Many families in our community rely on the preschool and afterschool programs at Lavington Elementary.  These programs enrich kids' lives.  These programs give kids a safe place to be.  These programs make it possible for parents to have jobs.  These programs are not just a benefit but a necessity to our community.  I realize that this pandemic has meant we need to make changes to ensure the safety of our children, however these programs are run out of what was until recently, the community centre space of our school.  The space has its own entrance, bathroom  and kitchen separate from the rest of the school and as such can operate self sufficiently.  I believe that bringing a small number of staff into the school to run these programs poses much less risk than having those kids, who need preschool and afterschool care, spread around the community and into adjacent communities to find alternative care, bringing the risk of all those "bubbles" back to our school.  I am asking that School District 22 reinstate these programs for the kids, the families and our entire community.  Let's be kind, safe and COVID smart.