A Fresh Start
The beginning of a new school year brings the feeling of a fresh start--and a new beginning. For so many school children, our Suzuki Preschool and music school students, we just started the new year this week! It is exciting to meet new teachers, see old friends, and reconnect with our familiar teachers and friends. Children and adults face the feeling of a new year with a little apprehension, but most of all it is a chance to explore new people, new friends and new mentors. Doesn't it feel wonderful when we can wear that new outfit for school, have a new backpack, or start a new musical piece?
This year is very special because it feels like we all need to "hit the reset button." After these long years of pandemic, we are emerging with less mask wearing, more close physical interactions, and a return to some normal activities that were canceled before. How nice for us to see the smiling face of our teachers, especially when we can be outdoors during the nice weather. We have lifted some of our mask requirements, but in our hallways and in large groups, we have two policies. The first is for the preschool, where for developmental reasons, we have adapted a "mask optional" policy. We want to respect each other in our choices, and do not want people or students to feel uncomfortable either by their choice to wear a mask or to be without one. Our second policy is for the music school where masks are required indoors for group classes, musicianship and in the hallways. During private lessons, a teacher may establish going maskless if everyone in the room agrees to that. However, returning to the main hallway, everyone must wear a mask. This is because our hallways are narrow, and people come from various pods that the mix of environments can present conditions where the virus could easily spread. We have been very careful and will continue to do so to keep as safe an environment as possible.
Psychologically, we want to press reset. We want to approach our days with joy and new learning. We want to share our beautiful music making with each other and with our community. Let us all look at our blessings, look positively towards this new year, and enjoy the return of all of us together.
Sachiko
