River Campus Planning Update

Roberto, Avé, and Paul
Dear River Campus Families, 

With only a few weeks remaining before the beginning of this school year, we know you may have questions about when and how we will start school. You may also have questions about what you can and should expect regarding many other facets of school life. We want to provide you with a clear understanding of how we will proceed, and we also want to be transparent about the possibility that the ways in which we engage as a community will continue to evolve in light of how COVID-19 impacts our area and our community. Please know that the health and safety of all of our community members are always a priority and that now, more than ever, we are carefully considering the ways in which we can most safely learn and grow together. 

Our first day of school will be August 25. Classes will be held virtually for the first eight weeks of school (August 25 through October 16). This is intended to insure a consistent academic approach during this uncertain time. Our guides have been learning and working over the summer to make Headwaters@Home highly engaging and effective. 

While seven-day averages in Austin are decreasing, we continue to exist in an uncertain and shifting landscape with COVID-19. We will continue to keep a close eye on key metrics (including the ratio of positive cases to number of individuals tested) in order to determine when we can return for some on-campus, in-person activities. In light of the frequent changes in state and local orders, we have organized a panel of medical and scientific professionals connected with the school to help us make the most informed decisions related to external health and safety recommendations and data. 

Here are some upcoming events to put on your calendars:

  • A virtual River All-Student Pitso (community gathering) is scheduled for August 7 from 12-1 p.m. so that we can learn about your thoughts and hopes for the upcoming school year. 
  • For the newest members of our community, we want to offer a special welcome with our virtual New Student Orientation. We understand that you are entering the Headwaters community at a unique time but rest assured: your voice matters and we are so glad that you are here. 
    • New Middle School Student Orientation includes two sessions taking place on Tuesday, August 18 from 1-2 p.m. and Thursday, August 20 from 1-2 p.m. 
    • New High School Student Orientation will have one session on Thursday, August 20 from 1-2:15 p.m. 
  • For both our new and returning families, our Back-to-School and Meet-the-Guide events will occur virtually. Back-to-School Night will be Tuesday, August 18 and Meet-the-Guide Night will be Thursday, August 20. These event times will be announced soon.
  • Monday, September 7 is Labor Day and is a student and staff holiday. No classes will be held. 
Students will receive invitations via Google Calendar shortly. Parents will receive invitations via email next week.

Athletics Announcement
Please note that we have made the difficult decision to cancel athletics for Fall and Winter sports. This decision was made with safety as our first priority, even as we recognize that such a decision will be hard for some students, coaches, and parents. 

Shuttle Service 
We are not able to offer Shuttle service at this time. The Business Office is working to adjust billing for families who have already signed up for this program, pausing all payments through October 16 at this time. If you would like to fully withdraw from this program for the year, please email Alex Penry at a.penry@headwaters.org. If you wish to be on the list if the shuttle is offered later in the school year, please click here to sign up for the shuttle. 

Headwaters is a special place, made more so because of each of you. We, along with your guides, are looking forward to getting to know our new families and welcoming back our returning families. These are challenging times; let’s navigate them, safely and thoughtfully, together.

Gratefully, 

Avé, Roberto, and Paul


Avé Luke-Simpson
Director of High School
a.luke-simpson@headwaters.org
Roberto Germán
Director of Middle School
r.german@headwaters.org
Paul Cronin
Director of Studies
p.cronin@headwaters.org
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As a 501(c)3 non-profit school, Headwaters School does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local law in its admissions, financial aid, hiring, or board membership processes.