Sunny Hollow Montessori is providing toddlers, preschoolers, elementary and Junior High students a full-time on-campus education. On campus we are following best practices for safety and sanitation so that children can continue to learn, socialize, and thrive while parents can return to work with peace of mind. Our complete COVID-19 Mitigation Plan can be found HERE (9.27.21)
A copy of the Minnesota Dept. of Health Decision Tree can be found HERE.
Call to ask about waitlist opportunities for 2021-22. We are still accepting applications for Fall 2021
Our intention is to cohort our students and staff by classroom to minimize the crossover with others. We will utilize the outdoors and other spaces in the building to break up the cohort, alternating between different locations much of the time. We are very fortunate that our building offers ample opportunities to easily implement state and federal recommendations.
In addition, to provide the safest environment for our students, Sunny Hollow offers:
The policies and procedures were created with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) ,and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We continue to follow the best practice guidance that comes from the above institutions, and expect all members of our community – families and staff – to do the same. Throughout our conversations, the safety and security of all the students and staff have remained our top priority.
We will continue to implement the many measures put in place last year for the 2021-22 school year, including:
We also will implement many new measures for the start of school.
Face Coverings
We have studied the recommendations for face coverings. Staff are required to wear masks indoors and in close proximity to others. We have also secured other personal protection equipment (PPE) such as goggles and shields, and will encourage overgarments if needed for the job responsibility. The expectation will be that Casa, Elementary and Junior High students will wear face coverings. The St Paul city ordinance requires people over two years old to wear masks in public indoor settings, and the school is mirroring that to start the school year.
At the start of the school year, classroom staff will present how to wear a mask to all students as part of general Grace and Courtesy lessons. While the caution is that young children may not manage masks well, we know that our Montessori children are independent and far more capable when given lessons. We want to be sensitive to students who cannot tolerate wearing a mask (due to sensory processing disorder, autism, an emerging emotional/behavioral control challenge, etc.) and will work with families individually. As you know, COVID safety recommendations are ever evolving and we will continue to monitor guidance and research with regard to masks and keep you updated.
SHM COVID-19 Mitigation Plan
Despite all we are doing to prevent any exposure of our students and staff, of course we cannot guarantee that your child will not be exposed––whether at Sunny Hollow or elsewhere––or that if exposed, your child will not contract the disease. We are strictly following MDH guidelines regarding our response to students and staff who may exhibit symptoms, have been exposed and/or who have a positive COVID-19 test. We are fortunate that MDH is so responsive to schools and that we have a school nurse advising us as well.
Support for Families
As you read this, staff and Guides are working tirelessly to get ready for the opening. 2021 continues to be one of the most challenging and interesting years…ever. We know that COVID-19 has had an impact on some families. Through the turmoil, we are committed to providing a quality Montessori education and a safe and loving community for all of our families.
Our classrooms are open! Find out how Sunny Hollow Montessori is providing peace of mind by following best practices for safety and sanitation. Watch our safety video now!