BACK To SchooL This Fall ~Update

This morning the Emergency Response Committee met and made some final decisions regarding returning to school in the fall. Please understand that we made these decisions based on recommendations from The Department of Public Instruction as well as the Health Department and out of the best interest of our students and staff. I appreciate everyones understanding and cooperation during these difficult times. There are still many details that need to be discussed and finalized, however I felt it was important for parents to have some insight into our plans for fall.

• School will begin September 1st with a regular 5-day week schedule
• Teachers and students will be required to wear masks while students are entering school in the morning and exiting school at the end of the day
• Masks will be required at mass 
• Temperature checks will be done every morning before the student enters the school as well as before lunch recess
• Teachers will have their temperatures checked every morning when arriving
• Students/teachers with a temperature of 100.4 or above will be sent home
• We will be converting the copy room into a health room
• Drop off procedures will be as follows:

            -One way traffic that will enter in the driveway near the church
            -Drop off car line (no parking)
            -Deb and I will be temperature checking as the child exits the car
            -3K-1st grade teachers will be outside to gather the students before entering 
            -Students can enter and hang mask in locker before entering the classroom

• Pick Up Procedures will be as follows: 

            -All homeroom teachers will be escorting students outside 
            -Parents are to park and come get their child from the teacher

I know many families are concerned about another possible shut down happening this year and what that would look like. The teachers have been working hard to create year long plans. In the event a shutdown is mandated they will know exactly what standards are to be covered. This should make the transition easier if we find ourselves in a virtual learning scenario. As a school we will be using the Google Classroom platform for all virtual learning instruction. Beginning in September students will be shown how to use this platform so that they feel more comfortable and confident using this technology.

The committee is going to be meeting again next week to discuss additional items such as procedures if a student or staff member contracts the virus, specials classes (music, gym, etc.), virtual learning guidelines, and building improvements. Possible building improvements that have been proposed include touchless sinks, touchless hand sanitizer stations, and a drinking fountain with a bottle filling station, among others.

We understand that these guidelines may cause you to have questions. Please feel free to reach out to the school office, myself, or Michael Cotter (mrockstar1@aol.com). Again, thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Megan Prudom