Dear Friends:

I wanted to check in with you now that we've had our first day of school following the hurricane. I am pleased to report that virtually all Lower School faculty members and children were at their posts this morning. The children were bubbling over with stories from the ordeal but eager, as always, to learn. We had a few more absences than usual in our Middle and Upper Schools but, by and large, all of our faculty were present. Many members of our school community had complicated and somewhat arduous trips to school. Still more left homes darkened by the power outages.

I can hardly begin to tell you how proud I am of our faculty and staff. This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for many members of our community, but I can tell you from having spent time today in all three divisions, our teachers are continuing to pour their hearts and souls into their teaching. The power might be out at home, but it's not out in their classrooms!

Thank you to those who have offered to lodge teachers faced with difficult commutes. We are working with all of our staff to help them find carpools, comfortable beds within walking distance of Berkeley Carroll, and everything else they need to get them through this challenging time. I know that many of you at home are also faced with nearly overwhelming challenges. Please let us know how we can help you and your children.

It's times like these that we are all reminded that ours truly is a community.

Best,

Bob Vitalo
Head of School