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Dear Parents/Guardians,
The Leadership Team along with faculty and staff have been very busy preparing for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year. The focus has been on establishing a solid and effective plan for returning to school while making certain we follow the recommendations and guidelines set forth by Governor DeWine, the CDC, and the Diocese of Cleveland. This process has included reading books and articles, attending workshops, seminars, collaborating with other Diocesan schools, as well as studying models for learning during a pandemic. Though learning will look different for the 2020-2021 school year, we will continue to provide a quality education that fits the needs of our students.
We are in the process of finalizing our options for our students and families. We will offer a full day schedule 5 days per week for all students. Knowing that some students are vulnerable and some parents are not ready to commit to sending students back to a “regular” school setting, we will offer 2 options:
1. Virtual Learning Option -
The expectations for this option will be very detailed, including a requirement that students will be present and participate in daily lessons virtually during school hours. Attendance will be taken and traditional grading system will be used to assess progress. Students using this option will have the opportunity to use a school Chromebook if needed during the remote learning time.
2. In-School Learning Option In planning for students who will be returning to the classroom, we have looked at the square footage of each classroom as well as the enrollment numbers for each grade level. We do have the capacity to fit all students in the school and comply with the 6 ft social distancing requirements. This may include opening a third classroom if necessary. The core-courses will be the focus of learning with limited co-curricular, extra-curricular activities, and assemblies. As always, we will continue to follow the curriculum set forth by the Diocese of Cleveland for all options.
In order to plan effectively for both options, we will ask parents to commit to either virtual learning option or the in-school option by August 5, 2020.
Please note that teachers and staff will be required to wear masks throughout the day. Students grades 3-8 will also be required to wear masks, however, we will have several breaks throughout the day when students can be at a safe distance outside and take their masks off. Masks will be optional for grades K-2 in the classroom but will be required in common areas and restrooms. At all times, students will be placed 6 ft distance from one another while in the classroom.
We will also follow all guidelines set forth by Governor DeWine on July 2nd, 2020. As I mentioned, social distancing will be required within the classrooms. We are working on a plan for lunch and recess that also maintains the social distance requirements. Other procedures will also be set in place including the following:
1. Student and staff temperatures will be taken as they arrive at school and symptoms will be assessed throughout the day. If a student/staff has a temperature of 100 degrees they will be sent home. 2. Hand sanitizer units have been mounted in every classroom and entrances throughout the building. 3. All common areas including door handles, railings, etc. will be wiped throughout the day. Classrooms will also be sanitized at the end of the day using the EPA compliant spraying units.
In addition to determining learning models for the reopening of school, we are working with the Diocesan office and legal team to create an addendum to the Parent-Student Handbook to address specific pandemic policies and procedures. Protocols for the detection and prevention, under the recommendations and guidelines, will be finalized and shared prior to the restart of school.
Your input is needed and necessary as we move forward. Please take the time to complete the attached survey by Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Your response is not a commitment at this time.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekJGjVjsfI22LoaCpv_EPDL9FNZkxQM1A0uP4GcVrIzlUi1w/ viewform?usp=sf_link
Communication regarding final options will be shared after the results of the survey are studied and plans are finalized.
God bless,
Mrs. Oriti