Welcome Letter and Supply List - Bhakti Bhavan

June 29, 2020

Dear Families:

On behalf of the teachers and staff of Bhaktivedanta Academy, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning families for the 2020-21 school year. We are honored that you have entrusted your childʼs education with us and are looking forward to the start of school on Monday, August 17.

This will be a unique school year as we prepare for the uncertainties that COVID-19 present. We are committed to creating a learning environment that is both safe and friendly for all our students and teachers. Yes, some things will be different but many will be familiar.

Our goal is to have students in class as much as the circumstances allow with a bias towards on-campus learning. In the event that a student, class, or entire school has to be at home, we are establishing systems and resources to make the transition as seamless as possible. All together we are absolutely committed to providing the best educational experience possible given the unusual circumstances we all find ourselves in.

As we get closer to the start of school, we will be sharing more specific details and guides on new protocols and will host virtual meetings to ensure our entire community is informed and prepared. In the meantime, attached to this email is important information for your review prior to the start of school:

• Class Welcome Letter

• 2020-21 School Calendar

• Student Supply List

• Uniform and Dress Code Guide

• Phase-In Schedule (new 3 and 4 year old students only)

• "Meet Your Teacher" Scheduler (all new students)
  
  

If you have questions about any of the information contained in this packet please call 386-462-2886 or email office@bhaktischool.org. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Please be on the lookout for additional information, meeting invitations, and forms that will be sent out to you in the coming weeks.

Yours in service,

Visvambhara Dasa
Head of School

End of School Year Message

Dear Families,

Today marks the official last day of the 2019-20 school year. This will certainly go down as one of the most unique and interesting years in the history of Bhaktivedanta Academy. 

I don’t think anyone could have imagined that we would all be home for the last two and a half months. I am so impressed with how our teachers, students, and families have handled this unprecedented event. The collective flexibility, commitment, and perseverance through all of this have been incredible to witness. Thank you for all you have done to support your children through our schooling at home period. 

It was so gratifying to close out the year with a series of mini-ceremonies for all our graduating kindergarten, 3rd, and 6th graders. Although different than our usual end of year ceremonies, we were able to individually honor each student and celebrate their accomplishment in a heartfelt and safe way. 

Our experience with these events gives us confidence that we can hold an in-person 10th-grade graduation on June 12. An RSVP form and event details will go out shortly to the families of our graduates. 

We are planning and preparing for the resumption of on-campus schooling in August. We have all missed the daily bustle of the school day and look forward to seeing everyone back on campus soon. In the meantime, I pray that all our families remain healthy throughout the summer. 

Wishing you all the very best.

Yours in service, 

Visvambhara Dasa 
Head of School

COVID-19 Edition Bhaktivedanta Academy T-Shirts

Dear Families,

By popular request we are arranging to produce a special edition Bhaktivedanta Academy t-shirt featuring our mascot being socially responsible.

Shirts are available in two styles: standard yellow or light blue "ringer" tees. All shirts are 100% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton.

This offer is completely optional for whoever is interested. These are not uniform shirts. Standard and PE uniform order forms will be sent separately. 

Please make your selections on this form by Tuesday, May 19 to order the shirts you want. Shirts will be available approximately 2 weeks after order date. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Yours in service,

Sucitra Wygmans

Fall 2020 Return to On-Campus Schooling Survey

Dear Families,

As discussed at our online family meeting last Tuesday, preparations are being made for a return to on-campus schooling in August and operating our school in an environment that is significantly different than when we were together previously. This preparation is based on what we know today and is in full understanding that circumstances are likely to change, which will require flexibility along the way. At present, these preparations include:

• Daily health checks for all students and teachers with strict criteria for being at school.
• Facilitated social distancing on campus and where appropriate in classrooms.
• Segregating classrooms into discrete communities with exclusive teachers and not mixing between classes throughout the day.
• Modifying classroom spaces to facilitate distancing, hygiene, and sanitization.
• Staggered schedules for drop-off, pick-up, lunch, and recess to maintain distancing. 
• Providing for appropriate protective gear (masks) worn by teachers and possibly students old enough to manage them.
• Enhanced emphasis on personal hygiene and classroom sanitization practices.
• Limit access to classrooms to teachers and school personnel only – no visitors or volunteers.
• Preparation for flexing in and out of on-campus and at-home learning as-needed for individual students, classrooms, and the entire school as conditions dictate.

Although lengthy, this list is not inclusive of everything discussed at our meeting but is intended to give you a sense of the measures we will be taking to keep our students and teachers as safe and healthy as possible when we return to campus. 

Based on this information we would like to get a sense of how you're feeling about your child returning to school on campus in the fall. Please take a moment to let us know your thoughts and questions by filing out this survey. 

Thank you for your participation. Your input is extremely helpful as we plan for what school will look like in the fall.

Yours in service,

Sucitra Wygmans

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Related School Closure Notification

Dear Families,

Based on CDC guidance for our state, the Florida Department of Education is recommending that all schools extend their spring breaks. In Alachua County, that means schools will be closed as of Monday, March 16 and will remain closed at least through March 27.  We are sorry for the sudden closure notice but is a necessary measure as local, state, and federal authorities attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We will be taking next week as an opportunity to finalize our virtual education plans in the event school remains closed beyond March 27. Prepare now for the possibility of school remaining closed past this date.

Updated guidance from the Florida Department of Health has extended the required 14 day exclusion from schools to any students or school employees who have traveled to any country, not just the CDC Level 3 or 2 advisory countries  listed in yesterday’s communication. 

We wish you all the best under these difficult circumstances. During the entire break we will continue to keep you updated on any developments via email and Facebook. 

Yours in service, 

Visvambhara Dasa
Head of School