As we communicated Wednesday, we have been reviewing the status of school opening in light of the worsening local health situation and placement of San Mateo County on the state coronavirus watch list. These factors have heightened concerns for the safety of all members of the community as we approach the start of school.
As a result, after consultation with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, teachers, administrators, the executive leadership of the board of regents, and our tri-school partners, we have decided to begin the school year in distance learning. We will commit to this schedule through the first grading period, which is six weeks, regardless of the watch list status. This time frame will allow us to safely open school amidst the health crisis and will provide clarity for our teachers and families. During this period we will continue to refine teaching and safety protocols that will be used in the hybrid schedule to ensure our readiness when it is time to transition to this schedule. We will also continue to monitor the health of the community and continue consultation with our stakeholders.
This decision was made in collaboration with our tri-school partners Mercy High School and Notre Dame High School, with whom we share classes, students and programming. We are hopeful that this decision and time frame will provide clarity for Serra families as well as those involved in the tri-school academic program.
On July 1, we communicated and posted on our
website
a distance learning schedule that mirrors the hybrid schedule. Classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be a Padre Core Day that supports the students' social emotional learning as well as academic development. This schedule will ensure that Serra maintains high academic expectations for our students while supporting their growth as young men. We remain hopeful that we will be able to welcome students on campus for orientation and other welcoming events.
Our Academic and Student Life offices are fine-tuning the program details. Prior to the start of school on August 17, we will publish details of the schedule and orientation events, update our website, and hold webinars for each class level to present information specific to your son's level in class.
We know that this announcement, while not a surprise to most people due to the local news, is still difficult for all of us to absorb as we approach a new school year. We are anxious to welcome everyone on campus and to revel in the energy and joy that your sons bring each day to our community. Please know that we are committed to making this happen as soon as we know that it is safe to do so.
