invite your input as you discover things that work well. . . and maybe a few things that don’t. It’s all about learning more as we move forward. Thanks, again, for your patience and trust in us as we maneuver our new world. It feels good to be in this together. I’ll see you WWingers at your first day Coffee with Roleen on Monday at 9:30. I’ll send you the link around 9:20. Have a great weekend. xoR