The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing the opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus |
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Dear Parents,
The 2021-2022 school year is about to begin, and everyone here at Corpus Christi Catholic School is very excited about this upcoming school year! In addition to gaining the leadership of our two new priests, Father Pat and Father Crow, our school has also undergone many exciting changes over the summer. These include new paint inside our hallways and in some of our exterior buildings, new fencing around our preschool playground and our backfield, resurfacing of our playground blacktop, completion of a project to improve drainage around our bleachers, and so much more.
Welcome back to all of our returning families, and we extend a special warm welcome to all of our new families. We recognize that parents are the primary educators of their children, and our faculty and staff members are committed to working with you in a partnership to carry out the mission of our school. Our mission is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus. We know that this upcoming school year will provide many opportunities and adventures for your children to grow academically and spiritually. As this new year begins, please know that you can always contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Below you will find our Safe at School Guidelines as well as information pertaining to book drop off, arrival and dismissal procedures, lunch, and more.
I know we are going to have a fantastic school year at Corpus Christi Catholic School!
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Safe at School Guidelines |
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All faculty, staff, and any visitors will continue to have temperatures checked upon arrival at school.
All faculty, staff, students(K-8), and visitors will continue to wear face masks while indoors.
- Masks should cover the nose and mouth.
- Disposable masks will be available for students if needed in emergency situations.
We will continue to reinforce handwashing hygiene practices.
- Students will be asked to wash their hands upon arrival at school and upon reentry to the classroom.
- Hand sanitizer will continue to be available in the classrooms and throughout the school.
Continue Social Distancing Measures
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In the hallways:
- Classes will be encouraged to use backdoors of the classroom to limit time in the hallway and avoid mixing of various grade levels.
- Water fountains will not be in use with the exception of refilling water bottles using the no-touch bottle refilling stations.
- Switching of classes/Specialty area classrooms
- Students will remain in grade level as much as possible throughout the day.
- Middle school students will get to switch classes to each classroom, but backdoors will be utilized to avoid crowding and unnecessary mixing of grade levels.
- Students will continue to visit specialty area classrooms and the schedule continues to allow disinfecting time between classes.
- At Mass
- Students will be able to attend Mass as a school, but seating has been adjusted to allow distancing between various grade levels.
- If a parent attends Mass, they will not be able to sit with their student at this time
- At Lunch
- We are blessed to have a space that is large enough to allow classes to safely distance. Additional tables have been added to allow spacing between grade levels.
- We will return to the cafeteria this year using the following schedule:
- Grades 6-8 -11:00 a.m.
- Grades 3-5 - 11:45 a.m.
- K-2nd Grade -12:30 p.m.
- Currently, parents are not allowed to eat lunch with our students as we try to keep our students safe.
- Students will sit at assigned tables in the cafeteria as designated by their teacher. This is in case there is a need to do contact tracing.
- At Recess
- Students will be allowed to play with their grade level during recess, but the schedule and playground rotations will not allow for the mixing of grade levels.
Cleaning and disinfecting of our school will continue to occur on a daily basis.
- Increased cleaning/sanitization of common areas throughout the day, including doors, restrooms, and commonly touched surfaces with EPA-approved disinfectants.
- Each classroom will be equipped with misters for easy sanitization between classes.
- Industrial misters purchased last year will continue to assist in daily sanitization schedules and will also be used in the occurrence of a positive case.
If there is a positive case in our school, please know the area will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected as in the past.
If your child is sick, please keep them at home. If your child tests positive or is identified as a close contact and has to quarantine, you must contact the school and relay that information.
Current Guidelines for Isolation and Quarantine:
All Archdiocese schools follow the recommendations of the Alabama Health Department/CDC guidance for schools. The following guidelines are currently in place:
- If a student or faculty/staff member is diagnosed as a positive case, they must isolate for 10 days from symptom onset or the positive diagnosis.
- They may return to school after Day 10 if they have been fever-free for 24 hours and other symptoms have improved.
