Counting our Blessings!

A photo from the Harvest Festival!

This is such a very special time of year full of holiday gatherings seeing friends and families.

It is so extra meaningful because many of us isolated ourselves last year in order to keep loved ones safe. With vaccinations in place, many of us are looking forward to seeing many whom we have not seen in a long time. Gathering together is so important and can also be very special if it includes music and quiet connection. I am so grateful for all the support and outpouring of warmth and goodwill during this fight to get the pandemic under control. I urge everyone to consider three things: 1) take a home test for Covid, 2) stay home if you experience any symptoms of illness, 3) avoid areas with high numbers of infection rates. These three questions we have used internally at the school as our guidelines for our teachers and staff. These are requirements for all substitute teachers. Before returning to us in January, please consider doing these three things as a voluntary self test.

Music is so very special. We can play our instruments when the power goes out! We can play our instruments when we are happy, sad, frustrated and even lonely. Music is a very special gift. We had solo recitals and the preschool children are making huge progress in music, Mandarin, and academics. I love hearing Jingle Bells being played on a variety of instruments as I walk down the hall.

This past week we sent out a mailing to our families and friends to see if they would consider a gift to the school. We plan to continue to sustain our scholarship students who cannot afford music lessons. We also are providing holiday bonuses for our teachers in appreciation of their hard work and endurance. Your generosity has made it possible for us to continue hybrid teaching, installing TVs, adding speakers, webcams and air filters, and keeping the school clean and disinfected. You make it possible for our students to smile each day that they are here or when they attend our classes safely from home.

I wish you all a very meaningful holiday season. I know I have been so fortunate in 2021 in spite of all that is occurring, and I am so grateful. Nonetheless, let us all look at 2022 as a new beginning and with a brighter horizon. Happy Holidays to all.

Take care, be safe, and be healthy!

With love,

Sachiko