ARK 2 PRESCHOOL OPENS OCTOBER 5th!

Dear Ark 2 Preschool Parents,  It is with great JOY that I announce Ark 2 Preschool will reopen Monday October 5th for our 4/5's and Tuesday October 6th for our 3 year olds!
Ark 2 Preschool will look different this year, but we will strive to provide the same loving atmosphere for your child.  We have been working very hard to make this a fun filled year of learning and growing in a safe environment.

HERE IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Parent Orientation for our 3 year old class is set for Tuesday September 29th at 6pm in the Light House gym.
Parent Orientation for our 4/5 year old class is set for Wednesday September 30th at 6pm in the Light House gym.
PLEASE NOTE THAT AT LEAST ONE PARENT MUST ATTEND THE ORIENTATION NIGHT BECAUSE MORE DETAILS WILL BE GIVEN THAT NIGHT ON OUR COVID PLAN.
At Orientation NIght, you will have the opportunity to choose a shield for your child to wear at school.  Ark 2 will provide the student's first shield.  Each child must wear a shield at school, however there will be opportunities throughout the day when your child will get time to take the shield off.  This will be explained more at Orientation.
Also: Our registrar Penny Carns will have invoices for you that night for October tuition, so it is OK to wait to pay tuition that night.

WALK THROUGH OPEN HOUSES are planned for Thursday October 1st.
3 year olds can visit from 9am till 10 am with their parent.  Please have your child wear their shield.  Parents should wear a mask.  The 3 year olds have 6 students.
4/5 year olds can visit 10:30-11:30 but since their will be 13 or 14 students, the group will be divided into half hour slots.  We will give you that information Orientation Night.

Classroom Changes: Moving to larger rooms!
3 year olds will be meeting in the old 4/5's room which is much larger.
4/5 year olds will be in the large room.  The church has given us the entire large room to use for a classroom.
Again, you will receive more information about this Orientation night.

Covid Plan:
To create our safe opening, we used the PA DEPT OF ED GUIDANCE.  We moved classrooms to the biggest areas.  We have access to outside, the pavilion, the gym, and our awesome playground.  We are not allowing parents or any visitors into our buildings except for the Open House walk through.  3 year olds and their parents will meet at the school entrance door before school keeping social distance.  4/5's will meet at the front double doors and keep social distance.  Director will take child's temp before parent leaves and next child is called forward.  Children will wear shields provided by the Ark.  Parents will wear masks when waiting outside the building.  Cleaning and disinfecting guidelines will be followed always along with a lot of handwashing to be explained more at Orientation.  Also how we will handle a covid case will also be explained with a sample letter at Orientation. 

OUR STAFF for 2020-2021
Debbie Lamson Director  (PLease note that it was with much prayer and tears that I had to decide to let go of my teaching hat along with being Director.  Covid has caused a lot of changes for many, and it caused a lot of changes for me.  So because I am in the age bracket of concern being in the classroom, it was wise to open the door for a younger teacher to take over.  I will devote my full focus to being Director and keeping your children and all our staff as safe as possible.  And I will see you every class morning!)
3 year old teacher: Jessica Achey
3 year old teacher assistant: Angel Keahey
4/5 year old teacher: Amber Ratti
4/5 year old assistant teacher: Angel Keahey
Registrar: Penny Carns
NOTE: ENRICHMENT IS NOT BEING PLANNED UNTIL THINGS IMPROVE WITH THE VIRUS.

The staff and I look forward to seeing everyone at Orientation and answering all your questions and concerns.  We know that these times are challenging, but we are confident in our plan and look forward to speaking with you more Orientation Night!
Debbie Lamson Ark 2 Preschool Director