October 2020 News from PEDP
After months of planning, rearranging spaces, and cleaning, PEDP welcomed students on Monday, September 21. Diligence and patience allowed us to get to this place and we owe a debt of gratitude to our Board of Directors. They met with Kathy almost weekly throughout the summer and they continue to meet frequently as we navigate this unusual year. We’re sure to have challenges ahead as this health crisis throws us curves but we promise to handle them with open and frequent communication. In the meantime, seeing the kids back at PEDP brings a smile to our faces! We are grateful to you, our PEDP families, for your trust in us as we move forward in providing a safe, engaging, educational, and FUN program for your children.
ADMINISTRATIVE REMINDERS:
Calling Fee: Unexcused absences cause the staff a lot of time and worry while looking for your child. A $25 fee will be billed when a member of the staff needs to place a call to your home, office or cell phone in an effort to locate your child. To avoid the fee, parents must notify the program of an absence (from our in-person program) PRIOR to the child’s normal dismissal time from school. This means we must have the message before 12:30/3:00 p.m. depending upon the day of the week. You may do this in person, by phone (617-332-5881), or via e-mail (kids@peirceedp.com). If you are called, the bill will be sent that day and payment will be due within one week.
Late Pick-Up Fee: Late pick-up fees are charged as follows:
- 1st late pick-up per semester $2.00 per minute from 6:00 PM until pick-up (M,T,TH,F)*
- 2nd late pick-up per semester $4.00 per minute from 6:00 PM until pick-up (M,T,TH,F)*
- 3rd late pick-up per semester $6.00 per minute from 6:00 PM until pick-up (M,T,TH,F)*
*Late pick-ups begin at 4:00 PM on Wednesdays.
Semesters are September-January and February-June.
PARENT HANDBOOK:
The PEDP Parent Handbook will be emailed separately in the next few days. All families: please sign and return page 23 by Friday, October 16thas an indication that you have received and read this document.
SY 20-21 TUITION PAYMENT POLICY:
In an effort to be flexible during a school year filled with many uncertainties, the board voted to forgo charging parents tuition deposits and allowed families to pay their tuition on a monthly basis. With that in mind, there are many fixed costs, such as teacher salaries, that are based on our enrollment and timely tuition payments. Below is the PEDP tuition payment policy for SY20-21, of which, we would appreciate your consideration and adherence:
- Tuition invoices will be emailed on the 15th of every month. Any enrollment changes or withdrawal requests must be emailed to the PEDP Executive Director at kids@peirceedp.com prior to the 15th or tuition payment for the subsequent month will be due.
- Payments are due one week prior to the end of each month. Tuition payments received after the 1st of the subsequent month will be considered late and assessed a $25 Late Fee.
OCTOBER THEME: FRONTIER LIFE
One room schoolhouses, family game night, lots of baking… sound familiar? Western frontier life in America is one of the most exciting periods in the history of the United States. From 1850 to 1900, swift and widespread changes transformed the American West. At PEDP, this month’s theme-related projects may include: covered wagons, totem poles, simple toys and even making their own butter. We will read stories of that era and learn simple songs. Native American traditions from that period will be included. You might supplement this theme with a family trip to Sturbridge Village (all current exhibits are outdoors) or simply discuss what they have learned around the dinner table. Have fun!
VIRTUAL PEDP IS OFF AND RUNNING:
Beginning September 21, we welcomed a few students new to Peirce as well as returning students at PEDP. Returning students should feel right at home since we have incorporated many of our in-person EDP routines into our virtual schedule – opening and closing meeting, monthly themes, snack/chat time and a choice of activities. In the first two weeks, we have had scavenger hunts, craft activities, trivia games and more. We even cooked delicious chocolate chip pumpkin muffins. Our remote program operates during traditional after school hours 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. four days a week. Families can sign up for 2 or 4 day options.
NO SCHOOL/PEDP:
Monday, October 12
Happy Pumpkin Picking!
PEDP Staff
