Today marks the end of what has been an intense moment in the school year. The Omicron wave definitely made its mark. It has affected several of our students who, although spared serious illness, had to miss quite a few days of school, and it affected a number of our colleagues more severely. Our staff continues to feel the effects of Omicron; we haven’t had a “full house” since before the winter break.
What the future holds
Nevertheless, the situation seems to be improving and our community is beginning to wonder what the near future holds: will masks and testing still be required (or not)? The jury is out. My inbox is inundated daily with scientific articles, op-eds, and emails representing all shades of opinion. Sometimes things get a little heated; it’s to be expected—everyone is worried—no offense is ever taken. At The École we always listen to you, and I am specifically including my colleagues in that ‘you’ because if we stick rigidly to protocol, write to families about positive cases at the weekend, ask sick children to stay home, and insist on strict compliance with the Test-to-Stay program, it is because we want to protect the adults who work with our students just as much as we want to protect the children.
Adapting new measures to our needs
We will continue to listen to you in the coming weeks, just as we will continue to follow the guidelines from New York State. We are expecting an announcement concerning schools from the governor at the beginning of March. Things can change quickly so I say this with caution: we do not expect to hear anything from the governor before March so there shouldn’t be any change to our protocol before we return to school on Monday, February 28. We are ready for whatever comes whenever it comes, as we have been since the beginning, and we will of course let you know of any measures that are upheld, adopted, or dropped by the Back Onsite Committee, whose role it is to make sure the New York State requirements match the context of The École and the needs of our community.
Homeward bound
Until then, I would like to wish all families, students, and staff a wonderful February break. Not everyone will be resting; some children have signed up for camp and they will be supervised by members of our team. As for me, I will be absent for a few days; I am traveling to France to visit my family after more than two years apart. It goes without saying that my mother is ready—the menu for the week has been planned and the entire neighborhood has been informed that I’m coming home. I often smile at pick-up to see kids rush at their parents for a well-deserved hug after a long day of work, and tomorrow it’ll be my turn!
I have really missed my mom, my dad, my younger sister, and my nephews. As 2020 taught us, Zoom is a poor substitute for the real, physical presence of the ones who matter for us. I am therefore going to bask in my family’s presence, take a breather, and return next week well-rested and prepared for the rest of the school year. I already know two things for certain about my trip (asides from what I’ll be eating for my next ten meals). First, on the flight back to New York, I will have the wonderful impression of simultaneously leaving home and coming home. Second, I will be a little wiser upon my return because somewhere over the Atlantic ocean I will turn 50. I’ll let you know how it goes.