| First off, let me begin by acknowledging what an unusual time we are in, with our in-classroom education being temporarily suspended at our student center locations in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. As I indicated, the health and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, so, like most educational institutions across the country, in response to directives from state and national authorities, our classrooms are closed for the time being. We are daily monitoring health information provided by various governmental outlets, and we hope the virus will have sufficiently subsided soon so that we may welcome your children back to our school sites. We also hope we will be able to re-start our student-related travel, field trips, off-site studies, sports and after-school activities at this time.
I realize that this current situation, which is beyond our control, is creating hardships for some of our families, but I’ve also heard many good reports that while our students used to in-classroom education are home, they are continuing to learn and advance in their academic careers. We are releasing this April eNewsletter to you early, as the stories collected were written before we decided to temporarily suspend classroom-based education due to COVID-19. In subsequent communications, we will share with you the many unique ways our students continue to learn in a home-centered, Springs-supported personalized learning model.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION STAFF AWARD
If I may share some good news, I’m pleased to report that Sarah Behney, Educational Specialist from Springs’ KEYS site in Riverside, is the beneficiary of a $1,000 Summit Springs Educational Foundation staff award. The grant will be used to create a flexible seating environment for students, including the use of seating arrangements as standing tables, bean bags, smaller stools and other alternative seating options besides classical desks. The flexible seating will allow for the students to find comfortable seating that helps to increase their productivity and focus. Research has proven that flexible seating provides the students with choice, comfort, physical health, increased collaboration among peers and community. Congratulations, Sarah!
We encourage our parents and friends of the school to consider financially supporting our Foundation. Click here to view a recent meeting I had with Steaven Chan, president of our Summit Springs Educational Foundation, during which we awarded the grant and talked about the work of our Foundation.
Dr. Kathleen Hermsmeyer
Superintendent |
