Classes Resume and Preparing for Winter

Dear Families:

“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” — Henry David Thoreau

As the brilliance of fall begins to seep into the neutrals of winter, we are reminded that the shifting seasons often mirror the energy of our own lives. Summer excitement leads to fall adventures, which then leads to a hibernation of sorts, when life moves indoors and families huddle close. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is making this subtle difference in seasons even starker. As expected, the cold months of 2020 are bringing with them a rise in cases across the country, forcing us to revisit our activities and set new expectations for the season ahead. 

For that reason, I’d like to give you an update on COVID-19 in our community, and our plans for moving forward this winter: 

First: We will resume our classroom and HyFlex learning models on Dec. 7. The Montgomery County Commissioners and Office of Public Health will not extend the virtual learning order that ends this Sunday, December 6.  This is exciting news and means our faculty and staff will return to school and our students will resume their classroom and HyFlex learning models on Monday.   

Next: It is our goal to maintain our current in-person instruction model as long as it is possible. This means that, until we are told otherwise, we will continue classroom instruction with virtual learning as a flexible option. Part of this decision stems from The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s recent conversations with the Department of Health, which determined that students are safer in a controlled school environment like The Quaker School, rather than with virtual learning, because of our stringent safety protocols. 

However, if we are once again required to transition to fully virtual learning, we are ready. Our unique HyFlex model has prepared our students and families for this situation, and our teachers have been able to adjust their methods to ensure our transformational educational model continues even if we are in an online setting. 

No matter what happens, we will remain transparent. Our goal is to keep you updated and informed so that you can make smart decisions for your family as we make smart decisions for our school. If at any point you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Our commitment will always be to the health and safety of our school community, and the bright futures of our students.

Shine on,

Alex