Weather Changes and Outdoor Classrooms, October 20, 2020

Dear Parents,

Now that our teachers and children are comfortable with their new educational setting this year, we are also planning for the impact that the changing weather patterns will have on our outdoor classrooms. The experiences of our children, teachers and parents indicate this has been a successful educational model during this pandemic. We want to ensure that this level of comfort continues during the winter months.

With the above goal in mind, we are preparing the indoor classrooms for those times during each day when the outdoor classrooms will be difficult. Windows in the classroom will be kept open as much as possible. On occasion when it is too cold or windy to have the windows fully open, they will be minimally open to maintain some airflow. The heat will be turned on, and an IQAir 3-stage air purifier will be operating in the classroom.

Teachers in grades 1-3 will have a schedule for indoor and outdoor classroom activities and will alternate at their discretion. They will communicate separately with their classes about potential schedules. Since early childhood is a play-based program, they will be outside more consistently, but will choose to go indoors when needed for short periods of time. All afternoon rest periods will be indoors.

When indoors, the students will continue to follow safety and distancing protocols, have assigned, unshared lockers, assigned restroom stalls, hand-washing protocols, and be expected to wear face coverings. Face coverings for students five years and older will be required - except when resting in early childhood or when eating.

Please prepare for the colder weather by making sure that your children are dressed to be outdoors and indoors during the cold winter months for long periods of time. Some suggestions include wool, silk, or thermal underwear, layers of clothing, rain suits, winter jackets, hats, fingerless gloves for classroom activities and regular gloves for recess time.

We are pleased to have the permanent tents installed for the outdoor early childhood programs. Many thanks to Brendan and all the volunteers who helped with set-up.

Your teachers will communicate with you separately by email and/or during class meetings. Please feel free to email us with any questions as well. leadershipteam@portlandwaldorf.org

Thank you for your support, patience and understanding as we navigate our way through the next few months.

Sincerely,

Shanti McCarter, Connie Stokes, Elizabeth Webber