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Parent Survey Results from Serra High School
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you again for your participation in the parent survey. We have read every comment in the 106 pages of responses and continue to assess the results. We are also reaching out to the 233 people who expressed an interest in further contact. Your insights are helping us in the planning process. Below, you will find a broad summary of the results.
Parent satisfaction with distance learning in the spring
- More than 80 percent of parents indicated that they were either satisfied or very satisfied. Parents appreciated teacher dedication to their son's learning, regular Zoom classes and office hour support, continued high expectations and the school's decision to assign letter grades.
- Areas of growth included consistency in technology communication platforms across disciplines, student struggles with engagement, lack of social interaction, and clarity in expectations for students.
Parent hopes for the schedule in this fall
- Approximately 83 percent of parents indicated that they are comfortable with sending their sons back to school in the fall for classes, activities and athletics in a manner that balances the return with appropriate health and safety protocols. Approximately 13 percent are uncomfortable with on-campus instruction in the fall.
- Close to 80 percent of the parents indicated a preference for some form of on-campus instruction, such as a "hybrid" model. Distance learning was the least desired option.
Parent priorities outside of academics
- Athletics, social activities and community service received the highest support, reflecting deep support for all aspects of social interaction.
Parent advice for fall planning health and safety
- The most popular answer to this question was some version of "adhere to all CDC and SMCOE guidelines," or a list of important safety measures like "face covering, hand washing, hand sanitizing, social distancing and temperature checking." The second most popular answer was concern about the mental health risks of isolation for adolescents.
Additional parent concerns
- Parents desired consistency of the schedule to plan logistics, transportation and work schedules. Parents of students with learning differences noted particular challenges in the distance learning environment. Integration of new students into the Serra community needs to be addressed.
What does your input and health order guidelines mean for fall planning?
Serra is committed to:
- On-campus learning - The current health orders that require social distancing indicate that some form of a hybrid schedule combining both on-campus instruction and distance learning is the best option.
- Supporting the social-emotional learning of the students -This includes faith and service, ongoing college counseling and extracurricular activities.
- Educating all members of our community - Students who cannot attend school due to illness or for health concerns will be addressed in the learning plan.
- Ensuring that we implement health and safety protocols - We are developing protocols for entering the building, student movement, health and hygiene, food service, cleaning and social distancing that follows the recommendations of the health officer. These protocols will be reflected in both student and faculty policies.
A note on governance:
A number of parents have asked about the role of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the San Mateo County Office of Education and the San Mateo County Health Officer. Serra is owned and operated by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and it provides oversight to our educational program. However, in the context of this health crisis, the county health officer has the authority to institute protocols to safeguard the health of the community. This guidance, issued in the form of health orders, has the force of law. Last, the San Mateo County Office of Education, in concert with the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities, has consulted with the health officer in producing the
Pandemic Recovery Framework
to give guidance to all public and private schools in the county. While not all aspects of the framework apply to Serra, the major guidelines concerning social distancing, gatherings, face coverings and hygiene do apply to Serra and shape our planning.
We continue to plan for school opening on August 17, and hope to communicate additional plans in the beginning of July.
Sincerely,
Charlie McGrath
Principal
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Barry Thornton, Ed.D.
President
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