Author: Foothill Montessori

The Health and Safety Committee met on December 4, 2020 to discuss modifications to our quarantine policy. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends a quarantine period of 14 days, they have determined that, with certain parameters, the period may be reduced. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) recently aligned their quarantine guidelines to that of the CDC. Our committee deliberated the recent updates and considered how modifications might affect FMSL.

After examining the material, and taking into account the high compliance to date that the FMSL community has shown with all of the school’s COVID-19 policies and protocols, we have determined that in certain circumstances the quarantine period for school exposures may be reduced to 10 days.

The following changes will be effective January 2021:

Low Risk Exposure, Test and Return Protocols

A student or staff member, who was exposed in the school setting to someone who tested positive, may return to in-person learning or work after a minimum 10 day quarantine if he or she meets ALL of the following:

1. The school verifies the student or staff member who was exposed and the person who tested positive were both wearing a face mask as defined by the State Public Health Order on masks in schools.
2. The quarantined student or staff member has a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. The test result must be from at least 7 days after the last exposure. Antigen tests (often called a rapid test) and antibody tests will not be accepted in this circumstance.
3. The student or staff member does not have symptoms of COVID-19.

If the student or staff member who was exposed meets all three criteria he or she may return on the date the school and Health Department determines as appropriate.

If the individual does not meet all three criteria or chooses not to get tested, he or she should quarantine at home for 14 days from the last day of exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 and comes back to school must continue to watch for symptoms. If employees or students get symptoms, they should isolate at home and call their healthcare provider.

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months as long as they do not develop symptoms again. People who develop symptoms again within 3 months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.

The Low Risk Exposure,Test and Return Protocols do not apply to the Toddler program.

Exposures that occur outside of the school setting will need to be examined on a case by case basis to determine the appropriate length of a quarantine period.

The PSA have set up Giving Trees at the school’s entry points. Each tree is adorned with ornaments that will allow you to support two of our Holiday Giving projects. Families can choose items to purchase by picking labeled ornaments from the trees. Once gifts are purchased, return them UNWRAPPED with the ornaments attached and a copy of the receipt, if possible. Please put gift cards in an envelope. We will have a big red bin outside by the trees for receiving the donations (weather permitting). All items are due Monday, December 14. Thank you!

This year FMSL is sponsoring two refugee families from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the International Rescue Committee’s Light One Candle Program. The first is a family of four with two sons, 16 and 20 years old. The second is a single mom and her 6 year old daughter. Both families arrived in the U.S. this spring.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, located in Central Africa, has spent decades in the grip of violent conflict and economic unrest. Security has severely deteriorated since 2017, displacing over 5 million people and leaving 15.6 million in need of humanitarian assistance. Congo also has been confronted with several Ebola outbreaks since 2018. The IRC helps vulnerable Congolese meet urgent needs and provides support to rebuild communities.

Each year, IRC offers community members the unique opportunity to fulfill holiday wish lists for recently arrived refugee families and individuals, supporting their efforts to gain control of their future and become an integral part of our community.

Learn more about the International Rescue Committee and their efforts here:

https://www.rescue.org/

https://www.rescue.org/announcement/become-light-one-candle-sponsor

https://www.rescue.org/country/democratic-republic-congo

We are also collecting much needed items for the Inn Between, a local organization that provides a home environment that enables adults experiencing homelessness to gain access to professional hospice care. Like many nonprofits, The Inn Between is suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and needs our help to continue caring for terminally ill and medically frail residents.

Please read more about the Inn Between here:

https://tibhospice.org/

Don’t forget about our food drive for the Salvation Army! We have a large white collection barrel outside the Main entrance of the school (parking lot side) for canned and packaged non-perishable food items.

FMSL and the PSA thank you in advance for your generosity and support with these projects.

The dividing line between the nation of adults and the nation of children runs through a place called “Time.” On the adult side time is measured in nano seconds so much to do, places to go, places to be but on the child’s side there is no measurement of time because there is no real internal or external clock. Time for children, if measured, is almost considered eternal, endless stretching out to some far horizon. Even learning to tell time is an accommodation to the adult world because time is a foreign word that has no meaning yet.

The conflict between the two worlds is painful and full of frustration for both adult and child. And ironically, it is only the “passing of time” that mitigates the conflict as the child sadly surrenders his childhood to the adult world. The child’s world (not the world of bills and jobs, responsibilities and obligations) is full of discovery and adventure where memories are few and possibilities are endless. The adult measures memories in a chronological diary while staying focused on now, today, this week … It is during this conflict that children learn why they have a middle name – adult patience has run out and you better hop to it NOW. It is also during this time that the child gets confused over his new name or title. It is traumatic enough to hear “John William” but now it is prefaced by “Hurry Up.” For the first two or three years of their lives children have been used to hearing only one name and now circumstances gives them FOUR names. Hurry Up John William (apologies to all the John Williams out there.) Hurry up brush your teeth. Hurry up put on your shoes. Hurry up eat your breakfast. Forget your name is John. Your name is now Hurry Up. (If you are grimacing while you read this you are recognizing your own world but also if you are reading this it means that your child is in all likelihood enrolled in a place “Where time stands still.”

