It felt so good to welcome our new faculty members on Wednesday, August 18, and to have the full faculty and staff back today (August 19). While summer work is rewarding and productive, I have missed collaborating with the teachers and staff on a daily basis.
And I’ve missed you! I’ve missed having your children in the building. I’ve missed seeing families at carpool. I can hardly wait for Tuesday (Visitation Day) and for Wednesday, our first day of the 2021-2022 school year. I want to “get back in the swing of things,” and I know you do, too.
Our opening meetings have been tremendously productive and my colleagues’ enthusiasm is so uplifting. You should see all the bulletin boards, door decor, and other preparations that are being made.
At James River, we strive always to do the right thing, the best thing for the children. As we meet in these days leading up to the school opening, we are constantly evaluating and updating our COVID-19 procedures and safeguards. The fluidity of the pandemic means we must be ready to adapt as circumstances change. To be prepared for this, my staff and I continue to consult with Centra and other local medical experts and follow the mandates, research, and guidelines provided by the Virginia Department of Health, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. I remain actively open-minded about the evolving situation created by the presence of the COVID-19 Delta variant in the Lynchburg area and in Virginia. I can assure you we are, and will be, vigilant in our efforts to keep the children as safe as possible as we navigate this new school year, and we will keep you informed of any changes as they become necessary.
I ask you as parents and family members to help us keep the children safe by following COVID-19 protocols at home and in your daily lives. Please keep yourselves and your family members healthy and safe. Our continued partnership in this way will help us get the year off to a great start.
Thank you once again for entrusting us with your children.