July Mailing #2 Reopening News

Summer Mailing # 2– July 2020
SUMMER MAILING – PART 2                                                       July 25, 2020


2020-21 St. Joseph’s School Reopening Overview
 
We are excited to welcome our students back into the building on August 31.  Many people have been working hard to prepare for their safe return.   Catholic schools continue to believe that for the vast majority of students and families, reopening is the right thing to do.  We are grateful for the School Building Reopening Committee that has been seeking guidance from the CDC, MDH, American Academy of Pediatricians and a wealth of other experts to develop our School Reopening Plan (Pandemic Preparedness and Readiness Plan).
 
We know that there are still some of you that are uncertain by the often conflicting and confusing information published on COVID-19.  We’ve created a list of some of the more helpful information that is available right now that addresses the safe reopening of schools.
 
Today, we present to you our Reopening Plan – an ongoing work in progress.  It provides enough details so that you have a better sense as to how school life might work this fall, but does not have all of the specific protocols and procedures that we are required to present to the Archdiocese by August 3.  It also identifies a range of questions that are still be sorted out, as we still need to rely on external counsel and authorities for many answers (i.e. Archdiocese, MDH, ISD197, etc.)
 
You will note that the Plan identifies a Traditional Learning Plan with some modifications for the start of the school year.  In principle, this is having the vast majority of our students learning in-person with additional safety protocols and procedure to mitigate health risk.  Please understand that our plan for the reopening of school and during the school year will need to be flexible.  Contingencies will be in place if there is a COVID-19 surge in the community or school, necessitating some type of further restrictions and possible distant-learning elements.  Likewise, if there is a consistent decline in COVID-19 cases locally, additional restrictions may be lifted as well.  Our cautious hope is that eventually we can shift to a less-restrictive model of learning as the school year unfolds.
 
We recognize that some students and families may have health-related concerns that require distance learning as we begin the new school year.   We are preparing to do all we can to support these students and families.  We have learned much from our home learning this spring.  Our administration and faculty are continuing to engage in professional development to be better equipped to serve all of our students.
 
Q&A Session
 
An opportunity to have immediate questions answered regarding the Re-Opening Plan will occur on next Thursday, July 30 from 7:00-8:00pm.  A follow-up survey will also be forthcoming to seek further input and responses from parents.  Stay tuned for more information.
 
Preschool – Unique Needs
 
Much of the current Reopening Plan is focused on the operation of the K-8 program.  An addendum to this plan will be forthcoming as we continue to discuss the unique needs of working with younger children in the preschool program.
 
Governor Walz and Public Schools
 
As you may have heard on the news, Governor Tim Walz signed an Executive Order on July 22 requiring people to wear face covering in private and public indoor spaces.  St. Joseph School is working to better understand the specific application of the Executive Order for our school.  Please watch for additional communication on how this will be included in our school’s Reopening Plan.
 
In addition, as the Governor makes further decisions and announcements regarding public and charter schools in the coming weeks and months ahead, St. Joseph’s School and the Catholic schools will receive specific information, guidance, and recommendations from the Archdiocese.
 
Thank You
 
Thank you for being important members of our St. Joseph’s School community.  We acknowledge that during this pandemic, there has been much uncertainty.  As we continue to plan for the reopening of school, please know of our focus on creating a positive, safe and secure learning environment for our students, faculty, and families. 
 
St. Joseph, pray for us!
Sincerely in Christ,
Greg Wesely
Principal