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Happy New Year! (Soon!)

It’s almost 2021, <<First Name>>! We have officially made it through a very unusual year, and while I have MISSED having students in the studio, we’ve accomplished more than even I thought we would. :) HOORAY! I’m super proud of everyone’s creative work this year!

I’ve been thinking long and hard about next semester, and I’ve made some decisions for the new year. If your family needs to make any changes for 2021, please know that I will be happy to support you in any way that I can.

1. 2021 START DATE: JANUARY 11
   I will use Discretionary Days to cancel lessons for the first week of January…to get started on a new writing project for Macmillan! It’s still top secret, but here’s a hint: there are *more* dog-friendly shenanigans involved! ;)
   

2. ZOOM LESSONS CONTINUE
   Even with a very hopeful light at the end of this pandemic tunnel (hooray!), we’ve still got a tough winter and spring to get through. I am going to plan on virtual lessons for the rest of the school year. If the world looks much different in a few months, of course we’ll reevaluate, but for now, I plan to settle in and move forward virtually for the rest of the year.
   

3. NO LESSONS IN JUNE, JULY, or AUGUST
   With a July deadline for my new manuscript (yikes!), and anticipating that we will all need a much-needed break from screens, I plan to take the entire summer off this year. Monthly payers will simply eliminate their final June payment. Semester payers will have a $460 second semester payment due in February.
   

4. FINAL GROUP LESSON: WEEK OF MAY 25th
   Our final Group Lessons will be rescheduled to the week of May 25th.
   

5. INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN
   In general, let’s follow the Brunswick School District plan for power outages. If they decide to cancel virtual school, I will use a Discretionary Day and cancel virtual lessons. If special circumstances arise, we’ll deal with it on a case by case basis. Important note: I have terrible cell service at my house and make all my calls via the internet. If the power is out and you are trying to reach me, please know I might not receive your calls/texts/emails in a timely manner.

6. S.S.S.H. AND NEW PRACTICE INCENTIVES!!!

   Now for the fun stuff! I plan to distribute our collaborative S.S.S.H. missions via snailmail; and since our Lego wall is on hold, I’ve designed a new practice incentive (including small prizes!) that will hopefully help keep us on track in the new year. Each student can expect an envelope in the mail in mid-to-late-January with all the materials they’ll need!

All these changes should be reflected on our Student Portal calendar. Please let me know if you have thoughts or questions.

I’m really looking forward to all the fun we are going to have in 2021! My students’ laughter and smiling faces each week have been one of my favorite parts of 2020…even though it’s been different than usual. You all are the BEST! See you next year!!!