E-backpack, 11/12/2020

Weekly News and Updates

November 12, 2020

This has been a stressful week as we've seen St. Edward School impacted by positive cases of COVID and cohorts quarantined. I want to applaud our staff and students for once again working together to make the best of the situation and transitioning to e-learning quickly. Fr. Dominic and I are confident in the health and safety protocols we are practicing here at school. As we move into colder weather, we will implement the following additions to our health and safety protocols:

We have purchased portable air purifiers for each classroom and shared space such as the office. Minimally, the purifiers will run for two hours before and after occupied times. The filters will be rated HEPA or MERV13.
Classroom windows will be left open to allow fresh air into the classrooms. Depending on outside temperatures, windows will be opened before or after school and when students are not in the classroom. Students should always have a St. Ed uniform sweatshirt or sweater to wear if classrooms are chilly.
We will continue to utilize outdoor time as much as possible, and students should be dressed appropriately for the weather.

Since joining the St. Edward community in 2018, I recognize the wonderful commitment of this community to stick together and support one another especially during difficult times. This is one of those times when we need to come together and support one another. We cannot release information on the identity of positive cases, and I ask that we do not fall into the trap of speculation and rumors. We must all be mindful of our decisions and how they impact others especially right now. Again, I ask that you think about your Thanksgiving plans and how they might impact all of us upon returning to school after Thanksgiving. Save your extended family gatherings and "Friendsgivings" for the Christmas break, so that we can stay in person between November 30-December 18. These small sacrifices are for the good of all.

If you have any questions, please reach out. St. Edward, pray for us!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sara Lasica

Principal

slasica@stedwardschool.com

Submit any TRIP orders by Monday morning at 10 AM.

Please review the illness protocols distributed by the Archdiocese based on updates from the CDC and local health departments by clicking here. By following these guidelines and taking care of your families outside of school, we can continue to learn together in-person this year.

Advent Raffle Tickets can be purchased through the school office or online!

Send your loved ones a raffle ticket for Thanksgiving and save the in person visit for Christmas break!

Each winning ticket will be put back into the next day's drawing.

FAQ: What happens when a positive case of COVID is reported to School?

As soon as I am notified by a parent of a positive case, close contact, or presumptive positive, I gather information from the parent to report to the Archdiocese. After completing forms for the Arch COVID Task force, I am contacted by a case handler within a few hours. We discuss the specifics of the case including close contacts and quarantine dates. I then notify the school community of the positive case, communicate any specific information with the family, and notify the cohort of a quarantine if needed. The more information I can gather from you, as a parent, right away the smoother the process is. The identity of positive cases is not shared with the community or staff. Please email me with any questions.

FAQ 11-11-20

Do you shop on Amazon?

Shop AmazonSmile and earn money for St. Edward's! Amazon will donate a portion of your order amount to St. Ed's. Click here to shop!

2020-21 School Calendar

Advent Mission

Due to the difficulty of collecting food items and toys this year, we have partnered with Our Lady of Mercy to provide gift cards that will be distributed to families in need. Gift cards can be purchased through TRIP or donations can be sent to school and we will purchase the gift cards. Thank you for your generosity during this time. Donations will be accepted through December 18.

Gift cards to the following stores will be accepted:

Jewel

Cermak

Aldi

Target

Walmart

Subway

McDonals

Burger King