It is almost here! Next Tuesday our Elementary students begin and our Primary and Toddler classrooms begin phasing in. We are thinking of everyone during this extreme weather event and were not expecting to ‘test’ our automated call system before we even had a chance to welcome the children on their first day! We hope you received your school closure call today. That is the system used for snow and other closures or urgent messaging. Now we have all had an early orientation to that!
If you did not receive the call, we have not received your paperwork to start the year. It is imperative that all paperwork be received by Friday, September 3rd, in order to have your child start. Please log in to the vfkh.org website to complete the Information Release Form and the Parental Consent and Emergency Form. We also need the required health and immunization forms from your child’s physician’s office.
Looking Forward to Our First Days!
The first day of school is a very special day. At VFKH, we also look forward to this day! We love our families and cherish our students! Please give a confident goodbye and hug to your child at the door. If your child seems nervous, rest assured we will provide lots of TLC and happy distractions and will always communicate with you if needed. If you would like to check on your child later in the morning, we welcome your call. Someone in the office will check with your child’s teacher and provide an update about their well-being. With many years of experience, we have smoothly transitioned into new years and we look forward to your children’s discovery of the wonder and joy found in their classrooms this year.
We encourage you to read the Parent Handbook so that arrivals and dismissal procedures are clear. Also, we remind you that we have food allergies in every classroom and VFKH is a peanut and nut-free school.
Upcoming Events
On Thursday, September 16th, we invite you to stay after morning drop-off for Tea and Tissues. This is an informal gathering with coffee and tea for families to chat and share. It can be harder for the parents to say goodbye to their children than the other way around! We touch base about how you are doing with the new year, answer any questions, and provide insights into the school. Tea and Tissues begins at 8:45 am in the offices located at each campus. Please join us!
You are invited to the September Social on Saturday, September 18th from 9:30-11:00 am. Your child’s teacher will be in their room and your child may show you their classroom. We encourage you to stay in the room for a maximum of 10 minutes as the fun is outside with refreshments and activities for the children. This is a wonderful time to meet the other children and families in your child’s class this year.
Wednesday, September 22nd is the Back to School Night. This important event is attended by every family. New families arrive at 6:30 pm for orientation and all families convene at 7:00 pm. This event takes place at our Phoenixville campus. This is for parents only.
COVID Updates
Pennsylvania has mandated masks in all schools and childcare centers. VFKH requires masks for all children (except toddlers and infants), teachers, staff, and visitors. Children with a health reason for not wearing a mask may receive permission with the submission of a signed letter from a medical professional.
We ask that all families monitor their child’s health and keep children home who have symptoms or seem unwell. You know your child best. Children do not need a fever to be sick. We were successful last year in keeping students healthy due to our conscientious families. Thank you! Please continue this effort. It is much appreciated.
All staff at VFKH are vaccinated. We will continue mitigation strategies including hand washing, increased ventilation, and sanitizing measures, such as fogging and UV light.
VFKH remains in contact with the county Departments of Health and will continue to follow their guidance.
Temperature checks are no longer recommended and we will discontinue this practice unless your child presents as unwell. If a child becomes sick at school we bring them to the office with a cozy cot, call the parent, and monitor the child. We will care for and comfort your child until you are able to arrive.