Covid 19 Update : A letter about re-opening

Greetings Sierra Waldorf School Community:

We wish to acknowledge that we ALL have many questions. Where do we begin? Will this be a Waldorf school if we are implementing strict guidelines imposed by outside entities? How will we as parents be heard if we have concerns? Can our teachers teach their students effectively while wearing a mask? Who will hold a teacher’s class if she gets sick? Will the children be required to wear a mask? These are just the tip of the iceberg, and it is also the truth that this remains a fluid situation with no immediate answers. However, this is what we know to be true:

Waldorf education is rooted in the art of being human. It is a holistic, social education, imbued with warmth, kindness, and beauty. Rudolf Steiner explains that without form, there can be no real freedom, and we operate out of this fundamental truth each and every day. Therefore, as a community of teachers, in concert with the board and administration, we are continually given the opportunity to agree upon the appropriate form within which we will bring this inspired education. Once the form is agreed upon, the faculty then has the FREEDOM to imagine the most beautiful way to step into it and bring the curriculum to the children. We do this while keeping our gaze fixed on our value system as a Waldorf school.

When considering the re-opening of the school, we KNOW we care for the health of our entire community. By holding this value, we model empathy for all of the students on campus. With the health guidelines we are currently facing, we do not have to come across as draconian. Every class teacher will have their own developmentally appropriate styles and methods to achieve our common goal of uprightness infused with imagination. For example, in an early childhood classroom, we wouldn’t say “ stay on your X.” Instead, we might say “froggies, hop to your lily pads” or “birdies, keep your wings to yourselves.” In doing so, we create an environment that inspires the desired behaviors without producing anxiety or fear in the children.

Moving forward, this pandemic will continue to impact all of our lives. This calls us to be flexible in our thinking. We look forward to joyfully welcoming the students back to school. Your faculty is committed to doing this with the warmth and beauty that is at the heart of this education.

Throughout the summer months, the Faculty, in collaboration with the Board, Administration, PAC, and advisory committees of our school, will be tackling this work together. These groups are composed of the parents of our students, and we are all eager to create the best possible scenarios for our return. Committee meetings will begin this week, and we encourage you to follow Parent Square closely for details. There will also be weekly updates in the bulletin.

The Values that Guide Us:

We believe:

• Children thrive in a school environment where their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth is fostered and supported; Waldorf education is uniquely qualified to provide this

• In taking prudent steps to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among students, faculty, and staff and promote good health

• In prioritizing the well-being of community members at high risk and implementing protocols and practices to safeguard their health

• We have a responsibility to engage in practices that support the health and well-being of the larger community

Warmly,

The Faculty, Board, and Administration of Sierra Waldorf School

These are some of the sources used for planning and guidance

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID 19

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx

(CDPH) Guidelines for Schools

https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-schools.pdf

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/School%20Guidance_ADA%20Compliant_FINAL.pdf

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)