Happy Friday! We hope that everyone has had a nice week. It was amazing to spend some time in the Adolescent Program (AP) this week and watch the students working on their Ofrendas. The students' work included some wood working(sanding), art, and creativity to honor loved ones who have passed away. The classroom was a productive hum and very peaceful. I might just have to move my office to a back corner there.
THANK YOU- A huge shout out to the parents bringing in treats for staff. They are greatly appreciated! Thank you so much on behalf of all staff members for your thoughtfulness.
VACCINES: We are very excited that vaccine rollout for children ages 5-12 has started! (CCCOE Town Hall on Vaccines -Click Here for recording.) It is wonderful that all of our students will soon have the opportunity to be more protected against the covid-19 virus. I am sure that many of you are curious as to how that will change protocols and procedures. It will not alter things drastically. We anticipate there will be changes for immunized students in regards to travel, and of course in regards to quarantine if exposed to a positive case. Also, we have received from the county health that if the student is experiencing expected side effects from the vaccine, there is no need to isolate or test. Expected side effects would be fatigue, muscle aches, headache, maybe a slight fever. And they should occur w/in the expected timeframe: as soon as immediately but no later than 2 days after injection. If, overall, w/mild "symptoms" they feel well enough, they can attend school. And these side effects should resolve themselves w/in a day or two. The only recommendation to keep them home is probably a fever; depending on how high it is, how they feel etc. But even if they stay home for a day or so for that, they should be able to return right after. If any very specific COVID symptoms are experienced (loss of taste/smell, cough, shortness of breath) then isolation and testing protocols should be implemented. Those symptoms will not appear as side effects of the vaccine.
Masks will continue to be worn as they are currently for the remainder of this school year. The vaccine mandate that was enacted by the governor only is implemented the semester AFTER vaccines are officially approved for a specific group for regular use and not authorized for emergency use. It seems highly unlikely that the current approval for vaccines will take place prior to the end of the school year. The earliest we anticipate the mandate becoming enforced would be August 2022. Since the mandate will not be enacted fully, we do not anticipate that 100% of our students will be vaccinated at this time. We also do not want to single out families who choose to not vaccinate by allowing vaccinated students to be unmasked. Therefore, for the benefit of all of our students, the masks will continue.
TRAVEL: We also know that with the two long school vacations coming soon, there will be travel for many families. We have confirmed with county public health today (Friday, November 5th) for the latest updates on travel guidance. For unvaccinated travelers there is still guidance of quarantining upon return. Please see the flyer below for that guidance.
As we watch the news and see how politics has entered the school zone, it is important to reflect on the gift that is Eagle Peak. We have a very supportive and positive relationship with Mt. Diablo Unified School District. In fact at times it may seem as though we are part of the district. However, Eagle Peak Montessori is legally considered an independent school district for almost all functions. We create our own policies and procedures which are developed and reviewed through lawyers specializing in California Charter Schools and approved through our board of directors. Our students and staff are not MDUSD students and staff. However, because we have the great fortune to occupy district property and to have an MOU for special education with MDUSD, which does allow our students to be served as students of the district for special education, it sometimes seems as though we are a district program. We are not. Eagle Peak Montessori enjoys autonomy to follow the Montessori curriculum and to create the program which we are all a part of today. We do work cooperatively to observe and use MDUSD guidelines when appropriate in order to be consistent for families in both districts. MDUSD has oversight, which includes visiting the school, monitoring our finances, and academic performance. Every 5 years, they take that information in order to determine approval of the next five year charter. Our day to day operations are overseen directly by Eagle Peak. As stated in the beginning, we are extremely fortunate with the relationship with MDUSD which has been developed through Eagle Peak's 20 (21st year) years of operation. Charter schools historically have been championed by both sides of the political aisle. Recently, we have seen that messaging change at times and it is disappointing. Eagle Peak Montessori honors and appreciates both the freedoms and responsibilities that being a charter school brings to us and it is through both that we have been able to create this amazing educational environment for learners. Every once in a while it is simply important to sit back and appreciate all of these things. :)
Have a wonderful weekend! Remember next week we are out on BOTH Thursday and Friday.
