FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

DEAR SYCAMORE FRIENDS,

We are living and learning in a unique time! The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, “The only constant in life is change.” I don’t think any of us would argue that truth; in fact, we are experiencing it! Since last March, we have been rethinking everything we’ve ever done before in light of our new reality.

Last spring, I formed a Reopening Sycamore Task Force to look at every aspect of operating school in a safe, yet robust, way. We not only considered the medical and health implications of our environment; we also considered the legal, educational, and facilities implications. I will be forever thankful for that task force of 21 faculty, staff, administrators, parents, trustees, and medical professionals who worked tirelessly over the summer to create our Reopening Sycamore Plan. We published our plan on July 10, and we returned to school with all of our students in person on August 13.

Until November 18, we operated very differently, but very successfully in person. Our building has had a different look and feel. We removed much of our “extra” furniture in order to ensure that we could be

physically distant in our classrooms. We didn’t have small groups working on joint endeavors unless they were separated by distance or by protective plastic barriers. Band, instead of lunch, was in the cafeteria. We didn’t allow parents in the school, so our classrooms and hallways seemed to be missing an element. Kids weren’t traveling through the hallways much, and teachers had their materials on big carts. All kids and all adults faithfully wore their masks and kept socially distant from one another. We were very successful for the entire first trimester, with COVID-19 exposure at school almost nonexistent. The kids and the faculty were excited to be back in school and were eager to do whatever it took to make that possible. phenomenally and the Marion County Public Health Department required all Marion County schools to implement virtual learning for 1st through 12th graders. So, as of November 19, we, once again, transitioned to our Distance Learning Plan. Fortunately, Preschool, PreKindergarten, and Kindergarten were excluded from the order, so we are able to continue with all of our Early Childhood students in person. Parents and teachers are thankful for that opportunity. We all know that the younger the children are, the more difficult distance learning is for kids, parents, and teachers.

In whatever mode of learning we are operating, there is one constant: our mission. The core

of who we are hasn’t changed; our mission is still firm and guides everything we do. We will continue to offer our students a robust Sycamore education in every learning environment.

In this edition of the Sycamore Magazine, you’ll read some great stories about how things change! You’ll learn perspectives and thoughts from our students. You’ll learn what parents are thinking and feeling. I think one of the most fun changes you’ll read about is how Sycamore students’ lives changed when they married other Sycamore students! Just think. One of your child’s classmates could be his/her future spouse!

All the work this summer was arduous. This school year is requiring all of us to dig deeply within ourselves to meet the challenges before us. But we are doing it! We are making this school year meaningful and valuable in new ways. Thanks for your partnership and your support! And thanks for choosing Sycamore for your kids!

Onward and upward!

In November, however, the COVID-19 prevalence and % positive numbers in the broader community skyrocketed. The risks rose

DIANE BORGMANN

HEAD OF SCHOOL