- Quarantine for Close Contacts
- Individuals who were within 6 feet, for longer than 15 minutes, of an individual who tests positive within 48 hours prior to symptom onset or positive test, must quarantine for 10 days. (monitor for 14)
- If an individual is fully vaccinated, they do not have to quarantine.
- If an individual has been diagnosed with COVID in the past 90 days, they do not have to quarantine.
- If your child is identified as a close contact and they meet one of the criteria above, confirmation of the above must be supplied to the office.
New Regulations for schools:
In the K-12 indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition EXCLUDES students who were within 3-6 feet of an infected student/individual where both students were engaged in the consistent and correct use of face masks.
- This means that if children are properly wearing face masks indoors, they may not be identified as a close contact. However, teachers will note activities and seating arrangements when face masks are removed, such as lunch and snack times, as well as outdoor playtime where close contact without a mask may take place.
- If there is a positive case within your child’s school community (their grade level, afterschool care group, sports team, etc) you will be notified of the positive case and whether your child was identified as a close contact or not.
With safe practices in place and the support of our parents, I know we can have a successful year! A PDF of this information can be found HERE. |
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There is a waiver the Archdiocese is asking all parents to complete. It is a fillable form. I will be resending the waiver in a separate communication. You may print out the form and return it, or save it and send it to my email, kmartin@ccscatholic.com. Only one form per family is required. Please return by Friday, August 27. |
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Blessing of the Backpacks - this Sunday |
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Have your child bring their backpack to Mass with them on Sunday, August 15, for a special back-to-school blessing. Please note that the PTO social that was scheduled for Sunday has been cancelled.
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New Family Orientation for families new to K- 8th Grade |
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The orientation program is for new families in grades K - 8th and current families who are new to kindergarten, i.e., your child was in our K4 program last year and this is your first child to enter kindergarten. The program is this Sunday, August 15, from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Adult Ed Room in the church Community Center and childcare will be available. Sign-in for the program will be in the atrium |
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This program is for ALL preschool parents, new and returning. It is happening this Sunday, August 15, from 5 - 6 p.m. in the Adult Ed Room as well. Our teachers will cover topics including daily schedule, classroom procedures, and "what to expect" in preschool. There will be time immediately following the information session to bring your child's supplies to the classroom. Childcare will not be available during the Open House. |
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Poppin’ in Preschool - Monday |
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The preschool teachers are hosting a “Poppin’ in Preschool” Popsicle social on Monday, August 16, from 10 - 12 p.m. on the playground. Students are invited to stop by to meet their teachers and enjoy a Popsicle. Masks are required for adults. Please enter through the side gate of the preschool playground. |
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Our teachers can't wait to see their students on our annual book drop-off day. Make plans to bring your books and supplies to the classroom on Monday from 10:00-12:00 p.m. or you may choose to come from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Teachers will be available at both sessions.
To reduce traffic flow in the hallway and ensure a safer environment, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Masks are required for all.
- Please visit one of the temperature checking stations along the front of the main building or in the courtyard before entering the building.
- To reduce traffic flow in the hallway, we will be utilizing our back doors and alternate entries using the following (and if you are unsure, please ask one of the staff members at the temperature section where to go)
- K-2 Grades
- Utilize the back doors to all classrooms
- 3-5 Grades
- Students in 4th grade will enter the main school doors and walk through the hallway. Students in grades 3 and grades 5 will enter the backdoors to their classrooms, walking on the sidewalk between the preschool and main building.
- 6-8 Grades
- 8A, 7A, and 7B will enter their classes from their outside doors in the back near the playground. 8B, 6A, and 6B will be entering at the back double doors by the playground through the hallway to their classrooms.
- Please do not use this time to remain on campus and socialize, as these guidelines are in place to help us distance and remain safer during the book drop-off time.
- If you ordered books and need to pick them up, please visit the science lab and follow the instructions above to get to your child’s classroom.
