Good Afternoon St. Stephen families,
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer break and seeing things somewhat getting back to normal. The past couple of weeks have been a sorrowful time for our country, and I join our Bishop in praying for unity and understanding that we are all one with Christ.
We are excited that we will be able to offer sports camps this summer. Please see below for details (including how we will keep everyone safe and healthy) and registration. Even though this may be vacation time for the students, we are still working hard here at school. Our final two classrooms (PK 3 and PK 4) were painted, the floors are being stripped and waxed, and all the classroom rugs have been cleaned. A big thank you goes to the Men's Club and Knights of Columbus, who came out to help move furniture from classrooms so we can do the floors!
Here is an update from the CoVid19 Task Force. Unless an order comes down from the Governor and Bishop, we are planning to open school on August 10. There will be restrictions and safety measures in place to keep everyone safe. Also, we are looking at options for students who may need to be temporarily away from school due to health issues. Our goal is to keep everyone healthy and actively engaged in their learning. We are lucky at St. Stephen that we do have a good deal of technology available to help us meet everyone's needs. In addition to planning for academics, we are also preparing to address the social /emotional aspect of returning to school. Our children not only have lived through a pandemic, which even adults have a hard time understanding, but they also have seen our country divided and people acting in ways that can be frightening for young children. Catholic schools teach the whole child - mind, body, and spirit - and now more than ever, our children need to find comfort and security in their faith. As more specifics become available, I will continue to share them with you.
We are currently working on refunds for the 7th and 8th grade field trips and for families who paid for Extended Day in advance. These checks will be mailed next week.
Finally, because of our office and maintenance staff reduction, I need assistance with some projects at school this summer. Any volunteer hours earned over the summer will be applied to your requirement for next year. Please contact Karen Biase if you are available to help kbiase@sscsfl.org
Assisting in the office with checking in new textbook purchases and distributing to the classrooms (July)
Putting together new desks for 7th grade (week of June 15)
Moving furniture as we continue to strip and wax floors (week of June 15)
I will communicate other opportunities as they come up. Thank you and prayers continue for a peaceful and healthy world.
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Umoh
