Dear Families of Escuela del Sol,
As week two of this extraordinary year comes to a close, I can say wholeheartedly that things are good! The struggle is real, but so is the joy, the great positive energy our students have, the curiosity, the learning, the friendships… it is so heartening to see the kids here on campus.
For you, their families, I know the return to campus is full of new procedures, things to remember to do … and you can’t come inside; how hard is that! I spoke to a parent yesterday who said she feels like she’s “circling the perimeter” of the school, of our community. To all of you who feel similarly, I’ll say give us a bit more time. We will find ways for all of us to connect, to participate in that warm sense of community Escuela is known for.
In the meantime, I need to ask you to focus on some of the seemingly mundane but important procedures that are so necessary at this time.
Regarding drop-off and pick-up:
- Everyone (including parents and guardians, nannies, friends and relatives) must wear a mask as soon as they enter the grounds. That means the parking lot, the drive-up drop-off from Granite and on Seventh St. That means as soon as you roll down the car windows, make sure everyone in the car is masked up.
- For our younger children we ask that the driver or adult passenger in the car be the person who gets out of the car (mask on) and helps the child get out of the car seat. Escuela employees may not get children out of car seats.
- Please complete the daily health check before your arrival. If you have not done this, please drive out of the parking lot, fill in the form (take your child’s temp) and return to the end of the line.
- If you do not arrive during your 15 minute drop-off window, we will ask you to wait until 8:30. We cannot have students from different pods intermingling in the parking lot, on the stairs or ramp, or at the hand washing stations.
- For pick-up/drop-off outside your regular window: If you need to pick-up or drop off in the middle of the day (doctor appointment, dentist, etc.), please call the school at least 15 minutes beforehand so that we can give your child’s teacher ample time to prepare him/her for departure, and someone from admin can facilitate their leaving or arrival. We appreciate as much advance notice as possible.
- School closes at 3:30 for Elementary and 4:30 for Toddler and Primary. Our faculty and staff are working very long days to keep everyone healthy; please help them go home on time!
We are appreciative of your collaboration with us; your children are so grateful to be able to be back on campus!
Have a wonderful weekend, we’ll see you Monday!
– Friedje
