February 1st School Reopening Update
Alameda County and School Reopening Updates
1/26/2021
Dear Shamrock Family,
You are likely already aware, as of yesterday, the Regional Stay Home Order that was formally issued on December 17 has ended. It was communicated today that the current county risk level remains in the purple, widespread tier for Alameda County. The encouraging news is that our county metrics have improved greatly, since last published on January 19.
On January 14 the state streamlined return to school protocols. The “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” is no longer necessarily the determining factor in (re)opening schools. Moving forward, the decision to open schools will be associated with the county’s “adjusted case rate”. As of today, Alameda County’s adjusted case rate resides at 28.9 cases per 100,000 tested. While most recent guidance indicates that schools that have not yet opened for in-person learning may not do so until their county’s adjusted case rate reaches 25 cases per 100,000 tested, Alameda County is currently projecting toward that marker.
While we are not yet at the county’s marker to (re)open (for schools that are currently 100% in distance learning), in preparation for that time, I am actively working on a new, updated set of reopening plans. Since health/safety and (re)opening protocols continue to evolve, I am in the process of reworking and completing the following documents to submit to county and state health officials, prior to our being permitted to open our school:
· COVID-19 Cal/OSHA Prevention Plan (CPP)
· Updates to our COVID-19 School Reopening Plan
· Covid-19 School Guidance Checklist
Updating previously completed and submitted documents and completing new documents, along with implementation of plans for opening takes time, especially as protocols and metrics constantly evolve. Nevertheless, my administration team and I are back on it, and we will continue to consider and work toward the opportunity for in-person learning, for those who want it, as is safe and appropriate for our own, individual school site. More to come next week.
Your Fearless Leader,
Ms. Paige Child
Dear Shamrock Family,
You are likely already aware, as of yesterday, the Regional Stay Home Order that was formally issued on December 17 has ended. It was communicated today that the current county risk level remains in the purple, widespread tier for Alameda County. The encouraging news is that our county metrics have improved greatly, since last published on January 19.
On January 14 the state streamlined return to school protocols. The “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” is no longer necessarily the determining factor in (re)opening schools. Moving forward, the decision to open schools will be associated with the county’s “adjusted case rate”. As of today, Alameda County’s adjusted case rate resides at 28.9 cases per 100,000 tested. While most recent guidance indicates that schools that have not yet opened for in-person learning may not do so until their county’s adjusted case rate reaches 25 cases per 100,000 tested, Alameda County is currently projecting toward that marker.
While we are not yet at the county’s marker to (re)open (for schools that are currently 100% in distance learning), in preparation for that time, I am actively working on a new, updated set of reopening plans. Since health/safety and (re)opening protocols continue to evolve, I am in the process of reworking and completing the following documents to submit to county and state health officials, prior to our being permitted to open our school:
· COVID-19 Cal/OSHA Prevention Plan (CPP)
· Updates to our COVID-19 School Reopening Plan
· Covid-19 School Guidance Checklist
Updating previously completed and submitted documents and completing new documents, along with implementation of plans for opening takes time, especially as protocols and metrics constantly evolve. Nevertheless, my administration team and I are back on it, and we will continue to consider and work toward the opportunity for in-person learning, for those who want it, as is safe and appropriate for our own, individual school site. More to come next week.
Your Fearless Leader,
Ms. Paige Child
New Year Instruction Update
Happy New Year Shamrock Family!
I hope each of you was provided time to rest, rejuvenate and the opportunity to acknowledge and enjoy blessings over the Christmas break. Here we are, 2021. May this year gift greater hope, health and happiness for us all. Below is an update pertaining to where we stand with instruction at St. John Catholic School.
The December 16th statement from Alameda County Health Officials shared that the Stay at Home Order had been extended to January 7th. - https://covid-19.acgov.org/covid19-assets/docs/press/press-release-2020.12.16.pdf
As of 12/29 Alameda County remains in the purple, widespread risk level with ICU bed capacity at 0.0% https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/
It is expected that Alameda County’s tier rate will be reevaluated and updated by January 8th. For the time being, we will remain committed to our distance learning platform until further notice. It is reasonable to assume, at this point, that we will not be permitted to offer in-person instruction before February. Nevertheless, the opportunity for vaccination offers some hope. I will remain in communication with our school community as trends develop and updates are released. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Our community’s health and safety remains my first concern.
