A Message from the Head of School
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Dear HSES Community,
I begin by offering my sincerest hope that this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well. During our months apart, I have constantly sought out the silver linings and I hope that you too have found connection and beauty in the midst of confusion and uncertainty. Our community has overcome its share of challenges, from Hurricane Harvey to massive flooding of Tropical Storm Imelda. And yet, this semester’s historically unprecedented events have stretched our resolve in ways we never could have imagined. The coronavirus has impacted all of us in ways both great and small; and will continue to do so. And as we wind down this school year, I know that the events from this semester have created questions within our community as to how will school look when we return in the fall and I hope to offer some insight into our planning thus far. |
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| Although there are still many unknown factors, we have gathered information from a variety of sources to begin planning for the reopening of school. Our plan is to reopen Early Childhood and offer Kidventure Camp beginning Monday, June 1. We also plan to resume on-campus learning in August, with protocols in place based on the guidance of local, state and public health authorities. |
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| Our COVID-19 Task Force meets weekly to document our plans and protocols and we will share these details with you closer to the start of school. Our first priority is safety - the health of our faculty, staff, and students will guide every decision we make. Our second priority is to remain open to the greatest extent possible. We are also working on a plan for an integrated approach to technology as part of the campus experience so that we can seamlessly utilize remote learning if needed. |
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| The pandemic has changed our social behaviors in ways that will likely continue into the next school year. Just as our day-to-day lives have changed, our campus life will be different as well. We are looking at a variety of strategies to safeguard our community while allowing HSES to deliver the world-class education that our students and families know and appreciate. |
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Examples of practices under discussion:
- Screening health and temperature of faculty and student on a daily basis, including exclusion and re-entry protocols.
- Incorporating personal protective equipment for faculty and staff.
- Increasing specialized training and sanitation for custodial staff.
- Individualizing and frequent sanitation of student materials and supplies.
- Offering boxed lunches and individual snacks.
- Providing constant access to handwashing and hand-sanitizing stations.
- Placing individual student desks 6 feet apart for LS and MS.
- Optimizing social distancing by monitoring and/or reducing class size and mixing of classes in every division.
- Implementing one-to-one devices for LS and MS students, blending synchronous and asynchronous learning while on campus.
- Eliminating school visitors, field trips, group events and gatherings during times of high risk.
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| The summer months will bring new information and our policies will likely evolve as more guidance is given to schools. We are prepared to follow CDC guidelines and relax restrictions as the situation hopefully improves, as well as increase restrictions if warranted. |
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| There will be inconveniences that come with these new procedures, but they are necessary to protect our students and community. Uncertainty is dissettling for all of us. I am grateful to have dedicated teachers and staff who are flexible and creative! We also have the benefit of smaller class sizes and the ability to spread out within our campus. I believe this is a great advantage as we navigate the challenges of social distancing. |
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I will keep you updated on our plans as they continue to evolve in congruence with guidance by the CDC, local, state and federal officials.
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| I continue to look forward to returning to campus as a community. As history reminds us, this time will eventually pass. Allow yourself and those around you a bit of grace during this global pandemic. We have learned many lessons including a greater awareness of our many blessings. This knowledge and appreciation will remain once we move beyond our current situation. |
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Daily I am reminded that #HSESstrong is more than a saying, it’s how we demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges while loving one another. This is what truly defines us as a community.
Warm regards,
Michelle Symonds
Head of School
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Curbside PickUp
Early Childhood
We will offer a drive-thru for EC Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. During these times, parents can pick up and drop off items, while complying with state safety guidelines. The teachers will pack all student belongings for parents to pick up through the EC driveway, also providing the opportunity to return any school belongings.
Primary, Lower and Middle School
If you missed your assigned curbside pickup, contact Teresa McKinsey to coordinate an alternate time.
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School Supply Sale
Online ordering is now available for school supplies. Save up to 40% for P3 through 8th grade. Supplies will be delivered directly to the classrooms for students to retrieve at Orientation.
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Summer Reading
Ready to embark on your reading journey? No matter where you go or what you do, you will be able to travel to new places and meet new people in your books!
During the summer, we want you to read every day and read a variety of wonderful books! HAISLN, a group of Houston area independent school librarians, provides a list of incredible books.
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Cub Scout Recruiting
Is your rising K-5th grader interested in Cub Scouts? Many HSES students are Cubs in Pack 1040. There will be distance-based and in-person programs through the summer from the Pack and from the larger Boys Scouts of America programs. Contact Jim Hudson at (713) 824-1116 for more information or visit www.pack1040.org.
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| Because school is operating remotely, email is the best form of communication. View who to contact for each department. |
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Early Childhood
Whitney Zisman
Primary School
Whitney Zisman
Lower School
Karen Palividas
Middle School
Brian Smith
Athletics
Mitriel Vinzant
Head of School
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Administrative/Front Office
Teresa McKinsey
Business Office
Ranelle Johnson
Admissions
Jacque Fairbairn
Marketing/Communications
Florencia Parada
Technology
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The community page contains important materials and resources for parents and students of all ages.
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Click to view key information such as Parent-Student Handbook, forms, guides, menus and more.
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| Holy Spirit Episcopal School offers an exemplary education for infants through grade eight that develops the whole child while achieving academic excellence in a dynamic, Christian-based environment. |
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