Reopening Plan FAQ
What if I don’t want to send my students back in person but want to remain part of St. Mark School?
We know that many families may prefer a Distance Learning Option and are planning on providing a version of Distance Learning within our Hybrid Models. However, the details and capacity of this form of Distance Learning will depend on whether we implement Hybrid Model 1A or 1B. The students who are learning 100% remotely would be part of the class. We understand that an adult may be assisting with the at-home instruction and learning and we also know that will look different in each household. Therefore, our teachers will provide instruction the best way they see fit to meet the needs of all learners and learning environments within the constraints bestowed upon them.
Why can’t all students return in person on the same days? Why does it have to be at 50% capacity?
The current NYS health and safety guidelines indicate that students must be at least 6 feet apart and wear a mask. Our largest classroom size is 25 ft X 25 ft and most classrooms are smaller than that, making it infeasible to host a full class of 20+ students plus a teacher while remaining 6 feet apart.
When is the first day of school?
At this point in time, we are scheduled to start school September 8.
In the proposed hybrid models, what will students do on the days they are not attending school in-person?
As a school, it is our responsibility to provide schooling within an academic calendar year. Our teachers are experts in their field and will provide quality instruction in person, synchronously or asynchronously, but we cannot expect them to do all three simultaneously, as that would be three full time jobs. On days students do not attend in-person schooling, there will be a combination of synchronous learning (learning that involves students and teachers having in-the-moment interactions with each other) or asynchronous learning (students accessing content that is posted on Google Classroom or Google Sites by teachers for students to be completed independently). This constitutes a five day school week for all students. We do not have the funding to hire a separate staff to support synchronous or asynchronous Distance Learning while our current teachers teach in person.
From the NYS Reopening Guidelines for Religious and Independent Schools (7/27/20) : “Hours of instructional time are not defined as a student’s time spent in front of a teacher or in front of a screen, but time engaged in learning under the guidance and direction of a teacher. These experiences might include but are not limited to: completing online modules or tasks; viewing instructional videos; responding to posts or instructor questions; engaging with other class participants in an online or phone discussion; conducting research; doing projects; or meeting with an instructor face to face, via and online platform, or by phone.”
On the Hybrid Model Survey, I indicated the specific days my family prefers. Are those days guaranteed for my family?
The Hybrid Model Survey sent to families August 10 was to glean data on which model was preferred. Should Hybrid Model 1A be implemented, a separate survey will be sent for families to indicate their preferred days for student attendance. This ensures equitable input from all parents. However, due to the mandates that require us to be at 50% capacity, there can be no guarantee that all requests can be accommodated.
If Buffalo Public is not in session will Buffalo busing be provided to St. Mark families who are eligible for Buffalo transportation?
Buffalo Public is required to provide transportation to private schools as long as Buffalo Public students are in session in person and/or remotely. If Buffalo Public students are NOT in session remotely and/or in person, busing would not be provided to St. Mark students on those days.
Are parents allowed to carpool to and/or from school?
The survey question regarding carpooling was to gather information on parents’ transportation options only. The school is not able to recommend families carpool nor is it responsible for issues or concerns that may arise if parents choose to carpool. Carpooling is a family decision, not a school based decision.
Will siblings attend school on the same day in either Hybrid Model?
Yes. Priority will be given to siblings attending the same day no matter which Hybrid Model is implemented.
What specific information/medical documentation is required to demonstrate that there is a high risk person in the household?
At this point in time, there does not appear to be a need to prove high risk and the option to keep a child home to engage in 100% Distance Learning may be determined by individual families.
What happens if St. Mark School has to cease in-person learning?
Should our school have to transition to Model 2: Full Distance Learning then all students would continue their learning remotely.
On in-person learning days, can students bring their lunches or must they buy from the Lunch Program?
Students can certainly bring their own lunches if families feel more comfortable packing lunches for their child. However, lunches will still be available for purchase through our school Lunch Program. Students who buy lunches will have their lunches delivered individually by cafeteria staff.
Will there be After School Programming?
Yes. The After School Program will run for those who depend on it. Students may attend After School ONLY on the days they attend in-person learning. NYS Health and Safety guidelines will be followed and implemented, which may result in a cap on the amount of students who can attend each day. Currently, there will be no after school sports, clubs or activities besides the After School Program.
Will there be an option for early drop off of students and will breakfast be available?
Due to the anticipated high number of parents driving their children to school, the logistics of early drop off are currently undetermined. We are coordinating with our cafeteria staff and support staff to provide an option for those families who depend on early drop off. Breakfast will be provided for students.
For Tuition and Financial based questions, please see the upcoming FAQ provided by our Board or contact the Finance Committee directly.
