Head of School's Message: November 30
During this challenging, unpredictable time, the concept of giving thanks did not come as naturally this year. The impact of the pandemic has been felt by everyone to varying degrees.
Thanksgiving illuminates what is most important in our lives: family, health, perseverance, fortitude and optimism. I felt this Thanksgiving was more important than ever as a time for reflection, renewal and rejuvenation. I hope your celebration of Thanksgiving strengthened you and fortified your resilience for the journey ahead.
“Enjoy the present instead of worrying about the future. Go for a walk and find solace and meaning in nature. Be of service and be guided more by positive thoughts than doubts. Find silver linings even in difficult times. When the pace of life slows, as it has now, it is possible to appreciate the things you often take for granted.” These were the lessons learned by a Glendale High School student, Serena Lin, during social hours she led on Zoom with seniors at Pasadena Senior Center.
LA Times columnist Steve Lopez wrote about Serena last week. News about the spread of the virus and the renewal of safer-at-home orders was balanced by stories like Serena’s alongside profiles of health care workers, grocery store employees, volunteers at food banks and homeless shelters who help others. As Chandler tackles the challenges of COVID-19, our mission continues to develop good character, self-reliance, and commitment to community in students as a foundation for academic and personal success. We do not need to look far to find examples of good people in Pasadena and Los Angeles County.
Last week, I let First and Second Grade parents know that the return of students has been postponed from December 7 to January 11. Chandler’s Medical Advisory Committee endorsed the school’s decision to delay the expansion of in-person cohorts against the backdrop of the current surge. The additional two weeks of planning time resulting from the postponement will ease faculty anxiety and provide time to address concerns about the design of the blended learning program as we prepare to simultaneously meet the needs of children in the same grade while some are at home and others are at school. Kindergarten students will continue to be present on campus for in-person learning.
Pasadena’s Health Department is tracking the current situation closely, and schools will be notified before the December break about the likelihood of students in Grades 3 and above being allowed to return to campus in January. I will keep you posted.
