Dr. Karen Hiester

May 11, 2020

 

Dear TVS Families,

I hope you and your families are continuing to stay safe and healthy. 

I know that you all have questions about how our school will look this August.  I want you to know that we have been working daily behind the scenes on this critical topic. This letter is the first of several updates that you will receive in the weeks and months ahead.

The Village School has created a Re-Opening Task Force which is divided into two sub-committees of Board Members, Administration, Faculty, and Staff. One committee is focusing on Academic Program Delivery and the other on Health and Safety. The Re-Opening Task Force is working diligently to develop a re-entry strategy that prioritizes the health and safety of our community while providing flexibility and transparency for the re-opening of our campus. Our Administration, along with the task force, is reviewing each detail of school life to ensure the safest possible environment for students, faculty, and families. They are also establishing a new “TVS Standard of Care” which will follow CDC recommendations for health and safety moving forward. The Re-Opening Task Force is developing several scenarios (Scenario 1, Scenario 2, and Scenario 3) while using an “If this, then that” framework. Each of these scenarios is supported by adaptive strategies so we can pivot quickly based on what we learn about the virus.

While our preference will always be onsite learning with in-person instruction, our first priority remains the health and safety of our students and staff.  We are aware that opening school this fall as we have in years past may not be a possibility, so we are proactively developing several different scenarios. Our administration and the task force will continue to monitor the reopening of schools overseas, gaining insights on effective strategies as well as learning from those that can be improved upon. Throughout the coming weeks and months, we will share more details as we hear further guidelines from The CDC and state government on the phases of reopening. 

• Scenario 1 - Welcome everyone back to campus in the fall with enhanced health protections in place. 

• Scenario 2 - Hybrid of distance learning and on-campus learning.

• Scenario 3 - Return to distance learning (with improvements we have identified during our current unexpected distance learning this spring). 

As an agile organization, TVS will be prepared for various versions of the above three scenarios. Over the next three months, our team will continue to monitor the virus, consult with appropriate experts, follow CDC guidelines, and communicate regularly to you, our Village School families. We will also utilize this time for additional Professional Development so our teachers are even better equipped to deliver our academic program remotely as part of the scenario planning effort. 

We have all witnessed how quickly things can change in this environment. Our promise is not only to keep you informed but to continue to develop the safest scenarios, while still providing the highest caliber education in an environment where your child is known, nurtured, and loved. 

While evaluating all of these scenarios, I want you to know that our Re-Opening Task Force is doing a wonderful job balancing cautious optimism with realism. They are thinking strategically and critically as we look toward a future with many unknowns. As the late Adm. James Stockdale said, “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end — which you can never afford to lose — with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."

Most importantly, we seek wisdom from the Lord who will provide it in abundance, if we ask for it (James 1:5). I ask that you please continue to keep our leadership in your thoughts and prayers during this unprecedented time. 

As we move forward, I encourage you to look for “the silver linings” (which has become a popular phrase with our faculty and staff) and enjoy this found time with your children. Please know we miss you all dearly! 

As a TVS Community Member, we value your thoughts as we navigate through these unique circumstances. Please take a moment to fill out our anonymous survey so we can best support your family during this unprecedented time. For updates and information on our return to school this fall, please visit our website. 

Thank you for your continued trust and support with the education of your children. As members of the TVS Community, we all have much to be grateful for as we navigate this time TOGETHER!

 

Knights For Life!

With gratitude,

Dennis Chapman

Head of School

 

Dear TVS Community,

I hope you are enjoying this Memorial Day weekend and are beginning to return to a sense of new normalcy. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time of Distance Learning. I am proud of our teachers, students, and parents who have all operated outside of their comfort zones.

I have received several inquiries regarding August and the reopening of our campus. As we look ahead to the fall, I want you to know our main goal and focus is to be together back on our campus. We have shared the three scenarios simply to show we are ready for whatever restrictions may be mandated by the State of Florida. Ultimately, the ability to return to campus rests with our Governor and the FL-DOE. If schools are allowed to reopen, we will reopen. Friday’s loosening of the restrictions for Youth Sports and Summer Camps is a positive sign we will be back on campus this fall. 

While our Reopening School Task Force is reviewing the CDC guidelines for Reopening Schools, we are developing our own TVS Standard of Care and reimaging the indoor and outdoor spaces all over campus. We feel our approach is in line with our sense of community and core values while keeping all members of The Village School safe and healthy. 

 

We look forward to sharing more information in our next update in early June.

Stay safe and healthy!

