The 20-21 school year is underway. First and foremost, I want to say thank you for what I’ve seen and experienced over the past five months. 

• Thank you students for your resilience and adaptability. 
• Thank you parents for your grace, understanding, support, and communication.
• Thank you teachers, therapists, support staff, and administrators for your tenacity and exceptional problem-solving. 

This spring, the Council for Administrators of Special Education outlined four priorities for special education during the COVID-19 pandemic. These four priorities have been a keystone for my decision-making. 

With these priorities in focus, Earlywood remains committed to our mission, vision, and guiding principles. One of our principles is about collaborating  and being responsive to the needs of those we serve. My one piece of “back to school advice” is for everyone to share your needs and understand the needs around you. Keeping open communication about our needs and working together with understanding, compassion, flexibility, and grace will be critical to a successful school year.  

This will be an exceptional year in many ways. We will face exceptional challenges and we will respond with exceptional solutions. I look forward to learning your needs and working together to make the 20-21 school outstanding.

Dr. Angie Balsley, Executive Director