Saint John's Returns to School in Fall

On July 30, 2020, Governor Walz provided a framework for public schools which allows them to make a decision about returning to school on an individual basis.
 
This framework leaves the ultimate decision up to each district, but provides some parameters regarding the spread of the disease within a community and the ability of each individual school to provide a safe environment. All of the safety parameters that the Governor suggested had already been addressed by Saint John’s School: HVAC systems, wearing masks, rearranging classrooms to provide maximum distancing possible, PPP for staff, etc.

As we prepare for the beginning of school while still confronting the threat of COVID-19, a message from the Archdiocese calls your attention to two important government statements. First, on July 24, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that returning to in-person instruction is in the best interest of students and families, and this return to in-person instruction can be accomplished in a way that mitigates the spread of COVID-19. The statement can be found here. Less than a week after the CDC's guidance, Governor Walz announced a learning plan for all public and charter schools. In partnership with our Catholic school parents, we are mindful that our nonpublic schools are distinctive, and that the Archdiocese and Saint John's are responsible for making our own prudent decisions for the good of our children and families. We will do this through in-person instruction and implementation of our Pandemic Preparedness and Readiness Plan, which has been crafted under the guidance of the Archdiocese by a group of teachers, staff and parents here at Saint John's. 

Throughout the month of August, I will be highlighting key parts of this plan regularly in my update e-newsletters, and you can find it on our website: At-a-Glance and Return to School Booklet.
 
Along with developing and implementing health and safety protocols, both the Archdiocese and Saint John’s is requesting the need for vigilance and flexibility in confronting COVID-19. We have and will continue to educate families, providing resources and reminding them that keeping our schools’ health requires that every family do its part through careful attention to the vigilance that the CDC is encouraging for all Americans. 

One of the most recent of these is the need to "Mask Up, Minnesota": Under the guidance of the Archdiocese and the Governor, all K-8 students must wear face masks while attending school. Here are some key points:

• All K-12 students are required to wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth.
• A face shield (clear plastic shield worn in front of the face) may be used for students who cannot wear a face mask.
• Teachers will be instructed in proper techniques for wearing face masks and will use positive behavioral strategies to encourage the safe wearing of face masks in school. No student will be punished or singled-out for his or her inability to wear a face covering.
• Students will not be wearing coverings during recess, physical education class or lunch.
• We will be scheduling additional “mask breaks” for students.
• Masks must be free of writing or any distracting design.

Click here for the latest on in-school mask use for grades K-8.

News from our Athletic Director  
I'm excited to announce that Laura Haraldson has accepted the responsibilities of Athletic Director for the 2020-2021 school year, which promises to be an ever-evolving one. She is in close contact with the Saint Paul Catholic Athletic Association, and will be sending regular updates and reports. 

Laura and her husband Scott are the parents of a sixth-grader, fourth-grader and kindergartner here at Saint John's; the two older girls have participated in Swim Team since second grade, and Ella (the oldest) is looking forward to more sports this year in middle school. In addition, Laura has served as part-time communications coordinator throughout the past 2.5 years. She is a graduate of K-12 Catholic education in her hometown of Oshkosh, Wis., where she was an active three-sport athlete.

Please reach out to her anytime with questions about the status of sports, or especially if you're interested in participating in any way: Volunteering, coaching or simply checking out what your kids can get involved in. Email: lharaldson@sjolc.org.

Mark Your Calendars

• Our 2020-2021 supplies list is now live, click HERE.
• Summer Faith Camps: Director of Faith Formation Joe Block has created some "itty-bitty" outdoor Faith Camps during the month of August that meet all socially safe requirements ... and bring a bit of normalcy back to our kids' calendars. Learn more here.
• Back-to-School Nights: Socially safe the week of August 31
• Do not forget to Save the Date: Noon Saturday, Sept. 26, School Marathon
• Order your Saint John's school uniforms through Revolution Sports and Donald's; and you may shop at Added Value Printing-coupon code to save 10% on your order: SJ10.
• We are open for tours, so tell a friend about Saint John's School!

We are proud of our school and look forward to more exciting things to come! Check out the greatness that is happening daily on our school website or by following us on Facebook.

Remember: Tell a friend about Saint John's School!

Dan J. Hurley
Principal