April 30th

Dear Families,

Last week's news that Rhode Island schools would be continuing online learning through the remainder of the school year hit the Gordon community hard. As I shared in my video message last Thursday, the announcement was not surprising, but many of us were forced to let go of the little hope we still held that we might be able to be together again this year. That just plain hurt.

I also shared, however, that I believe deeply in the resiliency of this community. Even as we mourn this loss, we are ready to turn our full focus to planning for the spring, summer and fall. I will share more about Gordon's next steps on Sunday when you will receive an invitation to engage directly with the school's leadership as we plan the work ahead.

What I can say now is that our success in this endeavor will depend greatly on how well we take care of ourselves and one another.

To that end, there will be no classes on Friday, May 8th and Friday, May 22nd. It is my fervent hope that students, families, caregivers, faculty, and staff will use these days as a brief pause within this "Great Pause" to get away from screens and find ways to connect with others, with nature, with self. However you choose to spend them, these two days are meant to be used in ways that will be most restorative for you and your family.

I recognize that not everyone is in a position to take time off from work and that these two days might actually be more stressful for your family without some kind of structure for your children in place. With that in mind, there will be recorded activities available in the Online Learning Community for those who need them. We're also working to possibly have some Gators Live! sessions, and the Virtual Commons is always open. Outside of the classroom, Team CompassionNET will be sharing community building initiatives for those two days with details on how your family can participate.

May is a special time in the life of a school. It is my intention that this May at Gordon be no different in that simple respect. I hope that these two days off next month will provide our community with the restoration of mind, body, and heart that will allow us to connect meaningfully with the joyful spirit of spring.

In partnership always,

Noni