Your Montessori school is a haven from the tyranny of time. It is a place of leisurely discovery and at the same time a laboratory of intense work (that is not governed by the clock.) The adult frustration of running out of time only visits a Montessori school when the adult clock says it is time to go home. But there is the promise that tomorrow I can pick up exactly where I left off – the intervening time does not make me miss the joy of discovery and work, unlike poor Mom and Dad if they miss the plane or the appointment or the deadline.

Now, there is another irony of this place where time stands still and it is time travel. Montessori is a place where three-year-olds can visit the world of fours and fives. Where four-year-olds catapult themselves into the future of learning. Nobody checks their passport for age. They get to explore the lands of writing, reading, math, science, geometry and geography and no one says you are too young (someone else’s concept of time.) Montessori children easily move back and forth through this environment where time stands still.

Can time stand still at home? A difficult challenge but you can mitigate the time wars and frustration to you and your children. Again, there is an irony here. It will take time. If a child needs thirty minutes to finish a process – brushing her teeth, putting on her shoes etc. – plan on thirty minutes not the five you can do it in. “Plan” is an adult word. That is what adults do – they plan. Plan time, lots of it for your children because they are not yet “blessed” with that gene. So, it is up to the adults to navigate the time reality and not complain about children not yet speaking the foreign language called time. Hopefully, some day, the only time “hurry up” will be heard in your house is when the children say, “I wish Christmas would hurry up and get here.”

Edward Fidellow

Utah continues to see a surge in COVID-19 cases. This rise in cases is putting a strain on our medical system. Intensive care unit beds and staffing are severely limited in many of our hospitals and we all need to do our part in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Utah is now using the “transmission index” rather than the phased guidelines of “red, orange, yellow, green”. Counties are now placed in 1 of 3 transmission levels: high, moderate, low. These levels correspond directly to case rates, positivity rates, and ICU utilization. Salt Lake County and all surrounding counties are currently at the “high” transmission level. See Utah Department of Health website for what this means in public spaces: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-health-guidance-levels/

As we approach the cold winter months and the holiday season, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

• Small gatherings have been responsible for a large proportion of COVID-19 cases. This is particularly of concern with indoor gatherings without masks. Consistent masking is difficult during gatherings involving food. Per Gov. Herbert’s recent public health order, gatherings are limited to those within the same household until Nov 23rd. Consider virtual Thanksgiving and holiday dinners this year and limit indoor gatherings as much as possible with consistent masking of all if gathering is necessary.
• Get your flu shot if you haven’t already. Influenza accounts for many hospitalizations, particularly for our vulnerable populations.
• If you are diagnosed with influenza, you may have COVID-19 at the same time and should consider testing for both.
• Masks with exhalation valves should not be worn. Though they may protect the wearer, the exhalation valve exposes others to viral particles. Bandannas and gaiters have not been shown to be effective face coverings, particularly if the fabric is transparent. Please review CDC mask recommendations:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Welcome to Autumn in Utah, where the weather can change on a dime. We believe in integrating nature and large motor movement into every child’s experience at school. In our Outdoor Classroom, students are offered a wide variety of opportunities to extend their learning beyond the physical classroom and, in keeping with the Montessori philosophy, students are invited to experience nature as a hands on experience. As an extension of the classroom, science, botany, zoology, geography and even history are explored as part of our Outdoor Classroom experience. The playground, on the other hand, is a place for large, full body play where children can challenge themselves both socially and physically. In any outdoor environment at FMSL, open ended and collaborative play are valued and encouraged. Opportunities to practice practical life skills like building with wood working products, caring for plants and animals, digging, or even snow removal can be available on any given day. Rain or shine, we remain committed to dedicated time outside every day.

Nature is a beautiful gift that is best enjoyed when it is respected. Our children love to spend time in the outdoors but nothing can ruin a good outdoor adventure like being wet, cold, or otherwise uncomfortable because of poor clothing preparation.

Parents, please help your students develop a healthy respect for nature by encouraging them to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has to offer on any given day, especially here at school! Children should come prepared to go outside in any circumstances. Layers, good shoes, and water resistant outer clothing are a great start.

We love the phrase “there is no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing.”

*Pro-Tip: Label all clothing items to ensure they find their way back home.

Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Your chances of getting COVID-19 while traveling also depend on whether you and those around you take steps to protect yourself and others, such as wearing masks and staying 6 feet away from people outside your household. The following suggestions from the CDC may prove helpful when considering a trip.

Before You Travel

Before you travel, consider the following: Is COVID-19 spreading at your destination?The more cases at your destination, the more likely you are to get infected during travel and spread the virus to others when you return.

Anticipate Your Travel Needs

• Bring a mask to wear in public places.
• Pack hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Keep this within reach.
• Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip.
• Pack food and water in case restaurants and stores are closed, or if drive-through, take-out, and outdoor-dining options aren’t available.
• If you are considering cleaning your travel lodgings, see CDC’s guidance on how to clean and disinfect.

While You Are Travelling

During your trip, take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
• Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

You can get COVID-19 during your travels. You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can still spread COVID-19 to others. You and your travel companions may spread COVID-19 to other people including your family, friends, and community for 14 days after you were exposed to the virus.

October 19 – 23, 2020

• Monday October 19 – Uinta
• Wednesday October 21 – Magnolias
• Thursday October 22 – Willows
• Friday October 23 – Wasatch & Oquirrh

Each year our students have the opportunity to raise pledges for our two main Service Learning Projects:

The Foothill Montessori of Salt Lake sponsors two grandmothers, Grandmother Anita Jackson and Grandmother Elvira Horseherder, through the Adopt-A-Native-Elder program. The Navajo Nation has been heavily impacted by COVID-19, increasing their already profound vulnerability to food and economic insecurity. Our adopted elders rely on the personal supplies, yarn, firewood, and food certificates we provide with funds raised at our annual Fun Run Fundraiser.

We have also sponsored girls through the Children of Ethiopia Education Fund (COEEF) for more than 15 years. We currently are supporting 3 girls through their schooling by providing tuition, supplies, tutoring, and medical and personal needs. Betselot Abiy is in 1st grade, loves math, and wants to be a pilot. Mariana Bekele is in kindergarten, loves the merry-go-round, and wants to be a teacher. Hana Fantu is 4, her favorite color is red, and she wants to be a doctor.

Running on the Green Space

Using the week will allow classes to remain separated and for normal activities to take place on the Green Space between Run’s.

How to Help

• Helping your child tell friends, neighbors and grandparents to support such a worthwhile event
• Helping your child actively participate by earning money to pledge in the Fun Run
• Watch the progress of the event on the donation page

The Navajo Nation was struck hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with one of the highest per capita infection rates in the country earlier this year. Disparities in access to health care and infrastructure, high rates of chronic health conditions, and multigenerational homes increase the risk for virus spread and complications.

Native elders depend on firewood for cooking and staying warm in the winter. Each load donated lasts a family 3-6 weeks. Many of the elders live in remote locations and are experiencing grocery shortages on the reservation, amplified by the pandemic.

FMSL supports two elders, Grandmothers Anita Jackson and Elvira Horseherder, by providing food boxes, food certificates, firewood, and other supplies such as yarn and medical supplies through Adopt a Native Elder. The Annual Fun Run is our main fundraising effort, and this fall our support is especially vital to the elders’ health and survival.

Stay tuned for information coming soon about this year’s VIRTUAL Navajo Rug Show!
ANE newsletter July 2020
More info anelder.org

Following the evaluation of our COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures, three areas of our plan have been adjusted:

1. Health Screening
2. Criteria for Return to School
3. Travel Policy

Health Screening

The Health Screening Form has been adjusted to include screening for two additional symptoms – headache and congestion or runny nose. It also requires that parents take their child’s temperature at home. Additionally, the form includes a query regarding possible exposure.

Criteria for Returning to School

A child/staff who has exhibited COVID symptoms can return to school if:

• No fever for 24 hours and without the support of medication;
• AND no additional symptoms have presented;
• AND if a healthcare provider confirms that the cause of the symptoms are not COVID-19 related based on a negative COVID-19 test. Test results should be shared with the school.

Negative Test- the individual may return to school when symptoms have improved and they are fever free without the aid of medication for at least 24 hours.

Positive Test- the individual must remain isolated until symptoms are improving and one of the following, whichever is longer:

• 10 days have passed since symptoms began
• 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the aid of medication

Travel Policy

A Travel Questionnaire must be completed in advance for all in-state and out of state trips involving students and staff. We reserve the right to require our students and staff to self quarantine upon return should the travel plans raise concerns regarding exposure. Airline travel will no longer automatically necessitate quarantine. The need to quarantine will be based on:

• Circumstances at that time for the place of travel
• Mode of transport
• Accommodation
• Activities/purpose of travel and
• Possible exposure

We encourage our community to revisit the Safe Return to School to read the details of these adjustments and to review the updated plan in its entirety.