Dear MCDS Families,
Just before we closed campus in March, an MCDS family gave me a copy of the book Ready or Not: Preparing our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly Changing World by San Francisco child psychologist and author Madeline Levine, Ph.D. The parenting insights from this book could not be more relevant right now. One of the core skills that Levine says all children need to learn is resilience. The world will undoubtedly throw challenges their way, and they will have to be able to bounce back from these difficult encounters in order to thrive in an uncertain world.
I know that none of us signed up for distance learning and social isolation, and the stress and disorientation we adults feel are likely being passed on to our children. Today Darlene, Margie, and Nell hosted a Zoom for parents/guardians to provide context and advice on how to support children during this difficult time. The recording of that meeting and answers to questions that were asked on the Zoom chat will be posted on our COVID-19 webpage soon. Although it's hard to see the glass half full, your children's disappointments now will develop into a powerful resiliency that will definitely serve them well in the future.
Earlier today we also heard from Governor Newsom that schools should be prepared to provide robust distance learning programs through the remainder of the school year. While some news outlets have reported that schools will not reopen, neither the Governor, school officials, nor public health officials have handed down an order that schools should extend campus closures beyond May 1.
Therefore MCDS is still planning to reopen campus on May 4. However, we are prepared to continue with distance learning beyond that date and until June if that's the case. Even as I remain optimistic, I am working with the administration, Board, and faculty/staff to prepare for this next phase of distance learning, which may go through the remainder of the year.
Finally, I am sending along another reminder about our Zoom parent/guardian meetings tomorrow. I hope to see you then!
Thursday, April 2, 12:30 - 1:00 pm: Drop-In Meeting for US Parents/Guardians - with Barbara and Katherine (Please submit your US questions HERE)
Thursday, April 2, 3:00 - 3:30pm: Drop-In Meeting for LS Parents/Guardians - with Stephanie and Katherine (Please submit your LS questions HERE)
I hope you have a pleasant evening.
marin country day school 5221 Paradise Drive • Corte Madera CA • 94925 To unsubscribe from future emails, click here. |