For the 2020-21 academic year, Bluestem Montessori has continued to creatively and quickly adapt to changes. The nature of this pandemic is ever changing, and we have had to be very flexible and respond to new conditions and data. Here is Bluestem’s current response plan based on the latest data from the WHO, CDC, and Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

Our response level corresponds to the Lincoln Lancaster County COVID Dial.

If the dial is in GREEN, school will look relatively “normal”. We will used increased cleaning and other health measures with guidance from the CDC, WHO, and our city/county health leaders.

If the dial is YELLOW, we will continue to learn in person with heightened cleaning and distancing measures. All students and staff will be required to wear face masks.

If the dial is ORANGE, we will continue to learn in person with all the safety procedures for yellow PLUS outdoor learning and lunches whenever possible. In addition, families will agree to engage in certain safety measures for their child to attend full-day in person school. If a family is unable or unwilling to agree to those safety measures, their child may attend morning lessons and learn remotely for the afternoon (thus avoiding lunch, where most school spread occurs). We have worked with experts in the field to ensure the safety of our students and staff by addressing airflow and circulation, distancing, masking, and sanitizing practices.

If the dial is RED, we will move to distance learning. This will include daily all-class meetings and regular one-on-one check ins, material distribution, and video lessons. While distance learning, we preserve the Montessori philosophy even when the exact materials are not available.

At any point while we are in person if a family chooses or is required to, their student may join us in distance learning. They will zoom into lessons and meetings, and may choose to zoom with classmates to work together on a project or activity.

If you have further questions about Bluestem’s COVID response, please don’t hesitate to email or call!

Until next time,

Laura