Sometimes students are returning to school while not entirely well, and while they’re not bringing Covid onto campus, they are bringing colds and other germs into the classroom while still not feeling their best. Ultimately, the most important factor for a student to return to school is if they can participate fully in their classroom activities.
Activities related to Care of Others provide a great sense of joy, accomplishment, and contribution. It feels wonderful to help others, and as children grow they develop skills that allow them to make more and different contributions to their family and community.
Escuela and Harwood celebrated flipping the switch over to our new SOLAR ARRAY! Celebrations ranged from lessons about the sun and how we harness its energy, a sing-along of “Here Comes the Sun,” and a small ceremony with Sr. El and Jr. High students where we officially FLIPPED. THE. SWITCH. Click “read more” to see the video!
Part of Escuela del Sol’s and Harwood Art Center’s 2016 Master Plan included an outline for making the campus a more sustainable entity in our urban oasis in downtown Albuquerque, which included installing a solar array on the top of our historic Harwood building. After the damaging hail storms of 2019, it became clear that before the solar panels could be installed, a new roof was going to be needed (thank goodness for insurance!). After much planning and pandemic backlog, both projects were finally able to happen this summer!
We have decided to amend our policy for students returning to school after illness.
Throughout all Planes of Development, activities related to Care of Self help children gain independence. This important work also supports neurological development that lays a foundation for coordination, concentration, abstract thinking, and executive function. And children really love this work! It builds the knowledge that caring for yourself throughout your life is valuable and important.
Book Club is a much-loved tradition at Escuela del Sol. Every summer Classroom Guides craft a special list of books that cover a variety of genres and topics appropriate for this age group. This is a form of “homework” we assign to families on a monthly basis.
Due to the changing pandemic landscape:
1. Masks are now required for everyone at all times while on campus – inside and outside (except for students less than two years old), unless eating, drinking, or napping.
2. Only vaccinated adults will be allowed on campus during Early Care and Extended Day. Visitors who choose not to share their vaccination status with Escuela will be required to participate in assisted drop-off from 8-8:30 a.m. and assisted pick-up from 3-3:30 p.m. or 4:30-5 p.m.
We have an amazing group of students entering Jr. Elementary this school year, one of many exciting milestones. Below are some nuggets we compiled to help you support your children in their upcoming transition into Elementary.
Many students and their parents feel a very healthy and normal sense of sadness at separation. Difficult separations are often rooted in fear of the unknown when it comes to a new situation, but difficulties with separation is a phase, it is perfectly natural, and it will pass.
Escuela del Sol Montessori • 1114 Seventh Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 • 505-242-3033 • 800-317-4752 (fax)