Christmas Blessings,
Ms. Paige Child
I hope each of you was provided time to rest, rejuvenate and the opportunity to acknowledge and enjoy blessings over the Christmas break. Here we are, 2021. May this year gift greater hope, health and happiness for us all. Below is an update pertaining to where we stand with instruction at St. John Catholic School.
The December 16th statement from Alameda County Health Officials shared that the Stay at Home Order had been extended to January 7th. - https://covid-19.acgov.org/covid19-assets/docs/press/press-release-2020.12.16.pdf
As of 12/29 Alameda County remains in the purple, widespread risk level with ICU bed capacity at 0.0% https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/
It is expected that Alameda County’s tier rate will be reevaluated and updated by January 8th. For the time being, we will remain committed to our distance learning platform until further notice. It is reasonable to assume, at this point, that we will not be permitted to offer in-person instruction before February. Nevertheless, the opportunity for vaccination offers some hope. I will remain in communication with our school community as trends develop and updates are released. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Our community’s health and safety remains my first concern.
Christmas Blessings,
Ms. Paige Child
November 2020 Communication
COVID-19 School Reopening - Parent/Guardian Agreement
Return to School (Nov. letter)
SJCS Reopening Guide and Parent Survey
Dear St. John Catholic School Families and Staff,
Our school has been offered the opportunity to apply for the Alameda County Elementary School Waiver which, if approved, allows our school to offer on-site instruction, regardless of Alameda County’s position on the COVID-19 health monitoring list. In preparation for the submission of our school’s reopening waiver, the school administration has worked diligently to craft The St. John Catholic School Reopening Guide. This document includes comprehensive information including details pertaining to protocols, procedures and resources that support safe, onsite instruction, in light of Covid-19 health concerns.
It is important to me that you trust that I do not and will not take any level of reopening for onsite instruction lightly, nor will I make rash decisions pertaining to the execution of reopening. Rather, I will do so only after continued careful thought, additional planning and execution, and most importantly, after further consultation with school families and staff. As I have consistently communicated, reopening for onsite instruction will only be conducted when permitted, and when is appropriate for our individual school. It is my current vision that welcoming students back would occur in stages, not all at once. For now, the waiver pertains to only that of TK-6th grade students and we would consider the option for onsite learning at this time, for only students TK-5th. Lastly, on this note, it is important to acknowledge that applying for the waiver is only one of many steps toward our school’s reopening. Approval of the waiver will not necessarily dictate our reopening. Additional communication, planning, and execution of protocols and procedures can and will still occur prior to welcoming any students back onsite and well before our indication of any planned return date.
At this time, I request that school parents/custodial guardians and staff carefully read The St. John Catholic School Reopening Guide. Then, after thoughtful consideration, I request that parents complete The Sept. 2020 SJCS Re-Opening Parent/Guardian Survey by Sunday, September 27, 2020. I will continue to communicate with our school community as I can regarding any updates or developments. In the meantime, should you have any pressing questions or concerns, please feel free to email me. As always, I greatly appreciate your trust and support!
Attentively,
Ms. Paige Child
Principal, St. John Catholic School
pchild@csdo.org
Our school has been offered the opportunity to apply for the Alameda County Elementary School Waiver which, if approved, allows our school to offer on-site instruction, regardless of Alameda County’s position on the COVID-19 health monitoring list. In preparation for the submission of our school’s reopening waiver, the school administration has worked diligently to craft The St. John Catholic School Reopening Guide. This document includes comprehensive information including details pertaining to protocols, procedures and resources that support safe, onsite instruction, in light of Covid-19 health concerns.
