A Note from the Head of Upper School

Dear Parents,

Our family-filled summer was one we surely won't forget anytime soon. Masks, social distancing, road trips (for some), and limited access to pools and camps has certainly stretched an already long summer even longer. While summer is wrapping up in the traditional sense, we are all well aware that our day to day is not likely to dramatically change. We are not returning to the hustle and bustle of daily commutes by car, bike, or foot. We have not been out shopping for new school clothes, shoes, and backpacks. Yet, as the father of two Aidan Elementary students, the excitement for the return to a school program and the camaraderie of their classmates is a welcome change to the daily routine. The connection to teachers, boisterous discussion, and engagement in school work - even if it is via screens - is much needed for our children.

There are many new changes and improvements that you and your child will see and experience upon your return to the online distance learning program at Aidan Montessori school next week. Along with a new daily schedule, you will find new Montessori lessons and works collected in the Google Classroom homeroom for Magnolia, Red Oak, and Sweet Gum, access to a digital library to assist with student research, as well as strengthened and expanded parent education opportunities for you every week to help partner the school and home and better serve our students and families as we undertake the great work that is distance learning. Our team has been working hard over the summer to make the 2020-2021 school year the best one we can under the circumstances, and we cannot wait to share our progress with your family.

Elementary families should note that the group camping trips will be cancelled for this year, and so will field trips and going outs. Group gatherings like Popsicles in the Park and Swirl will also be shelved until we find ourselves in a safer situation for community gathering. We will be looking for other creative ways to connect as a community, and for those who attended our online Evening of the Arts and our 6th Grade Commencement Ceremony last year - I believe we have a blueprint to let our students shine through online gatherings and events. If you have a great idea, please let me know - as I am always seeking ways to improve our programs and bring our community closer together.

The EPIC (Elementary Parent Information Classes) schedule will include outside speakers, group discussions, and a chance to give our Elementary community more voices and resources to help guide them through parenting the second plane child into adolescence. These meetings will all take place via Zoom, and will be accompanied by the continuation of our Wednesday Wine Series with Jessica Kwerel, our school counselor, and myself.

Join us for the introductory kickoff session “Review of the Year & New Parent Boot Camp” on Friday, September 11, from 7:30-8:30 PM via Zoom - and please note that this meeting will be recorded and posted for the community to access anytime following the session. This will be the case with all EPIC and parent meetings, which is one positive outcome from the pandemic.

Thank you all for sticking with Aidan Montessori through these difficult circumstances. We recognize the stress this puts our students and parents under and we hope that our love for your child - and your child's learning - is what shines through during this experience.

Best,

Jimi Purse

Head of Upper School & Chief of Operations