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Consumable Book Information |
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If you ordered your books online from M & M Books, they will be available to pick up at the school during both Book Drop Off times. In addition, to reduce congestion on drop-off day, you may come on Sunday (8/15) from 5:00-6:00 for an early pick-up. Please visit the science lab to receive your books. |
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Unfortunately, freight issues have caused a delay in the arrival of our Edukit supplies. They will not be delivered until Tuesday. If you purchased an Edukit from PTO, they will be placed in your child’s classroom and the teacher will make sure all items get in their designated area. |
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Language Arts Consumable Book Order |
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Remember that payment for the Language Arts consumable books (grades K-8) is due onAugust 16. The cost of the books are $30 and you may access the order form below:
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Reminders for Arrival and Dismissal |
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We are going to continue to keep similar arrival and dismissal plans that were in place last year. The only adjustment is the middle school dismissal time slightly earlier.
Arrival
Before school care is available in the preschool building for students of all grades beginning at 6:00 A.M. There is a $3.00 charge/day. Masks are required and temperature will be screened.
- From 7:00-7:20 Morning Care is still available at no charge:
- Grades K-5 will be in the cafeteria, and grades 6-8 will be in the gym. They will be escorted to their classes at 7:20.
- Masks are required and temperature will be screened.
- From 7:20-7:55
- With the exception of preschool students and those students designated as walkers, all students will be dropped off through a carpool in the lot behind the gym. Parents will pull into the parking lot as in the past. When all cars are stopped and it is safe, teachers on duty will direct students to unload and follow the signs posted.
- Students in grades 6-8 will stay to the left, go up the steps to the deck, and be directed to walk down the back sidewalk, behind the Cougar Den, where they will have their temperatures checked and enter their classrooms. Teachers will direct 8A, 7A, and 7B to enter their classes from their outside doors in the back. 8B, 6A, and 6B will be entering at the back double doors and through the hallway to their classrooms.
- Students in grades 3-5 will be directed to stay to the right, walk by the side of the Parish Hall, cross the driveway when directed by the teacher on duty, and proceed down the front sidewalk. Students in 4th grade will stop for a temperature check at the courtyard and go to their classrooms through the courtyard and then on through the hallway. Students in grades 3 and grades 5 will continue to walk in front of the office to the gate for a temperature check and then on to the outside doors to their classrooms.
- Students in grades K-2 will follow the signs and be guided to walk up from the parking lot by the side of the gym, stop for a temperature check at the breezeway gate, and will then be directed to go in the doors to the primary building and into the hallway to their classroom.
**First Day Exception--you may park behind the rectory or in the lot on the corner of McKenna and Evergreen and walk with your student to their classroom door following the procedures above, but please do not enter the classroom. This is an exception for the first day only. Remember that all visitors on campus must wear a mask.
Tardy Students, K-8
- To avoid being tardy, please have your child at school by 7:55. If your child is tardy after 7:55, there is a new procedure to be aware of. To avoid congestion in the office during our morning announcement time, tardies will be documented in our courtyard and children will be directed to class.
- If the courtyard gate is open, please have your child go through the courtyard gate where they will check in with Mrs. McKenna who will be documenting tardies during the time announcements are taking place.
- After announcements end, the courtyard gate will be closed and students will then need to come to the office to receive their tardy slip
- Therefore, if the courtyard gate is open right after the tardy bell, this is where the child needs to go. If it is closed, your child needs to come to the office. If your child is tardy and has to come to the office, we are requiring you to park and accompany them into the office. This is for the safety of your children.
Dismissal
We will continue to have staggered dismissal times this year. However, the time frames have been shortened. General rules for afternoon dismissal include:
- Arrive to carpool at the time designated for your oldest child, and not before.
- You will receive a plaque with your last name on it, color-coded for reference. If you do not receive this at book drop-off, please make your own (of any color) with your last name so the teachers can identify you on the first day.
- These signs will help our teachers on duty recognize student vehicles and allow them to quickly notify teachers on the veranda of whose ride has arrived.
- It is best to attach this to your sun visor and put your visor down.