It is important to me that you trust that I do not and will not take any level of reopening for onsite instruction lightly, nor will I make rash decisions pertaining to the execution of reopening. Rather, I will do so only after continued careful thought, additional planning and execution, and most importantly, after further consultation with school families and staff. As I have consistently communicated, reopening for onsite instruction will only be conducted when permitted, and when is appropriate for our individual school. It is my current vision that welcoming students back would occur in stages, not all at once. For now, the waiver pertains to only that of TK-6th grade students and we would consider the option for onsite learning at this time, for only students TK-5th. Lastly, on this note, it is important to acknowledge that applying for the waiver is only one of many steps toward our school’s reopening. Approval of the waiver will not necessarily dictate our reopening. Additional communication, planning, and execution of protocols and procedures can and will still occur prior to welcoming any students back onsite and well before our indication of any planned return date.
At this time, I request that school parents/custodial guardians and staff carefully read The St. John Catholic School Reopening Guide. Then, after thoughtful consideration, I request that parents complete The Sept. 2020 SJCS Re-Opening Parent/Guardian Survey by Sunday, September 27, 2020. I will continue to communicate with our school community as I can regarding any updates or developments. In the meantime, should you have any pressing questions or concerns, please feel free to email me. As always, I greatly appreciate your trust and support!
Attentively,
Ms. Paige Child
Principal, St. John Catholic School
pchild@csdo.org
Superintendent Communication
Our School Site Planning Committee continues to plan and provide teachers and staff with resources in preparation for an even more robust and meaningful student online learning platform this upcoming school year. Similarly, we continue to prepare for our hopeful safe return onsite, when appropriate. The above communication comes from our Superintendent, Kathleen Radecke, as she wishes to share with you about the planning and preparation for our upcoming school year, at the diocesan level. Please read Superintendent Radeke's letter and know that our Catholic schools remain committed to offering a Christ-based, student-focused, and family oriented educational environment that helps our students flourish and keeps our community united. May God bless your family and may you know the love of your St. John Catholic School counterparts.
With Love,
Ms. Paige Child
With Love,
Ms. Paige Child
Newsletter Regarding School Opening
2020-2021 School Start Learning Platform Announcement
Students Held Harmless, May 2020
05 - 16 - 2020 Update
Communication from the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Oakland
04 - 03- 2020 Update
Earlier today, our finance team met to thoroughly discuss and examine various financial support models for our school families during this time. While decisions of this nature hold heavy and lasting weight on both the integrity and financial viability of our school, support measures will continue to be evaluated early next week, but I want to be transparent in our process toward effective action and resolution in response to parents’ financial concerns, so I share the following with you now.
The following is an outline of a potential plan and possible means to provide a financial support structure for school families:
Again, these are items that are still under consideration among the finance team. Some of the terms are vague, but our goal is to provide an affirmative and more detailed plan to be shared with families next week, before we depart for Easter break. The value we hold in our school families, as members of one shamrock family, is immense. It is our most concerted effort to remain both open and empathetic, while making judicious decisions that support the financial stability and viability of our school. We are here, in this together now, and it is my responsibility to take measures that feed the vibrancy of our school establishment for the years to come.
The following is an outline of a potential plan and possible means to provide a financial support structure for school families:
- Reducing overhead costs (internal operations at the school level)
- Retaining families’ current tuition tier statuses going forward for 2020-2021 SY: (In-Parish/Out-of-Parish), regardless of if donation minimums have been met
- Waiving currently owed fundraising obligation for the 2019-2020 SY
- Waiving currently owed service hours obligation for the 2019-2020 SY
- Consideration for TK-2 grade families, in regards to demands on parents/guardians due to facilitation of student learning experiences at this time
- Deferred tuition payment(s) for those in need
Again, these are items that are still under consideration among the finance team. Some of the terms are vague, but our goal is to provide an affirmative and more detailed plan to be shared with families next week, before we depart for Easter break. The value we hold in our school families, as members of one shamrock family, is immense. It is our most concerted effort to remain both open and empathetic, while making judicious decisions that support the financial stability and viability of our school. We are here, in this together now, and it is my responsibility to take measures that feed the vibrancy of our school establishment for the years to come.
03 - 26 - 2020 Communication Follow-Up
Dear Shamrock Family,
I recognize that yesterday’s news out of Alameda County regarding the extended school closure mandate was highly disappointing and unsettling. I too have many anxious sentiments regarding the unknown of what lies ahead pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it will have on decisions surrounding the reopening of our school. Please understand that these decisions are above me at this point. As it is always one of my goals to be as transparent as possible, below is communication regarding a few circumstantial topics.
