Lower School Newsletter - February 10, 2021

Update on Cohort Interactions During Outdoor Breaks

Starting this week, we will be expanding the cohorts to include the whole grade level only for outdoor break and recess. This will support our goal of broadening the students’ opportunities to build social connections with other students in the grade level. We will continue to follow our well-established protocols of handwashing/hand sanitizing before and after break and recess, wearing masks and physical distancing.

Time for a mask check! An Update from Director of Health Services, Mary Hart

The season of love is upon us! With Valentine's Day just around the corner, there is no better time for students and adults alike to show yourself and those around you some love by doing a mask check!

Here are some things to consider when deciding if it's time to upgrade you or your student’s mask:

• Does it fit well?
• Does it cover your mouth and nose without constantly having to adjust it?
• Have you tried the light and candle test?
  • If you hold your mask up towards the light, can you see the light coming through the weave of the mask?
  • Can you blow a candle out while you are wearing your mask?

If you answered yes to the above two questions, it is best to wear a different mask or add another layer underneath. Even Dr. Fauci says he doubles up on his masks!

As a specific example, although super well-fitting and really nice looking, the popular Rothy’s masks may not be the best choice to wear alone. If you or your student/s own one of these masks, try the light and candle tests to see how well they fare. If they are just too comfortable to get rid of, then try adding a disposable mask or another layer or filter underneath.

The CDC reminds us to choose a mask that has:

• Two or more layers of breathable, washable fabric that completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly against your skin without gaps on the side.
• A double-layered disposable mask with a pliable metal piece that goes around your nose is another great option and is great for those of us who wear glasses!

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

Happy early Valentine's Day!

Recordings for Recent Coffees

Recordings for the recent Learning Center Coffee and Fine Arts Coffee are now available on the 2020-21 Webinars Tile on the Resource Board in Husky Hub.

Reimagined JK-Grade 8 Uniform Exchange Update

First, a huge thank you to all our families who donated to the Uniform Exchange. We are no longer accepting donations but will make you aware when the next donation opportunity is available.

Now, we are ready to begin Uniform Shopping! Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Fill out this order form with your uniform preferences by Friday,  February 12.

Remember:

• Complete one form per child.
• Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• If we are unable to fulfill your request, we will email you.

Step 2: You will receive an email from Adrienne Robinson when your order is complete and ready for pick up.

Step 3: Pick up your order from the Miller House front porch, located on the Lower School campus at 10409 Academic Drive. We anticipate orders will be ready for pick up on February 23, 24, and 25 between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Creativity Corner

As we make our way through winter, here are this week’s suggestions for fun and creative activities, for families to try at home, from our Department Chair for Innovation Joey Starnes.

National Girls and Women Sports Day

On February 3, the Upper School Athletic Advisory Council led a discussion with retired professional soccer player Joanna Lohman to celebrate the 35th National Girls and Women Sports Day. This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life.

We recorded the event so our Middle School and Lower School students can watch the inspiring discussion led by our Athletic Advisory Council. Please enjoy it!!

National Girls and Women Sports Day Event

Articles

How to Avoid Passing Anxiety onto Your Kids

UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM THE LAST NEWSLETTER

Valentine’s Day

On Friday, February 12, we will celebrate Valentine's Day. Students may dress in Valentine's Day colors (red, pink or purple) with jeans. They also have the option to wear their school uniform if they prefer. To follow our COVID-19 protocols, students should not bring in cards or candy treats from home.

Dates for Virtual Game Night, Literacy and Engineering Nights — Please Note Change in Date for Grade 5 Game Night

We have been so impressed with the resilience, compassion and perseverance our Lower School students continue to show each day. We have been very closely monitoring their social and emotional well-being, cognizant that life is so different for them right now. While we continue to meet our goal of keeping our students safe in their cohorts, we have continued to look for innovative ways for them to interact socially and meet and strengthen social relationships with their peers throughout the grade level. We are excited to announce that we are planning a number of virtual Lower School events for the different grade levels over the next few months. Below is a list of the events. More specific details will be shared closer to the events.

• NEW DATE: Friday, February 19, 7-8 p.m. — Grade 5 Virtual Game Night
• Friday, February 26, 7-8 p.m. — Grade 4 Virtual Game Night
• Thursday, March 11, 6-6:30 p.m. — Grades JK-1 Virtual Literacy Night
• Thursday, March 11, 6:45-7:30 p.m. — Grades 2-3 Literacy Night
• Friday, April 9, 6-7 p.m. — Lower School Virtual Engineering Night
• Friday, April 23, 6-7 p.m. — Lower School Virtual Math Night

Lower School Division Coffee, Thursday, February 18, 9 a.m.

The upcoming Lower School Coffee on Thursday, February 18, will focus on the Lower School Wellness Program, including the Second Step curriculum and mindfulness, as well as how we are supporting our students’ social and emotional well-being during COVID-19. Director of Counseling Ilana Reyes and Lower School Counselor Emily Sorbi will be hosting this event, and there will be time for an “open forum,” where parents may talk about topics of their choice or ask questions that they may have. We look forward to seeing you there! Here is a link to the Meet.

Updated Protocol for On-Campus Learners’ Temporary Transition to Virtual Learning

Here is updated information for on-campus learners when they have to temporarily transition to virtual learning due to illness.