With gratitude,

Dennis Chapman

 

 

May 29, 2020

TVS Community,

As we close the final chapter today on the 2019-2020 school year, it is certainly a bittersweet feeling as we all have experienced a sense of loss for what might have been. However, we have much to be grateful for as a school community. We are blessed with a tight-knit and supportive community that has supported the learning process in person and from a distance all school year. As we like to say, “It Takes A Village” and I am proud of our faculty, students, and parents for coming together to make it happen. We are in this together! I hope you take some time with your children to enjoy these highlights from this school year.

 

As we wrap up this school year, I want to take a moment to clear up any confusion that you may have about our plans for the next school year. 

 

The Board of Directors and the Administration are committed to returning to school in-person, on-campus for the 2020-2021 school year. Our primary goal is for your children to return to a healthy, safe, and vibrant school environment. We are dedicated to the safety of our school community and will always choose to do what we feel is in line with our core values at The Village School: Students First, Christian Values, Community, Integrity, and Innovation. All five of our core values are at the center of every decision that we make at The Village School. 

 

While we are using the CDC recommendations for school as a guideline, our objective is for your child to return to a familiar learning environment while keeping each member of our community feeling safe based on the status of the virus in Collier County. For example, with our TVS Standard of Care Daily Health Check procedures, and based on the current situation, masks/face coverings for students will be optional. We understand this is a personal decision and respect you to do what you feel is best for your child. 

 

To be clear, the three scenarios that have been shared previously with you were sent to inform you that we will be prepared for whatever may be mandated by state and local health officials during the school year based on COVID-19. As we have all learned this year, we must expect, and be prepared, for the unexpected. 

 

In April, The Village School formed a Reopening School Task Force that is continuing to work diligently behind the scenes and will continue to work throughout the summer with a focus on the following areas:

• Teaching and Learning

• Health and Safety

• Student Well-Being

• Auxiliary Program and Services

• Finance

• Employee Relations

• Spaces and Large Gatherings

 

We will share information with you throughout the summer at least twice a month as we monitor the fluid situation with COVID-19. 

 

In support of our return to campus, we are investing in additional outdoor learning spaces, sanitizing stations, staffing, and safe and effective cleaning supplies, while developing safety protocols and procedures to ensure that your child feels safe in our engaging learning environment where each student is known, nurtured, and loved. More information on the Reopening of School will be shared in the weeks and months ahead. 

 

Until then, we will anxiously await your return on August 13 when we are all back together on our beautiful campus! 

 

Have a wonderful summer!

 

Knights For Life!

 

With gratitude,

Dennis Chapman

June 19, 2020

TVS Community,

I am writing to you as we are about to start our rehearsals for our two culminating events for Middle School and Upper School. We are excited for our 15th Annual 8th-grade Promotion Ceremony tonight at 6:00 pm and for our Inaugural Senior Commencement Ceremony tomorrow at 2:00 pm. Both will be on Livestream if you would like to watch them - (click here for the live stream!.

As we continue into the summer, please know that our Leadership Team continues to work diligently on our Health and Safety Plan for a safe return to campus in August. Our goal remains for all students to return to campus on August 13.

Our Return to School Task Force has recently developed our “2020-2021 Return To School Plan” which I am honored to share with you. This is a high-level view of the policies and procedures we intend to utilize this school year. By offering the HyFlex model, families who are not comfortable with returning to campus may learn from home in real-time, while others who are comfortable will be able to do so with our TVS Standard of Care procedures in place. We will have several opportunities during the week of August 10 for you to come on campus and see our new procedures in place prior to the first day of school.

As we know, things can change quickly with this pandemic, so the plans in this brochure are subject to change based on advisement from governing agencies. Please look for another update in mid-July from me and stay connected regarding our plans on our Return To School webpage.

Please feel free to reach out to me or anyone on our Leadership team if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your belief in us and know we want your children to return to campus safely in August as much as you do.

 

WE GOT THIS!

Together

Vibrant

Safe

 

We are Knights For Life!

 

With gratitude,

Dennis Chapman

Head of School

July 16, 2020

TVS Community,

I hope this letter finds you well as you are enjoying the summer with family and friends. I am happy to report that I had a great 4th of July week with my family at the beach in Hilton Head where I was able to socially distance and reflect on this past school year while staring out at the ocean. I feel rested, rejuvenated, and ready to continue to work toward a safe and vibrant reopening of our campus.

We are in the midst of unprecedented times and in response, we need to pivot and innovate to provide viable teaching and learning options for each family that best suits their needs for the 2020-21 school year. Our team has been hard at work and in alignment with one of our core values, Students First, has developed several options to meet the needs of each student.

