Update from the Academy for the Love of Learning
I am reaching out to you during these difficult and disorienting days with a short update.
Circumstances are evolving so rapidly that even as I draft these lines, we cannot know what tomorrow may bring. But here is what I can communicate to you today. On Monday, March 16th, the Academy ceased all programming in our physical space and staff began working from home, at least until April 7th, to be reassessed the week of March 23rd. On March 23rd, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a “Stay-at-home” order for the state. This order requires that all non-essential businesses and non-profits remain closed and is in place through April 10. With this in mind, and the well-being of our staff and program participants always utmost, the Academy’s campus will remain closed at least until then and likely beyond. We will continue to monitor the situation and reassess. Please check our website for updates on our programs.
While I and the Academy staff are working from home we recognize and honor those that are facing real hardships: frontline healthcare professionals, as well as retail, hotel and restaurant workers, and others for whom survival depends on hourly and tipped wages. No matter where we find ourselves, however, we all share the anxiety that comes with concern about health and safety and the disorientation accompanying this “great turning” into the unknown.
As things are moving fast, this is also an opportunity to practice the power of slowing. And while one of the downsides of this situation is that physical distance is surely happening and necessary, clearly, an upside is that social solidarity is emerging! Please continue to monitor our website and social media feeds as I and other faculty will be offering tools and practices from our work that we hope will be grounding, engaging and helpful for you.
Please know that while at this time our staff continues to work remotely, we are available for any questions via email. Feel free to contact us at learn@aloveoflearning.org.
All of us at the Academy continue to send our deepest hopes and wishes for your health and wellbeing and that of your families and friends.
With gratitude,
Aaron Stern
Founder and President
Academy for the Love of Learning
