Hello St. Martin Academy Spartans!
I have been settling in these past few weeks as your new principal and loving every minute of it. SMA has the most serene school grounds and welcoming community members around. We are truly blessed. Initially, I planned to send a summer update next Friday. But in the meantime, I’d like to update you on a couple of timely items.
These past couple of years have been difficult for children, teachers, staff members, and families as experts navigate COVID-19 and all the unknowns that come along with it. Our main goal this school year is to keep SMA open 5 days a week and provide a safe, quality, and faith-filled educational environment. A letter was sent out by the Diocese of San Diego Office for Schools outlining the public health order and what it means for schools throughout California. You can read that letter here. Schools must abide by public health orders as we do all laws.
What does this mean for SMA when we return next month? Based on the current public health order:
• All students and staff members will be required to wear a mask indoors
• Students and staff members may choose to wear a mask outdoors
• 7th and 8th grade students will return to their classrooms on campus instead of using parish halls
• Daycare will be available morning and afternoon until 6pm.
• Extra layers of protection will still be in effect including hand-washing breaks, easy access to hand sanitizer across campus, essential visitors on campus only, at-home screening prior to attending school, mask-wearing enforcement, extra masks on-campus, etc.
Teachers may exercise judgement when teaching if removing a mask is required for pedagogical purposes (teaching younger students, students with special needs, etc.). In this case, a face shield with a drape may be used as long as physically distanced from students. The face mask should be immediately replaced after the lesson.
As we have all experienced, information and guidance pertaining to COVID-19 is fluid. As I receive updates, I will pass them on to you. I appreciate your support and understanding. Keeping SMA students healthy, happy, and on-campus daily is a goal I’m sure you also share with me.
May God bless you always!
Jennifer Miller, Principal
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Martin of Tours Academy, in partnership with parents, is a Catholic parish elementary school that prepares students to be lifelong learners through a curriculum that has a strong moral, spiritual, and academic foundation. Students understand the need for peace and justice, and as responsible Catholics, are challenged to answer the call to service and become engaged citizens of the world.
