Dear Saint families,
We have long awaited news from TEA (Texas Education Agency) as well as our accrediting agency TCCBED (Texas Catholic Conference Bishops Education Department) outlining guidelines necessary for reopening in the Fall. We are pleased and encouraged with the news that we can provide face-to-face instruction here on our beautiful St. John Paul II Catholic School campus. I want to share again that we will follow the school calendar that was published in the Spring, and we will start our new school year on August 18th. While school districts are announcing many different plans, we have the benefit of being a stand alone campus. Fortunately, this means that we can and will remain focused on our unique Catholic mission, act quickly, remain flexible, prioritize safety, uphold our academic standards, and most importantly make responsible decisions that are best for our own Saint community.
Our task force has worked diligently to create plans and safeguards that reflect appropriate prevention and mitigation practices in order to move forward with on-campus instruction. While we continue to work on planning as the opening of the year is still four weeks away, we want to share what we know at this time.
Please note the following considerations and protocols for all students and families:
Daily Student Protocols
- Students may bring their own hand sanitizer to be kept with them throughout the day. However, we will also have hand sanitizer readily available and provide sanitizing stations around campus.
- Students must bring their own water bottles that are individually marked with their names.
- Students and staff will have their temperature checked daily.
- ALL students will be required to wear a mask (please begin practicing with your child wearing a mask and select one that is personally identifiable and provides appropriate coverage).
- Student movement will be kept to a minimum for elementary students with the exception of a few auxiliary classes. Middle school students WILL change classes; however, sanitizing between groups will take place with new protocols to eliminate crowding.
- Students will not use communal supplies.
- Student desks will be rearranged to practice social distancing and privacy shields for each student will be provided.
- We will not allow on-campus visitors for at least the 1st quarter to limit exposure in building.
- Lunch will be eaten in classrooms to foster social distancing. ECI will deliver individually packaged meals if ordered through their online system. More Information from ECI will be sent to everyone in a couple of weeks.
- Lockers will not be used during the 1st quarter to limit crowding in the hallways.
- Recess will follow a new schedule to limit the number of students and modified use of equipment will also be practiced.
- We will still offer our BASP (Before and After School Program) that will follow the same safety precautions as during the school day. However, outside clubs will not meet after school for the 1st quarter.
- We will not take any outside field trips for at least the 1st quarter.
- At this time, no final decisions have been made regarding athletics. However, we hope to begin sports in the fall with appropriate protocols.
Arrival/Dismissal
- All families must follow a simple screening process. Additional instructions and a form will be sent to you soon.
- Arrival - we will continue to use front door carpool as well as Brimhurst walkers with extra staff to ensure proper social distancing.
- Dismissal - we will utilize carpool and only Brimhurst (not Manderly), also with extra staff to ensure social distancing.
Daily Sanitizing and Cleaning
- Rooms will be cleaned after movement of student groups.
- All classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and surface areas will be deep-cleaned each evening, including the use of an electrostatic sprayer.
Our Saint community is so special and we are looking forward to being with you as soon. We can’t wait for our teachers and students to see each other, grow our relationships, and support one another. As we continue to navigate such a different time, it is important for us to take care of one another and keep the faith, knowing that God is in control. Be not afraid...we WILL be forever Saint Strong in 2020-21!
We have updated our
COVID page on our website
and rest assured we will communicate with you as the situation continues to evolve. Should you have extenuating circumstances and would like consideration for on-line/remote learning, please fill out the form before July 24 for our administration team to review and follow up.