- K-2: yellow (begin to dismiss at 2:40)
- 3-5: green (begin to dismiss at 2:50 )
- 6-8: salmon (begin to dismiss at 3:00)
- Please do not arrive before your designated time. Follow the traffic flow to the area directed by the teacher.
- While we do not want parents to get out of their vehicles and walk to meet their child on the veranda, you are welcome to step outside your car and stand if it will help with recognition. We do ask that you remain in your car. Teachers will make sure students get to cars safely when the traffic is not moving.
- We also suggest turning your hazard lights on during loading time if you are waiting for a child to load and turning them off once you have all of your students. This will also be a help to the teachers on duty!
- Once you have your children with you, please turn off your hazard lights and remain in place until instructed to safely pull forward through the lot. Do not pull forward until you are instructed to do so.
K-2 Dismissal at 2:40
- Students in grades K-2 will be escorted to the back veranda and will load all cars that may be there. Teachers will help get students to their rides.
- The K-2 students will remain outside for the first or second wave of 3-5 carpool and will then go back to their classroom with their teacher. If you are picking up a K-2 student during the last part of 3-5 or 6-8 carpool waves we ask that you do the following:
- Pull into the lot as directed by the teacher, and pick up your older students. As traffic begins to exit instead of turning right, please pull all the way up in front of the primary building next to the curb. The teachers will be notified you are arriving there via radio and someone will escort your student out to you.
- This will allow our younger students with older siblings to not spend so much time sitting in the carpool area and will hopefully help us move out more quickly.
3-5 Dismissal follows at 2:50
6-8 Dismissal follows at 3:00
Teachers will be on hand to direct you where to go in the lots. Students who are not picked up by 3:30 will be signed into afterschool care
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Preschool Arrival and Dismissal |
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From 6:00-7:00 a.m., before-school care is offered. Please walk your student through the main doors of the building into the reception area.
Arrival After 7:00:
- Preschool parents will park in the lot on the corner of Evergreen and McKenna. PK3 and PK4 parents will enter the gate that leads to the playground area and walk students to the back doors of their classroom, where the students’ temperature will be screened. PK2 parents will enter the front of the building, be screened, and will walk through the atrium to drop their child.
Dismissal After 2:30
- Dismissal procedures will remain similar to arrival. PK3 and PK4 parents will enter the playground gate and walk to the backdoor of their student’s classroom. PK2 parents will enter the reception area, have their temperature checked, and proceed to their child’s classroom.
- If you have a PK student with older siblings, the preschool children may be picked up either before or after you go through carpool.
- Students not picked up by 3:30 will be signed into our afterschool care program.
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Our afterschool care program offers supervision for our students until 5:45 p.m. each day. The cost is $40.00/week or $10/day. If you would like to register your child for afterschool care and have not yet done so, please contact Anna Thompson at athompson@ccscatholic.com |
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We are very excited about our new lunch program. Please visit www.welunchit.com and click on the register button to sign up for your child’s lunch account, view menus, etc.
- Orders must be placed before 12:00 noon the day prior.
- Refunds are not given unless orders are canceled in advance. If your child is sick, you are welcome to make arrangements to pick up your child’s lunch if you wish.
- If your child does not have a lunch, a Lunchable and drink will be provided for them for a charge.
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Parents are not allowed to bring fast food items in for lunch. Plans need to be in place to order lunch in advance, bring a lunch from home, or your child will be given a Lunchable that you will be charged for.
- As stated earlier, at this time parents are not allowed to eat lunch with their children.
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Bring your Own Device/Google Workspace for Education |
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Our teachers and students will continue to have access to Google Workspace for Education. This allows our teachers to collaborate with students and give our students more opportunities to learn in innovative ways. You should receive information about how your student can access Google Classroom and how you can receive notifications.
While we are proud of the number of iPads we have available for student use, we do not have enough to be a 1:1 device school. In an effort to provide our students with more access to technology that promotes 21st Century learning through collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity, we will continue to institute a Bring Your Own Device Policy for students in grades 5-8. Please access the policy attached for more information, including allowed devices.
