SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
October 18, 2020
Headlines from the Head
Dear St. Philip’s Community,

For me, there are few things more relaxing than listening to symphonic music. Beethoven’s Ode to Joy is among my favorites. There are a myriad of instruments in that piece, ranging from flute to trumpet to cello to timpani. Each instrument has a different tone and plays different notes, but they come together to create something beautiful, rich, and “joyful” in its complexity and harmony.

Our school community, too, could be compared to a symphony. Each family brings a unique personality and perspective to our campus, and together the learning experience of our students is enriched. By working, playing, and worshipping together, our students learn to communicate, collaborate, and appreciate the differences in abilities, preferences, and communication styles among their peers. Together, they create the deeply connected community we know as St. Philip’s. Our school is a unique microcosm of this country -- a country built on democracy and one that is rich in history and culture. 

Tomorrow, early voting begins in Florida. Over the next couple of weeks, and again on November 3rd, Americans will participate in a long-lasting democracy by casting ballots for political leaders. This is a monumental time in our nation’s history. While final election results may not be known in many of the races for some time, as a country we will prepare to live with uncertainty a little longer. During this time, we must continue to foster a supportive environment for our children. The spiritual bonds that tie us together at St. Philip’s are firm and will continue to hold true.

You, as parents, along with our faculty and staff, have chosen St. Philip’s because we believe strongly in our mission--to educate each child spiritually, intellectually, and physically in an atmosphere of acceptance and inquiry. Our mission and our Episcopal identity are the foundation of our school. In times of certainty and uncertainty, carrying out our mission and making decisions in the best interest of our students remain our guiding principles.

As we move forward into the next couple of weeks, I ask that we join together as a community to focus our efforts on those principles. Let us be mindful that our youngest learners are the most impressionable, and this is the time in their lives when our words and attitudes are the most impactful. It is our responsibility to teach our students to respect the dignity and worth of every human being.

I offer this prayer for your consideration in the coming weeks:

Almighty God, by whose grace all worldly leaders exercise power, help politicians and voters move through this election season with respect and dignity. Bless all who are vying for political office with clarity and transparency in their campaigns and give voters openness and diligence in casting their ballots. Help us keep perspective that we may be firm in our convictions, kind and respectful to those who vote differently, and ever mindful that how we treat others is how we treat you. This we ask of the One who is Lord over every election, Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Jasmine B. Harris, EdD
Head of School
Nurse's News
We have had several edits to the Health Policies Handbook since its first distribution, and we want to ensure the information is seen by everyone. You can find a link to the full Health Policies Handbook on your MyBackpack account or you can click here. Please see below regarding the most recent clarifications and updates:


  • If a student presents with COVID-19 symptoms during the school day (one major or two or more minor symptoms), the student and all siblings will be sent home until a negative test result and/or alternative diagnosis is provided by the clearing physician. 
  • If a household member/close contact is awaiting COVID-19 test results, the student(s) or staff member must stay home until the results come back negative. 
  • When a student or faculty/staff member is undergoing testing for COVID-19, only a PCR test will be accepted by the School. Antigen tests will not be accepted for clearances. 
  • Students, faculty, and staff may return to school with a medical clearance note after being symptom-free for 48 hours without the use of medications (this has changed from 72 hours symptom-free). 

Stephanie Begert, BSN, RN
School Nurse
Chaplain's Meditations
You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.
2 Corinthians 9:11

Our next Change for Good day is Thursday, October 29th! The theme is Halloween: wear a costume with no props or something Halloween-themed -- be creative! Whatever you wear, please make sure all clothing is appropriate, and don't forget a coordinating face mask! Masks must be at least two layers of tightly-woven cotton and must cover your nose and chin securely.
Blanca Famadas
Chaplain
Healthy Helpers
Hand Sanitizer 2
Distance
Face Mask 2
In order to promote student leadership and support our school-wide effort to remain healthy and open, we are inviting students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade to serve their classrooms as Healthy Helpers. Selected students will serve for a month and advocate for their classmates’ health by reminding fellow students as well as faculty/staff to wear masks properly, socially distance, and open windows during snack and lunch.

All students interested in serving as Healthy Helpers are asked to submit a drawing or painting showing at least one way students at St. Philip’s can stay healthy. Older students (2nd - 5th Grades) are asked to submit a paragraph in addition to their artwork explaining why they would like to be a Healthy Helper. The deadline to submit artwork and writing will be Friday, October 30th. As always, please be sure that your child’s name is on the back of their submission so we may recognize on social media.

On Monday, November 2nd, all students who have submitted artwork will be entered into a drawing to be Healthy Helpers for the month. Two students will be selected for each classroom. Two new students will be selected November 30th and serve through the holidays.
Upcoming Events
This Week
Merry Gifts & More Continues Online

Saturday, October 24th
Halloween Extravaganza: Not-So-Scary Drive-By Parade

Thursday, October 29th
Change for Good: Halloween Face Masks

Friday, October 30th
Deadline to submit artwork for Healthy Helpers

Monday, November 2nd
Make-up Picture Day
Book Fair Begins Online
Monday Chapel
Our students worship together in spirit at 8:30 a.m. every Monday. The video below is our service for Monday, October 19th.