As shared in our 2020-21 Return to School Plan, we will be returning to campus for Face-to-face instruction on August 13. You have three options to choose from to meet your individual needs.

 

Option 1: On-Campus, Face-to-face instruction with the TVS Standard of Care measures in place. 

For those that are not comfortable returning to campus full-time in this format, we will offer two alternate options for August as part of our HyFlex model. 

 

Option 2: Standard K-12 Synchronous Distance Learning - These lessons will be conducted through our live webcams in each classroom while the teacher is instructing students face-to-face in their classroom. You may choose to opt for this option until you feel comfortable returning to campus. Our K-1 students will be on the SeeSaw platform, and our 2nd - 12th-grade students will be on the Google Classroom platform. These students will be able to keep up with the face-to-face classroom through online lessons and workload via SeeSaw or Google Classroom. 

Another benefit of having this program and the webcams in each classroom is if you are enrolled in our traditional face-to-face program and your child becomes ill during the school year, we want them to stay home. Students can stay current with the class by participating in our webcams which will be in each classroom. Having the ability to webcast live will be helpful if a student has come in contact with a positive case, as the class may be required to self-quarantine per CDC guidelines. With this option, you may re-enter our face-to-face instructional program at any time.

 

Option 3: Homeschool Extension Program for 6-12 grade students.  Students may elect to take up to three classes at The Village School either face-to-face or online through our Standard K-12 Synchronous Distance Learning program. You must be enrolled in a State of Florida homeschool program to be eligible for this opportunity. Please reach out to our Admission office for details.

 

Please take a moment to complete this survey and indicate the option you are considering for August. We need you to state your name, child’s name, and grade level information for planning purposes. If you have multiple students please fill out one for each student. This is important information that we need to know by July 24. Please fill one out for each of your children.

 As this pandemic is a fluid situation, we will host division-specific Q&A sessions next week. Your questions need to be submitted ahead of time through the survey. All meetings will be via Zoom at 7:00 pm.

Early Childhood/Lower School - Tuesday, July 21 Zoom link PW: 665677

Middle School - Wednesday, July 22 Zoom link PW: 033136

Upper School - Thursday, July 23 Zoom link PW: 864009

 

I am pleased to share our Operational Reopening Plan which provides greater detail on how we will operate this school year. We have also included FAQ’s which we hope will be helpful in addressing your questions about the 2020-21 school year. Our team continues to monitor the current situation with COVID-19 and will make necessary changes as recommended by the CDC and governing health agencies. 

One of the items where our thinking over the summer has evolved based on what we have learned about the spread of the virus and best practices from overseas on reopening schools safely is wearing face coverings. 

After consulting with our Health and Safety Task Force, the North Naples Church, and our Board of Directors we feel that due to the current surge of cases in SW Florida, it is important for us to start the year with our K-12 students having daily access to a face covering while on campus. Please know, they will not be wearing them all day nor while normally learning in the classroom unless instructed to by their teacher due to lack of social distancing. They only need to be worn at times where social distancing is not possible, per the CDC guidelines. We want all K-12 students to have access to face coverings for larger gatherings such as at Chapel or at an assembly. As an example, we believe wearing a face-covering is necessary for MS and US students as they change classes in narrow hallways. This particular recommendation comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics and is based on age appropriateness while helping to protect others and yourself. We are providing two complimentary TVS face coverings for you to choose from. You may choose between  face masks and/or buffs for your child. Please indicate how many you require and your preference in the survey. If your child cannot wear a face covering of any kind due to a health concern, please share that information with our Health Administrator, Susan Peterson, and we will discuss accommodations. Please understand that my primary job is to keep all of the members in our community as safe as possible while on our campus, this includes faculty and students. Our plans are subject to change based on how the situation evolves and in the review of current governing policies.

 

We will be providing a few opportunities, by appointment only, during the week of August 10 for you to visit campus and see our new protocols and procedures for yourself. Those opportunities will be sent to you soon.

Our Re-Opening Task Force continues to plan for the return of your students in August. Earlier this month, you received information from our Development office on how you might be able to participate in our Together, Vibrant, and Safe Fundraising Campaign. We intend to close this initiative by July 30. If you have any questions, please contact Jane Badger, Director of Development, at 239-404-5309 or jbadger@tvsnaples.org.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or anyone on our team. Please understand that this plan is still a work in progress, it may be fine-tuned as future developments occur, and you will be notified immediately if and when any changes become necessary.

 

Together Vibrant and Safe

We are Knights For Life!

With gratitude,

Dennis Chapman

Head of School

Click here to see our FAQ's

Click here to view our Re-opening Procedures