LIFE AT VMS
by Ann Clark, Head of School

Dear VMS parents,

American Montessori Society Conference
Thanks to the success of our 2020 Annual Fund and our VMS Board's commitment to supporting teachers, we are pleased to announce that teachers and staff will have the opportunity to virtually attend the largest Montessori event in the world.

This year, the annual AMS national conference will be a virtual experience featuring live workshops and discussion groups, on-demand content, an interactive exhibit hall, exciting keynote speakers, and much more. Our staff is very excited to participate in this event on our scheduled teacher workday in March and looking forward to inspiration, connecting with other Montessorians from around the globe, and bringing fresh ideas to the classrooms.

2021-2022 Tuition
Each year, the VMS Board of Trustees and Finance Committee discuss and determine the tuition for each program level for the upcoming school year. VMS is firmly committed to continuing to offer our excellent Montessori programs while balancing the associated costs of mitigating risk and recognizing the financial impact our families and community have experienced over the last 10 months. These factors were carefully considered when setting next year's tuition, and although expenses continue to rise, the Board of Trustees voted to set a lower than average tuition increase. Here is the 2021-2022 Tuition Schedule.

Tuition Assistance
VMS is committed to providing tuition assistance for families that are dedicated to the Montessori program but need additional financial support. Families may complete the tuition assistance application within FACTS. The deadline to apply for the 2021-2022 school year is this Friday, January 15.

Travel Advisory from CDPH
On January 6, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Travel Advisory. The ongoing surge of Covid cases in California is overwhelming hospitals. To slow the spread and reduce the strain on our state healthcare system, Californians are advised to avoid non-essential travel and, for those that do travel, to quarantine for 10 days upon their return. As a school, we support both state and local health department recommendations in our continuing effort to keep our on-campus students, staff and families safe. We appreciate your cooperation and recognition of the important role each of us must adhere to in order to ensure the safety of our school community.

With Gratitude,
Ann
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
IMPORTANT DATES:
01/13 Elementary Parent Workshop: 5 Kind & Clever Ways to Motivate Kids
01/15 Tuition Assistance Application Due
01/15 Sibling Applications Due
01/18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School Closed
01/21 Curriculum Night Zoom: Toddler - 5th Grade, 7-8pm
01/28 Middle School Curriculum Night Zoom, 7-8pm
2/1-2/5 Re-Enrollment Week for currently enrolled students
02/09 Lower Elementary Parent Zoom with Molly Oto
02/15 Priority Enrollment for Families that Withdrew in 2020 due to Pandemic
EQUITY AND INCLUSION 
In 2021, we look forward to continuing our yearlong Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism.

Purpose:
To facilitate meaningful dialogue around building and sustaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable educational environment.

Process:
The self-assessment will be carried out in small group discussions with a cross-section of constituents from the VMS Community including staff, parents, board, and alumni. These groups are known as Discovery Committees and will be tasked with answering questions regarding various aspects of VMS. Following are the committees pertaining to parents:

March 10: Student Life (one session per program level)
What does the school do to facilitate academic and social adjustment for new students and families? 

April 13: Parent/Guardian Involvement
What procedures are in place to support parents and guardians of physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged students to work in partnership with teachers to enhance the educational experience of these students?

May 26: School Publications & Environment
Does the school have a viewbook, brochure, annual report, website, and/or presence on social media? How do these documents show inclusivity and diversity that honestly reflect the school community?

If you are interested in participating in any or all of these discussions, please email our Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, AaLeiyah DeSimas with your preferred Discovery Committee(s) adesimas@valleymontessorischool.com. Selections will be made to ensure that each committee has content expertise and diversity. 
 
Want to learn more?
On January 20th at 5 PM, a Discovery Committee Information Session will be held regarding the processes, positions and intended outcomes for the Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism. Join the Zoom session to learn more!

Zoom Meeting ID | 828 9254 8882
Password | DC

We look forward to partnering with you as we uncover benchmark opportunities for continued excellence!
FREE PARENT ZOOM WORKSHOP - TONIGHT
Join fellow Valley Montessori parents and Vanessa Callaghan, MEd., to connect, exchange ideas and learn tools and strategies that we can all use from home to boost our kids’ motivation.
School is Closed in Observance
Monday, January 18, 2021

Valley Montessori School
1273 N Livermore Ave Livermore CA 94551