First Day of Our Summer Program

Dear Families: 

“The nearer your destination, the more you’re slip sliding away.” — Simon & Garfunkel

If you ask me, there’s nothing that yells “summer” more than a good old fashioned slip-and-slide. The anticipatory run, the spray of the hose, the inevitable belly flop and skin burn as you dive over bumpy grass into a frigid pool of water. The. Best. 

Just like this (sometimes dangerous) childhood rite of passage, summer itself is also a time to slip out of routines and slide into relaxation … to slip out of work mode and slide into family fun. 

However, while some amount of slipping and sliding provides a wonderful break from reality (especially when done down a large backyard hill), the idea of a “summer slide” can be detrimental to students with complex challenges who have a more difficult time transitioning from one routine to the next. 

That’s why I’m thrilled that today is the first day of our Summer Program. 

After a short break, we were able to welcome students back into our building for what should feel like a very normal summer. Students will play outside unmasked, and children and adults can both be unmasked indoors if they are vaccinated. 

In the program, campers will slip into the joys of summer: they’ll play in groups, swim, run, and frolic in the sun. There will be no slide here, however: children will also continue learning throughout the summer months, with every student receiving 1:1 instruction in the subject of their choice. 

Like our school-year program, our Summer Program is in high demand and has record enrollment this year — which we are happily able to accommodate because of our new school wing. Many children suffered social, personal, and academic setbacks during the pandemic, and we are so grateful to be able to help them flourish. 

The start of Summer Program marks the end of a brief close of TQS offices, which we scheduled to commemorate Juneteenth. Although the holiday, June 19, arrived on a Saturday, we felt it important to mark the day celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, and we were happy to see it become a new federal holiday. 

Now, as I slide into summer mode and join in some outside fun, I want you to know that I’ll still be slipping notes into your inbox all summer long to give you updates on the new school year and our exciting new schedule. If you have any questions for me in the meantime, don’t hesitate to slide me a note of your own. 

Shine on,

Alex