Dear parents,

We continue to follow the flow of information from state and local authorities regarding the pandemic and quarantine requirements. Yesterday, new information was unveiled from Governor Newsom that suggests the possible "opening of lower risk businesses with adaptations." This could potentially impact summer camps. Of course, all of this is contingent upon the progress the state makes in the next few weeks. With this information is new hope; it also poses more questions. We are examining these possibilities with preliminary guidelines established for schools and childcare providers.

In the meantime, we are moving forward and exploring all options that would best serve our VMS community. As mentioned last week, this includes potentially offering an "Essential Workers School Program" for our families starting 6/15/2020, which could ultimately be expanded if restrictions are lifted. In preparation, we will be emailing a brief, 2 minute survey this weekend to determine the need.

Please look for an email with this 2 minute Essential Workers Survey on Sunday, 5/3. It's critically important for us to know the needs of our community so we can best serve you.

In student news this week, graduation plans are underway! The VMS class of 2020 had their graduation photos taken outdoors on the VMS campus. They had scheduled time slots to ensure safe, social distancing. Although the end of the school year is much different from what they expected, we are determined to make it as special as possible. Looking ahead, alternate graduation plans and celebrations have been planned with input from teachers, students and parents to ensure a fun and meaningful send off for our 27 graduates!

Here is the breakdown of the high schools they will attend this fall:
  • Amador Valley (3)
  • Bishop O'Dowd (2)
  • De La Salle (2)
  • Dublin (1)
  • Granada (9)
  • Livermore (8)
  • Moreau (1)
  • Monte Vista (1)

We will be providing more information about our graduates in the weeks to come - stay tuned!

Whether it is planning a memorable graduation or providing care for our families so they can work, please be assured that supporting our VMS families in a safe and measured fashion, will always be our primary focus.

With Gratitude,
Ann
Alumni Decision Day
Decision Day for Seniors in High Schools across the nation is typically May 1. This year, some schools are making accommodations and extending the decision date due to the pandemic. Keeping in touch with our alumni is important to us! Each year, we look forward to seeing what paths they have chosen. Here are the plans for this fall for some of our 2016 VMS 8th Grade Graduates:
Chris is going to UC San Diego
Studying Physics Engineering.
Michael is going to Occidental College in southern California.
Morgan is going to Cal State Long Beach.
Jason was recruited by Menlo College in Atherton to play baseball.



And, guess where James is going?


More students will be making their decisions in the coming weeks. Congratulations to all our VMS Alumni heading to college this fall!
#VMSDistanceLearning
Thank you for sharing photos of your children learning at home. We have been posting them on Facebook and the main page of our website for all to enjoy! Please share them with your children - they like seeing their friends! We are grateful for the commitment from the students, teachers and families. Send your photos to news@valleymontessorischool.com . Then follow us on Facebook to see all the latest photos from VMS! Here are just a few:
Next Week: Celebrating Grandparents Day and Online Art Show!
Grandparents soon will be receiving an announcement inviting them to view photos on the VMS Website from memories of past Grandparent Days! We'll also send links in next Wednesday's News.

Meanwhile, hats off to Jill our VMS Art Teacher who has been working behind the scenes getting the Annual Art Show ready for its first virtual appearance! Stay tuned for a slideshow next week with photos of art from students in elementary through middle school!
Supporting our VMS Family Businesses
The global pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but especially hard hit are our independent local businesses. Many businesses in Livermore and the Tri-Valley are owned by our VMS families who are getting creative to find ways to keep their doors open and their employees working.

We'd like to support these families by creating a directory of VMS family businesses on our website so we can check the directory before making purchases. Shopping locally has never been more important!

Here are two businesses that responded to our request:

BottleTaps
w ww.bottletaps.com
3020 Bernal Ave. #160
Pleasanton, CA

Daily 11:30am-7:00pm
BottleTaps is open for to go food and beer, online ordering and delivery.
They can fill growlers with your favorite draft beer and have to go beers from their cooler at 20% off. 

Checkers Catering
Call 800-264-4278

Checkers is offering pick up or delivery of prepared meals, foods, snacks and some items you would get at the grocery store! Call or see website for details.
If you own a business that is operating at this time and would like to be featured in the VMS Business Directory, send your business name and website link to Directory@valleymontessorischool.com .

Although we cannot physically be together at this time, we will continue striving to keep our families connected and supported!
Valley Montessori School
1273 N Livermore Ave Livermore CA 94551