Tuition:
As indicated in previous weekly newsletters, my Finance Committee and I have been working toward a COVID-19 specific tuition assistance model for families in need. At this time, I am waiting on approval of this protocol. I empathize with financial concerns, as I share them in regards to the sustainability of our school’s operation. Ms. Aimee and I will share more detailed information as we can.
Sustained Learning:
Our initial Sustained Learning model was intended for three weeks. News of prolonged remote learning has created a potential need for evolution of the current model. Our teachers and learning support team has been, is, and will remain dedicated to meeting the needs of all of our learners. Teachers will continue to collaborate to redefine their own, individual Sustained Learning models, as is age-appropriate and relevant for their individual classes. Teachers are educational experts and organize and deploy instructional materials and support as they deem fitting for their particular class dynamic and various student ability levels.
Communication:
Imperative information will, as always, be disseminated through formal communication platforms. The administration will share necessary information through weekly newsletters, the school website, and school messenger announcements. The administration will accept and promptly respond to inquiries and concerns via email.
Just as is the case during on-site learning time, below are the appropriate points of contact and acceptable channels for communication regarding the following:
Instruction and learning support during Sustained Learning- Teachers are to be contacted first regarding all instructional and academic inquiries and the administration contacted thereafter, should inquiries and concerns not be addressed by teachers. Specifically, Kristen Elliott: kelliott@csdo.org can be contacted for additional guidance and support in this area.
Tuition assistance- Aimee Sire: asire@csdo.org
Technology Support- Daniel Enos: denos@csdo.org
During this time of uncertainty, I implore us all to work in continued partnership and to embrace and support each other. Using proper channels of communication allows our staff the ability to timely and thoughtfully respond to inquiries within the scope of our individual expertise. As always, I am here to aid staff and families with supporting students. Please email me if you need me. I am committed to the spiritual, academic, and social development of each and every student, and I am equally concerned about the wellbeing of our community. We are ONE shamrock family, and we are in this together!
In Faith & With Hope,
Paige Child
pchild@csdo.org
I recognize that yesterday’s news out of Alameda County regarding the extended school closure mandate was highly disappointing and unsettling. I too have many anxious sentiments regarding the unknown of what lies ahead pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it will have on decisions surrounding the reopening of our school. Please understand that these decisions are above me at this point. As it is always one of my goals to be as transparent as possible, below is communication regarding a few circumstantial topics.
Tuition:
As indicated in previous weekly newsletters, my Finance Committee and I have been working toward a COVID-19 specific tuition assistance model for families in need. At this time, I am waiting on approval of this protocol. I empathize with financial concerns, as I share them in regards to the sustainability of our school’s operation. Ms. Aimee and I will share more detailed information as we can.
Sustained Learning:
Our initial Sustained Learning model was intended for three weeks. News of prolonged remote learning has created a potential need for evolution of the current model. Our teachers and learning support team has been, is, and will remain dedicated to meeting the needs of all of our learners. Teachers will continue to collaborate to redefine their own, individual Sustained Learning models, as is age-appropriate and relevant for their individual classes. Teachers are educational experts and organize and deploy instructional materials and support as they deem fitting for their particular class dynamic and various student ability levels.
Communication:
Imperative information will, as always, be disseminated through formal communication platforms. The administration will share necessary information through weekly newsletters, the school website, and school messenger announcements. The administration will accept and promptly respond to inquiries and concerns via email.
Just as is the case during on-site learning time, below are the appropriate points of contact and acceptable channels for communication regarding the following:
Instruction and learning support during Sustained Learning- Teachers are to be contacted first regarding all instructional and academic inquiries and the administration contacted thereafter, should inquiries and concerns not be addressed by teachers. Specifically, Kristen Elliott: kelliott@csdo.org can be contacted for additional guidance and support in this area.
Tuition assistance- Aimee Sire: asire@csdo.org
Technology Support- Daniel Enos: denos@csdo.org
During this time of uncertainty, I implore us all to work in continued partnership and to embrace and support each other. Using proper channels of communication allows our staff the ability to timely and thoughtfully respond to inquiries within the scope of our individual expertise. As always, I am here to aid staff and families with supporting students. Please email me if you need me. I am committed to the spiritual, academic, and social development of each and every student, and I am equally concerned about the wellbeing of our community. We are ONE shamrock family, and we are in this together!
