Back to School Parent Night

Dear Saint John’s Families,

The transition to the new school year will be successful if we all work together. There are so many different policies and procedures in place due to the Covid pandemic, and we all will have to adjust to many different practices. We know, in time, we will slowly transition to following our “new normal.” We believe the children will be resilient, settle into their new classrooms, and adjust to the new routine with ease. Maybe, some students will even like to wear a mask!

Wearing a Mask:
Your child will need to wear a mask every day. The Minnesota Department of Public Health requires students in  K-8 wear a mask. Preschool students are not required to wear a mask per the Governor's executive order, yet are encouraged to wear one. Saint John’s will be providing all students with a mask. We purchased lanyards with breakaway clips, so when students take off their masks to eat or go to recess, the mask will remain with them.  Please have your child practice wearing a mask well in advance of the start of the school year. This partnership is necessary to make this transition successful and safe for our teachers, staff, but most importantly your children.  It is important to begin to prepare your child now so that they can manage the masks upon the start of school on September 8, 2020. Please see our protocols  HERE.

Arrival/Dismissal Procedures:
K-8 Parents dropping off by car will enter the school parking lot from McMenemy Street and follow the designated entrance to the drop off outside the Main entrance (Gathering Space).  This process will begin immediately at 8:30am. Parents remain in the car, and staff will complete a temperature check and a health questionnaire checklist to verify the parent has self-certified their child is symptom-free. Please see the below map to help clearly explain the process. The students will walk into the gathering space and proceed to a sanitation center, and then enter the school going straight to their classroom. Click  Here

Dismissal Process:
Teachers will implement a staggered dismissal process to limit the number of students in the gathering space. Teachers will wait to hear the students name over the loudspeaker and students will exit the building through the Gathering space door. (The same door as arrival). 

LOCAL 623 BUSING
Our local school district ISD 622 will be releasing their COVID-19 response plan shortly. For families planning to use ISD 622 busing, please note that district school is still making plans on return to school and bus routes.   Please make sure to have alternate transportation set up until the official plan is provided. 
 
Preschool and Eagle Club Arrival/Dismissal Procedures:
Preschool and Eagle club will use the entrance located on Little Canada Street.  Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Boog and Ms. Bochet will be providing you detailed instruction. 

Returning School Items and dropping off items from the Spring – PARENTS ONLY:
We are asking that  parents  only drop off school supplies for the new year and items from Spring (if you still have them) at the back to school nights on September 2 or 3. Teachers will be in the gathering space to collect items.  This is also a time to sign-up for extra-curricular activities, complete paperwork and ask questions regarding our back to school protocols. Please secure your day and time on the attached Sign-Up Genius. Click  HERE.  We ask that you do your best to schedule a time provided in Sign Up Genius, however, if you are not able to make one of the designated times work for you, please schedule a time with your teacher independently. 
 
Resource 2020-2020:
PLEASE take care of yourself. Dr. Jules Nolan and Phoenix School Counseling will be working with our school this year and has published videos on understanding and dealing with the anxiety of returning to school. The health of everyone in our community is important to us! 
You can find these links below.

• Parent Talk short version https://youtu.be/idn8Lez8C68
• Parent Talk long version https://youtu.be/Z5LX-oj652s


Important dates:

• Back to School nights-September 2 & 3; 4:30PM-7:30PM
• September 8, 2020-First day of School
• Save the Date: Noon Saturday, Sept. 26, School Marathon

Order your Saint John's  school uniforms through  Revolution Sports  or  Donald's.
 
Check out the greatness that is happening daily on our school  website or by following us on  Facebook.

If we all do our part, we can safely enjoy being together as a community. Thank you for your continued partnership and entrusting your child’s education and formation to us.

Dan J. Hurley, Principal