September 30, 2020
Dear Parents,
We remind our students daily of the great love that God has for each of us. He calls us to be peaceful and just in our dealings with one another, remembering that He lives within each one of us, and that each of us is His child. When we gather we continue to say our AMEN. We Accept each person as a unique creation in God’s image. We Model Jesus as we make everyone feel welcome in the holy place. We Educate each other for life. We Nurture the diverse gifts of the whole school family. These statements in addition to being mindful of our Catholic faith and traditions are the reasons we call ourselves a Catholic Faith community.
We will revert to the formal uniforms on the Tuesday after Columbus Day, October 13th. This will mean our school uniform shoes for all, and the appropriate uniform pieces as indicated on our website. Please refer to this for the particulars.
Our school has been open for in-person learning for 21 days and we are still going strong! We remain vigilant for the health and safety of all of our children, our families, and our staff. We remind everyone that if for some reason your child is going to be absent from school, it is your responsibility to call the front office and to send a note. Please do not email or text teachers for this purpose. Mrs. Tejera will be checking on students who are absent. If you are traveling out of state for any reason, the school will need to know where you are going and your mode of travel to determine (based on health department regulations and school policy), whether or not your child will need to quarantine and/or be tested prior to returning to school. Your patience and your respect of these policies is for the protection of everyone involved.
As mentioned last week, Mrs. Tejera and I met with each class to discuss the reason for the “pop-up” tent we have installed in the auditorium. The health department has asked that each school have a separate space for students or staff who present with symptoms of the virus. Since our school is small and has no space for this, the school purchased this tent (8 x 8) to accommodate this requirement. The tent has a window behind it providing ventilation and also three 1000 sq. ft. air purifiers in the auditorium space. Please understand that being in the tent does not mean a student or adult has the virus. As you have seen and heard, our school is doing everything possible to keep everyone healthy. We assume that for the safety of your families and all in school that you are following healthy practices as well.
This Friday our students in Grades 2, 3, and 4 will attend Mass for the first Friday. Unfortunately, space is limited to our students and teachers at this time. Also, on Friday, our students in Grades 5-8 will celebrate the Big E trip we usually take, as they display their study of the New England States. Pre-wrapped treats will be provided to the students as they do a walk-by. This will be filmed since we cannot have anyone else on the playground. It will be available for viewing on our Facebook page and through YouTube.
Once again, please note that there has been a change in the parent/teacher conference format and timing on the October calendar. Please note that the second afternoon, October 23rd, originally designated as parent/teacher conferences will not be used for conferences, but will be used as professional development for the teachers. On October 22nd parent/teacher conferences will be held by phone or in a virtual format by request of the parent or the teacher. In person conferences will not be held at this time, unless the principal requests such a conference. Both October 22nd and 23rd will be 12:30 dismissal days. Please plan accordingly for child care.
Thank you to all who participated in our chocolate bar sales. The funds raised will help to replace the deficit in the Home-School account for last year’s lost fundraisers, and will help us to continue providing some extras for the children. We are also trying to purchase some additional laptops for use in school, as we await the Chromebook order from early May that has been backordered, perhaps until November.
May Jesus, Mary our Blessed Mother, and St. Joseph watch over us and protect us. I continue to hold you in my prayers, and ask that you keep me in yours.
Marianne Cote,
Principal