A Good Beginning

We have now completed three weeks of school. I have not posted on this blog because for much of that time my heart was in my throat hoping that all would go well. And it has - we have been blessed with wonderful students and thoughtful parents - and hardworking, cheerful, and optimistic teachers. We instituted new procedures, new arrival times, new activities, new traditions - and everyone has been immensely cooperative and helpful. 
St. Philip's traditionally had an open door policy with parents - they were welcome to bring children downstairs, read a story, chat with the director or a teacher. Now, parents can't enter the building. Nonetheless, the children have been terrific at saying goodbye and then happily beginning their day, and we find that we have a good start to our planned activities as a result. All our parents have been amazing at arriving and picking up on time and being patient with the Brightwheel checkin process. 
We could not have had such a successful opening without the hard work of our custodian, Mr. Tony Marcellin. He cleans, vacuums, and disinfects every morning so that we arrive to a fresh safe environment each day. He also powerwashed the climbing equipment, put up a new back gate for us, helps set up the playground every day, and does a myriad more helpful things, including explaining his tools to our curious Ducks. 
We have also benefitted form the help of our two essential "workers," the Reverend Amanda Eiman and new Parish Administrator Micki Bless. They are terrific supporters of the program, and will be playing a larger role in the future.
Finally, the members of the Vestry of St. Philip's really deserve the credit for the continued existence of the Nursery School. Without the financial support of St. Philip's Church, we would be closed.  The church does not charge rent and bears our occupancy costs. This summer, they funded fresh paint, new mulch, new swings, new picnic tables, an air purifier - anything we needed to operate safely. Led by Terri Akbas and Sarah Bayne, they want to see St. Philip's succeed and continue for at least another 60 years to come. All my thanks to them.