Head of School Weekly Email: 1st Semester Final Stretch, January Dates, 2nd Semester Planning
January 08, 2021
Dear TA Families,
I hope everyone has had a safe start to the new year. I imagine we are all relieved to say goodbye to 2020. At the same time that we look for the light and optimism that come with welcoming 2021, this week has been a stark reminder that the pandemic and deep political divides that have been gravely testing our country are as disruptive and dangerous as ever. I am grateful to live in a place that deeply values community, and I’m hopeful we can continue to work together to stay connected and help heal our small corner of this world.
1st Semester Final Stretch
January is a big month for us at TA this year. Please support your students to end the semester and quarter 2 on a high note. For high school students especially this is a major culminating time for their courses. (Middle school classes continue for the duration of the school year, so the rhythm and pace over the next few weeks will remain steady for the 7th and 8th graders.)
Here are some key dates, all of which are on the School Calendar on our website:
- January 15 – Remote Half-Day for Students
- January 18 – Martin Luther King Holiday / No School
- January 19-22 – Final Projects & Exams Week [link to week’s schedule]
- January 19 – Remote Day: Final Class Meetings for Blocks A & C
- January 20 – Remote Day: Final Class Meetings for Blocks B & D
- January 25 – Semester Break Day / No School
Looking Ahead to 2nd Semester
The week of January 26-29 will be a transition week as we launch 2nd semester, start new high school courses, and celebrate Founders’ Day activities in a COVID-safe way on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday will be a normal remote class day – the first class convening of the new semester for high school courses.
We are working on adapting our academic program for 2nd semester to introduce more real-time, in-person instruction for all grade levels, 7-12. I presented a proposal to the board of trustees last night and further development of the plan will take place next week. I invite parents to attend information sessions on Thursday 1/14 at 8am or 7pm. We will also hold an information session for students on Friday 1/15 at 11:30am. We will distribute links to the online meetings early next week.
Welcoming New Staff
Arriving to TA in the new year are two new staff. Welcome to Julie Goodrich, our new counseling team coordinator, and to Elizabeth Oliver, who is taking on the 7th and 9th grade science classes while Sara Rose is on maternity leave.
Thank You & Happy New Year,
Carrie Brennan, Head of School
p.s. Please support the Class of 2021 with their latest ‘project senior’ fundraising effort. Parent Michele Hastings is generously donating all proceeds from sales on her Body Shop at Home site during January. Click here to shop and support!