Reopening Announcement 8/10/2020
Dear Kehillah,
As you have no doubt predicted, we will be opening the year with 100% remote schooling. Santa Clara County remains on the watchlist and the deepening impact of this pandemic remains a serious concern.
At this point, for stability, our plan is to remain remote through Simchat Torah (October 11, 2020).
If, prior to that date, the State of California lifts the ban on reopening in person, we will consider our safest options to prioritize community building for on-campus activities that can primarily take place outside or in our largest indoor spaces. Under those conditions, we will also consider on-campus opportunities to differentiate for students who struggle to attend school remotely from home.
The option to remain remote will also continue to be available to families that wish to choose it.
Kinnus 2020-2021
Our all-remote
Kinnus will take place
Monday, August 24, 2020
-and-
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Sarah Canfield-Dafilou will share more info in a separate mailing.
•
First days of classes will be:
Wednesday August 26
-through-
Friday, August 28
As we currently understand it, when schools are allowed to reopen for on-campus attendance, they may remain open as long as they follow all safety guidelines, are responsive to any suspected or positive cases, and as long as their positive cases remain below the threshold.
Our commitment to exceeding the safety standard set means we would return to an all-remote structure if 2 students or 2 employees contract COVID-19. We will cross these reopening bridges when they happen but this points to the importance of knowing the safe behaviors expected and adhering to them diligently.
Our COVID-19 website pages are worth a visit and we will continue to add and update information. (click at the right)
I’m sure for some families this news is a welcomed relief and, for others, it is a disappointment. Know that our community has common ground in assuring a physically safe school year for all of our students and employees. We also have common ground in our commitment to supporting both social-emotional wellbeing and academic progress. Our plan moving forward will continue to align with these priorities.
In the past week, I have been collaborating with many in our community to shape my Head’s Pandemic Advisory Team for the school year. This small group, representing expertise in public health, medicine, risk, communication, Jewish wisdom, and education, will help me better support the internal pandemic task forces led by our Principal, Patti Carbery, and our Director of Health & Safety, Talia Anders. I’m very encouraged by the team that is forming and will share details on our COVID-19 website pages.
For those of you who have taken part in our Virtual Couchside Coffee Conversations on Thursday mornings, you’ve heard Patti and me ask about silver linings uncovered during this difficult pandemic time. Sharing these stories of family time, slowing down, camping, evening walks, finding fun patterned masks, talking to ourselves under our masks, cooking, bread-baking, happy pets, and reconnecting with old friends over Zoom has been uplifting and, yet, we recognize that the pandemic continues to demand that we let go of hopes and dreams for this school year.
I’m confident that the strength and creativity of our faculty and of this community will allow us to build a year of learning, engagement, connection, and growth.
We will move ahead together and, on behalf of our leadership team, our faculty, and our staff, we appreciate your support, your encouragement, and your commitment to our wonderful Kehillah!
Warm regards,
Daisy
Virtual Couchside Coffee
Thursday, 8/6/20
9:00-10:00 AM
Tomorrow is our second Virtual Couchside Coffee Conversation. Please join us!
Details in link below.