Students and staff alike returned to campus this week bringing with us the excitement of a new year, but gratitude for the weekend when it arrived! There were lots of tired faces getting re-adjusted to those early school mornings. Sometimes it just takes a little time to get back into our routines after an extended break!

Winter temperatures also joined us on campus. Please be sure to read the Nurses Notes regarding our winter weather policies. Weather permitting, spending time outdoors in the fresh, albeit cold, air is a good thing, especially right now. We want to make sure students are dressed appropriately to enjoy some outside time when possible. This time of year, we also want to be prepared for the possibility of severe winter weather, so we will be conducting a test of our reverse notification system used for inclement weather and emergency announcements. This test will occur on Friday, Jan. 14. It is important that we have your most up-to-date contact information on file, including emergency contact. If you do not receive an email, text, or phone call test-message on Friday, please contact the main office to update your contact information (864-226-5344 or administrator@msasc.org).

Thank you, parents, for working with us as we manage all of the moving parts associated with operating a school and childcare program during a pandemic. We apologize for any inconvenience due to the Extended Care program being closed this past week and next. We assure you that such decisions are made only when absolutely necessary, in accordance with the regulations and guidance that we must follow and with the well-being of all in mind. Our after-school Extended Care program will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 18. MLK holiday care (1/17) is only available to those enrolled in the monthly plan - no drop-ins. We will notify you immediately if we are able to resume the Extended Care program sooner than the projected date.

Glad to see all of our MSA friends and family again!

Dr. Dana Hill

January 10 - Montessori Monday - wear Montessori attire

January 14 - Professional Development Day, early dismissal -- no extended care

January 17 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - extended care available only for families enrolled in monthly extended care, no drop-ins - see below

January 24 - Montessori Monday - wear Montessori attire

February 1 - Priority enrollment opens for current families

February 15 - Priority enrollment agreements due

February 18 - Student holiday, all regular programs closed - extended care available IT-PR

February 21 - President's Day, all regular programs closed - extended care available IT-PR

On Martin Luther King Junior Day, Monday, January 17 we are only able to accept children enrolled in the regular monthly extended care program. Due to DSS staffing ratios, no drop-ins can be accommodated on this date.

Happy New Year! Winter weather is officially here. This is just a reminder that with the change of seasons, please remember to send appropriate winter weather clothing with your student(s) to school. Montessori must follow strict guidelines on outdoor play during the winter months and it is crucial if your child is to participate in outdoor play that he/she has the needed hat, gloves, mittens and coat to make it a safe outdoor experience. We do not have the staffing to have some children remain indoors and some outdoors. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Anderson County is actively seeing a significant surge of Covid cases. As with many educational facilities, MSA has been impacted even with our conservative approach for quarantine/isolation and our return to school plans. We ask that if your child shows any signs of illness, please keep them home and let us know as soon as possible. Your child's teacher will work with you so the child's academic needs can be met. Any student exhibiting symptoms consistent with Covid-19 needs to be tested. Please call your healthcare provider for guidance.

MSA Covid Testing Program

MSA Covid Testing will continue to be offered on Monday and Friday mornings from 7:30-11. Covid-19 Saliva PCR testing is available for all MSA Employees and Primary thru High School aged students. If you have symptoms or a known exposure, a drive thru option is available. Upon arrival, call the MSA Main Office number (864-226-5344) and alert the attendant that you are outside. I will come to you as soon as possible. Please have your QR code ready and remain masked while receiving your testing kit. If you are interested in testing and have not registered previously, please email me directly for registration instructions at schoolnurse@msasc.org. ***Additionally, a parent needs to be present and offer assistance in specimen collection for the younger age groups.

***Please note that occasionally, the testing dates may alter for a variety of reasons. Any change to the schedule will be announced prior to the testing date, if possible.

Illness Policy

As a health reminder of Montessori School of Anderson’s illness policy, please remember that ALL students must be fever free (without medication) and vomiting and diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. As such, we are taking an important step to help prevent the spread of influenza in our school and ensure everyone’s safety during what is proving to be a very busy flu season.

Blood Donation Request:

The Blood Connection and the Red Cross have an immediate need for blood donations. Because of Covid-19, the usual flow of donors has been disrupted and the need for life saving blood donations is great. If you are able to donate, call the Red Cross or please mention that you are part of the Montessori School of Anderson family!!! Your donation can make a significant impact and save up to 3 lives!

Criteria for donors: The Blood Connection is a non-profit organization. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Donors must be 16 years or older and over 110 lbs. to donate. Sixteen year olds are required to have written consent to donate blood. Before you donate blood, make sure that you drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal. TBC Donor ID Card (preferred) or photo ID required to donate. Gift cards and other incentives are non-transferable.

Wishing you and your family a healthy and safe 2022!

Susanna Merriman, RN

MSA School Nurse