Principals’ Weekly Message 08/01/2018

Dearest Families of Academia Sandoval,

I am so excited for this school year to begin in a few weeks!  Brian Hyosaka (Assistant Principal), Mari Alvarez (Office Manager) and I are back!  We are still enjoying all things that come with summer but now we have the privilege of preparing the school for you and our staff.  Remember, first day of school is August 20th (check out school supply lists here).

In preparation for the first day, I wanted to let you know of a shift to our morning routine ONLY FOR ELEMENTARY grades.  We will be moving to a soft schedule where there will be a more flexible transition to the classrooms. If arriving between 8:45 am and 9:00 am, parents (optional) and children will go directly to the classroom instead of lining up on the playground.  We are doing this so that children can ease into their work which aligns best to Montessori philosophy. Teachers will be awaiting students’ arrival in the classroom.

If students arrive before 8:45 am, they will have two options: breakfast in the cafeteria (from 8:15 am to 8:45 am) or morning recess (adult supervision begins at 8:35 am.)  At 8:45 am, a bell will ring in the playground. Staff will be in the playground and hallways greeting students and helping them transition students to their classrooms.

Another reasons for why we want to implement a soft schedule is because we want YOU to feel more welcome in the school. We hold a high value on relationships and this begins with offering the space for you to get to know others.  Academia Sandoval, with it’s unique public education model, brings together like-minded individuals who understand the importance of a wholesome education in two languages. Please consider this an open invitation to share your ideas for how we can serve parents more this school year.  Feel free to contact me or Ericka Soto Diaz with any ideas you may have.

Personally, I can’t wait to hear about your summer adventures!  As for me, I had an unforgettable summer: decompressed in June, attended the Montessori for Social Justice conference (amazing!), travelled to Oakland to visit my brother and his growing family, then went on a retreat with other Montessori leaders…in Napa (incredible experience!).