In Faith & With Hope,
Paige Child
pchild@csdo.org
Press Release from Alameda County Office of Education
03 - 25 - 2020 Below is a link from the Alameda County Office of Education regarding the extension of school closures. As has been communicated since we've begun our Long Term Dismissal and Sustained Learning model we are at the mercy of both state and county mandates for containment of this pandemic. It has been communicated that all school closures should be extended through May 1, 2020. We will keep you updated as more information is provided. Should you have any questions feel free to email us at info@sjcsedu.org
Parent/Guardian Consent for Video Conferencing
Dear St. John School Parents,
In order to maintain the orders of the Department of Catholic School's Technology Responsible Use Policy, we are requesting that a parent or other adult guardian complete the following Consent for Video Conferencing form. This form is to give permission for our teachers and staff to partake in online video conferencing / remote live lessons with your child and/or you.
School staff is being asked to record video conferencing calls / remote live lessons, as a way to safeguard your child as well as themselves. For this reason, we are asking for authorization of video recording during online video conferencing instruction and learning support from teachers.
This would be a good opportunity for you as parents to reinforce appropriate online interaction guidelines with your child. As we partake in this Sustained Learning model our children may find themselves spending more time online. Please remind your children they should NEVER engage with ANYONE online without your permission. Over the next few days I will be providing online resources with advice for parents so that they may take an active role in each child’s online activities.
Please click here and fill out the Consent for Video Conferencing form.
- Daniel Enos
denos@csdo.org
In order to maintain the orders of the Department of Catholic School's Technology Responsible Use Policy, we are requesting that a parent or other adult guardian complete the following Consent for Video Conferencing form. This form is to give permission for our teachers and staff to partake in online video conferencing / remote live lessons with your child and/or you.
School staff is being asked to record video conferencing calls / remote live lessons, as a way to safeguard your child as well as themselves. For this reason, we are asking for authorization of video recording during online video conferencing instruction and learning support from teachers.
This would be a good opportunity for you as parents to reinforce appropriate online interaction guidelines with your child. As we partake in this Sustained Learning model our children may find themselves spending more time online. Please remind your children they should NEVER engage with ANYONE online without your permission. Over the next few days I will be providing online resources with advice for parents so that they may take an active role in each child’s online activities.
Please click here and fill out the Consent for Video Conferencing form.
- Daniel Enos
denos@csdo.org
Sustained Learning Protocol update as of 3-18-2020
We believe our planning around our Sustained Learning approach is strong. It is our intention to welcome students back to school as soon as deemed safe and appropriate. Based on state-level mandates, it is likely that our students would not be permitted to attend school until at the very least, April 7th . Considering that our Easter break is currently scheduled to begin at noon on April 9th , our hope would be to resume normal school routines, at the school site, on April 20th. Again, these are suggested dates, and we will follow directives provided by the Department of Catholic Schools, at the Diocese of Oakland, who will follow measures shared by the CDC and state leadership.
Sustained Learning Explanation for Students
As promised, below is the video of Ms. Child's explanation to students about sustained learning. (Recorded on 3/16 during morning assembly)
Possible Sustained Learning Protocol Extension
Due to the new "Shelter in Place" directive, our return to school date is currently being reassessed. More information on this to come by the end of the week.
School Closure, Effective Tuesday, March 17th
Dear St. John Families,
Due to the “Shelter in Place” restrictions that have just been announced, school will be closed effective tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17th. At this time, our school remains open today until 6:00pm this evening for remaining SEP students and for parents who need to pick up any supplies and materials for their children. Student materials necessary for distance learning are located in the science lab, labeled by grade and student name.
Attentively,
Ms. Child
Due to the “Shelter in Place” restrictions that have just been announced, school will be closed effective tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17th. At this time, our school remains open today until 6:00pm this evening for remaining SEP students and for parents who need to pick up any supplies and materials for their children. Student materials necessary for distance learning are located in the science lab, labeled by grade and student name.
Attentively,
Ms. Child