St. Anne's Community:
The clock is ticking and the count down to the opening of the 2021-2022 school year has officially begun! We give you these ten exciting updates to help you plan as we transition from summer and get ready to embrace a new year.
Top Ten Things to know about the 2021-2022 school year
# 10. Our school is thriving. We will open the school year with 260 students.This is up sharply from last year and a strong indication of our continued appeal in the greater community. The greatest driver of our increased enrollment is happy students and parents and we don't take that for granted.
# 9. St. Anne's will continue to be a safe place to learn! Here are some things to expect in order to make that happen. First, everyone will be in masks for the beginning of the year, regardless of vaccination status. Second, in addition to encouraging vaccine-eligible individuals to do so, we continue to stress frequent hand washing/sanitizing as well as appropriate social distancing. Third, monthly testing will return in some capacity, perhaps for all faculty, staff and students given the increase in breakthrough cases. Fourth, frequent and detailed communication will continue and we will update you all accordingly and often in the coming weeks.
# 8. We have been sprucing up our outdoor spaces and they look better than ever! In an effort to ensure additional safety measures, we will continue to be outside as much as possible. Science tells us that outside transmission of COVID 19 is extremely low, however, since the new variant is much more contagious, we will continue to wear masks outside if we are within three feet. That said, if more than three feet apart, masks can be removed. Simply put, we will work closely with all relevant parties to keep our faculty, staff, and students safe.
# 7. For the time being, there will be no need to do the pre-arrival screening. While we have the ability to "turn on" our Ruvna system (online screening tool), we are starting the year without it. Please continue to monitor your children for any symptoms, and keep the school informed in this regard.
# 6. Thanks to the tireless work of last year's SAPA, and the generosity of our community, plans are shaping up for the installation of our new low ropes course later this fall. This will be used by our students for strengthening muscles, enhancing risk-taking, boosting communication skills, and building teamwork.
# 5. In addition to the new faculty we have brought on board, we have some familiar faces in new places. Learn more here:
# 4. Can't stop, won't stop! Speaking of our greatest assets, our teachers pursued numerous professional development opportunities this summer in preparation for the upcoming year. From attending 'Curriculum Camp' to SuperKids workshops, and think!Mathematics and DEI training, our faculty have been stretching themselves in preparation for the new year. And, yes, they assure me they are taking some much needed time off!
# 3. St. Anne's Episcopal is turning 20 this year! This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and future of our beloved school. There will be special events this year to acknowledge this milestone so stay tuned.
# 2. Mark your calendar!
Fall fest returns! October 15th! Fall Fest is a longstanding tradition at St. Anne's - think hayrides, apple cider, etc
Our first annual 5K Heron Pride Run. Organized by alumnus, Ruhan Patel, this is a great opportunity to get to know our beautiful campus and burn some calories, all for a good cause!
#1. Athletics are back! Yes, that's right St. Annes will be back out on the fields this fall with Girls Field Hockey, Boys Soccer, and Boys and Girls Cross Country. For more information, email Athletic Director Chris Weidner. Go Herons!
I will leave you with this thought. In a recent podcast put out by NAIS titled "The Purpose Of School", a group of educators invoked a quote from attorney, civil rights activist, and friend of St Anne's, Bryan Stevenson:
"Hope is your superpower".
The participants encouraged independent school leaders and faculty to use this as a mantra going forward. I certainly agree. After what has been a challenging year, I remain steadfast in my hope for and faith in St Anne's. Those who began the vision for this school 20 years ago felt that way and, it is in their collective spirit, that we continue to press forward. We are committed to making learning safe, challenging, relevant, and fun as we begin this year. Thank you for your continued faith, support, and trust.
We know you will have questions so please be in touch with me directly and I'll be delighted to talk with you.
In partnership and #Heronproud
Barry L. Davis
