Parent Update - July 13, 2020

July 13, 2020

Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

Good afternoon! I want to thank you for the many positive and supportive messages regarding our plan to re-open our school in August. Many of you asked great questions which have also helped us in planning and prompted this e-mail to share additional information and provide clarification on a few topics. 

Survey Results

   Firstly, I want to share the results from the survey that was sent out by TCCBED last month. 149 of our school families completed the survey which is a great response. Some highlights of the survey results are:
 

• 69% felt that remote learning went well for the final quarter of 2019 -2020 year
•  91% of our families shared that each of their children has access to a computer
• 99% of our families stated that their children have access to the internet.
• Top challenges to remote learning expressed were: balancing at-home learning with other responsibilities, assisting children with schoolwork, low motivation to do schoolwork at home, needed more support for at-home learning, needed technology assistance and needed more educational support for students like that received at school

 
    Also interesting was the response to the question of preferred method of learning which are displayed in the graph below. In Elementary grades, 74% preferred face-to-face, 19% preferred a hybrid option and 7% preferred at-home learning. In Middle School grades, 74% also preferred face-to-face, 22% preferred a hybrid option and 4% preferred at-home learning.

 The question was also asked if families would remain in Catholic education if the school moved to an at-home or hybrid model. Only 35% of elementary families reported they would remain in Catholic school. 30% reported they would leave and 35% said they were unsure. 55% of middle school families stated they would remain with 21% saying they would leave and 24% being unsure. 

 This data supports our decision to work towards an on-campus learning plan. Some of you have expressed concern which is understandable. We continue to work to find ways to enhance our technology and ability to provide distance opportunities. I look forward to sharing more of these plans as they are confirmed. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Remote Learning Option

Since my previous letter we have been able to expand our technology abilities and will have the ability to offer remote learning opportunities. Families have until July 31^st to respond to this survey link (1st Quarter Learning Choice Form) to share if you would prefer distance learning or on-campus learning. It is important to know that this decision will be the decision for the entire first quarter with the option to extend or change before the second quarter. Students would have the option to switch from on-campus to remote during the quarter but not the reverse. When on-campus learning is in session, classes will be streamed and recorded via Google Meet. Students at home will be able to view classes live or recorded. All assignments will be able to be submitted through Google Classroom at all grade levels. With this option, it is important to note that teacher instruction will be via the Google Meet sessions. Teachers will be able to respond to e-mails but not separately teach all students opting to remain home. Our faculty and staff will do our best to meet the needs of our students deciding to remain home. (Training on Google Classroom and Google Meet will occur for our students and families in August.)

Clarification on Masks

As stated in my July 6^th email, “At this time with our current guidelines, we would require 1^st – 8^th grade students to have masks. Students would need to wear masks during transitions and at other times as designated by the teacher and administration depending on the guidelines at the time. PK3 – K students will not be required to wear masks. However, students and all grade levels are welcome to wear masks. All teachers will be provided with masks and face shields and will also wear as recommended by the guidelines when school opens. These recommendations will be shared with families in August so that the latest information can be provided.” To clarify this further, we do not plan to mandate a specific mask but ask that all be appropriate and in line with the guidelines in our handbook for Free Dress days. We do ask that the masks with valves not be purchased as they have been shown to not prevent the spread of the disease.

Middle School Lockers

Questions have also been asked regarding middle school lockers. In an effort to keep students moving when necessary, promote distancing and prevent crowding we are following the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and eliminating the use of lockers at least at the start of this school year. Students will be permitted to carry their backpacks to travel with necessary materials. 

Improvements to Middle School Google Classroom

I am also excited to share improvements to Google Classroom since last year’s spring distance learning. Cameras will be enabled during Google Meet classes allowing for more interaction between teachers and students. E-mail is also now able to be exchanged via the middle school student accounts between teachers and students. Google continues to improve their product with more features expected before school begins. These will be shared as they are available. 

Generous Hand Sanitizer Donation

I also want to express a huge amount of gratitude to Hygeia Pure who has generously offered to provide all of our students with the pocket-sized 2 ounce hand-sanitizers. These are fully compliant with FDA regulations. Please support this great company when you can. (Their products can be found at local HEB stores.)

Risse Uniforms

Risse Brothers School Uniforms will hold their annual sale for our school families on July 16^th and 17^th. This sale is for in-store and online purchases. Our families will receive 10% off using the code PADUA10. 

In closing, please continue to pray for the health and safety of our students, our families, our faculty, our country, and our world as we look for global healing and a safe and successful start to our 2020-2021 school year.

Only by His Grace,
Veronica D. Tucker
Principal