Dear St. Serra Community,
 
In 38 years in school leadership, I have to admit that I have never seen a situation quite like this. I sincerely appreciate everything that our students, parents and staff are doing to remain upbeat and flexible during this difficult time. I am humbled by the opportunity I’ve been given to use my years of experience to help our school weather these challenging times and come out stronger than ever.  
 
St. Serra’s Reopening Plans / First Day of School Moved to Tuesday, September 8th
 
The goal of The Diocese of Orange is for all of its schools to open at the beginning of the school year using a Level 1 - 100% In-Person plan. To allow time to pursue this goal, The Diocese has delayed the opening of its elementary schools until Tuesday, September 8th . This includes St. Serra. (An official letter from Dr. Erin Barisano, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Orange, will be sent to you in a follow-up email within the next few days.)
 
St. Serra’s leadership team has been working diligently on several plans for the school year based on the status of Orange County on the state’s Covid-19 watchlist. At this time, St. Serra (and all Orange County schools) is required to open with the Level 2 - 100% Distance Learnin g plan per Governor Newsom's recent orders. However, this status may change as we approach the first day of school and throughout the school year. If this occurs, we are ready to pivot to the appropriate plan as needed for continuity of instruction. Our school’s 2020-21 reopening plans are as follows:
 
  • Level 1 - 100% In-Person 
  • On-campus instruction utilizing detailed health and safety protocols and guidelines in accordance with the Diocese of Orange, the State of California, Orange County or by local health conditions.  
  • Level 2 - 100% Distance Learning 
  • Utilized only if guidelines do not allow for in-person instruction and a Stay-at-Home order is issued by state, county or local health officials, or as necessitated by local health conditions. 
  • Enhancements to our Distance Learning program include additional training and support to teachers and the investment in a new school-wide Learning Management System (LMS) that streamlines all learning tools (Google classroom, OneNote, online textbooks, etc.) into one centralized program allowing us to eliminate a shared Google Doc Homework page
  • Combines remote learning best practices with Catholic school advantages: A faith-based, robust curriculum with excellence in instruction and student support
  • St. Serra will not offer a full school year of distance learning as a stand-alone option. We will only utilize the Distance Learning Program when mandated to do so.
  • Level 3 - Modified In-Person 
  • Utilized only if physical distancing and/or health and safety guidelines set by the Diocese of Orange, State of California, Orange County or local health conditions can not be met by the school.
  • Full day, every other day, in-person instruction that promotes connection with teachers and peers. Students would be placed into two groups.
  • Monday/Thursday full day, in-person instruction
  • Tuesday/Friday full day, in-person instruction
  • Wednesday - students are not on campus
  • Student projects, make-up assignments, office hours as needed for individual student help

Additional Information
  • Preschool - Additional Information will be forthcoming from Mrs. Reiss regarding the reopening of our Preschool.
  • Masks: Students (grades 3-8) and Staff will be required to wear masks
  • Tuition: At this point in time, there will be no adjustments to Educational Costs.
 
Next Steps
 
Parents, we understand that the majority of you would prefer that your children return to campus at the Level 1 - 100% In-Person plan. We ask for your continued support as we provide instructional options and tuition pricing that will ensure our school weathers this storm, not only over the next few weeks, but over the coming months and years. By enrolling your student at St. Serra, you have made a long-term investment in your student and in our school. We are here, rain or shine, to provide your children a quality education -- an education, that is inspired by Biblical teachings in a Christ-centered environment. We will continue to provide academic programs promoting student success using a challenging and diverse curriculum. We, as a community, are here for you and are dedicated to your child's success, because we believe that a high-quality education is a gift from you to your child that will last a lifetime. We hope that you will continue to be a part of our school community!
 
As the first day of school approaches, I will continue to provide you with updated information for your planning purposes. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of rapidly changing conditions.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be consistent in prayer. - Romans 12:12

Always Striving...
 
Mr. Tim Tolzda
Senior Principal, St. Serra School