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Each year we have parents read our parent-student handbook together with their students. You can find our handbook on our website. After reviewing the handbook with your students, please fill out the form below. This form also includes acknowledgement of our Acceptable Use of Technology Policy. You may find our Acceptable Use of Technology Policy in our handbook as well.
After reviewing with your student, please access the acknowledgement form below. Please complete and submit by Friday, August 27.
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Rediker Student Information System |
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Parents can access our Rediker portal to see student grades, assignments, and attendance information. If you are new to the school and need a Rediker login, please email kmartin@ccscatholic.com and I will make sure one is sent to you. If you have forgotten your password, I will be glad to assist you with that as well. |
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All students in grades 4 - 8th can be altar servers. Fr. Pat will be having training sessions for new servers on the dates listed below. Training will start at 3:30 p.m. (immediately following dismissal). Please meet Fr. Pat in the church.
Training Dates: August 19 & 26, and Sept 2. (All Thursdays)
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We will celebrate our first school Mass on Friday, August 20 at 8:15. After Mass, Father Pat and Father Crow will be visiting our classrooms to offer Blessings for the beginning of our school year. |
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Back to School Open House, K-8 Grades |
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Make plans to attend our Open House on Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. You will be able to find out more concerning class policies, procedures, and general school information. Look for more information soon. |
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You can view our school calendar for the entire year on our school website (you may need to scroll down to see it): https://school.corpuschristiparish.com/calendar-1 |
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We have established an account with AmazonSmile! AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support our school every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Below is the link to our charity page where you can begin your shopping! |
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Corpus Christi Parish News |
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Parish Office Hours
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.- 5 pm.
Saturday Vigil Mass:
5:30 p.m.
Sunday Morning Masses:
7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.
Weekday Mass:
6:30 a.m. Monday - Friday
8:15 a.m. Monday - Saturday
The Parish Office has moved to the 2nd floor of the Community Center.
If you would like to add a name to the prayer list, please call the Parish Office at 251-342-1852, or add the name to the list in the chapel.
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Sacrament of Reconciliation |
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Confessions are heard 30 minutes before each Mass. Saturday is not the only day to go. |
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Sunday School registration begins on August 8th. The first day of Sunday School is August 15, 2021. |
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Gather each Thursday at 3:00 p.m. to reflect on the Sunday Gospel and pray together. Meetings are held in the Parish House. All are welcome. Contact Sister Deborah Kennedy, R.S.M. 251-753-4872 |
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Our purpose is to help all men become the spiritual leaders of their families. All men are welcome to meet for prayer, Gospel reflection, fellowship.
Tuesday Mornings, 7 to 8 a.m. in the Family Room
Join the meeting in person or by phone.
Dial in: 251-665-2515. Conference ID: 102102#
Info: Jay Cox at 401-6070 or Auburn50@hotmail.com.
Wednesday Evenings, 7-8 p.m. in the Parish House
Info: David Sheffield, 423-5666 or David.sheffield@uniti.com
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul |
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Join us in service, grow in spirituality, and open your heart in friendship to neighbors in need. The St. Vincent de Paul Society responds to local individuals and families with food, clothing, and emergency financial assistance. Your help will feed children, prevent evictions and so much more. Financial donations can be placed in the brass poor box in the church vestibule, and clothing and food donations can be left at the St. Vincent de Paul Society table. If you are in need of assistance, call 251-366-6443. To find out how to join us, contact Ann Mackie at annmackie10.am@gmail.com. For more info go to www.svdpccc.org or follow St. Vincent de Paul Corpus Christi Conference on Facebook. |
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Walking with Moms in Need: Please remember to bring diapers and other baby items to the box in the vestibule for 2B Choices for Women Pregnancy Center and continue to pray for pregnant mothers.
Healing After Abortion: confidential, compassionate help - www.HopeAfterAborton.com
Contact Mae and Chris Rehm for more information - 251-554-2032 or maemouse@aol.com
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Corpus Christi Catholic School | 251.342.5474 | school@CCSCatholic.com |
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