Dear SSEDS Families,

I pray that you are healthy and safe and that you have had some semblance of summer fun and relaxation in the past weeks.  

At SSEDS, the summer months are always filled with boundless energy and eagerness for the upcoming school year. We anticipate with great enthusiasm the grand opening of our Arts & Innovation Center and the positive impact it will have on our students and faculty. I take this opportunity to extend our deepest appreciation to all those families who have supported this effort. YOU continue to make it happen. The spirit of SSEDS prevails while uncertainty continues to be the new normal.

At the beginning of June, you received the detailed plans and procedures for our reopening in August. As a faculty, staff, administration, and Board, we continue to plan thoughtfully throughout the summer. The health, safety, and well-being of our students and the entire community amidst this pandemic are always first and foremost. We have put in place an extensive and well thought out SSEDS Re-Opening Health and Wellness plan for when our students return physically to school in August. I personally want to thank all of the community members who gave so generously of their time and expertise and let them know their efforts will not only serve to protect our community but many others as the SSEDS Re-Opening Plan is being used as a template for other schools in the Diocese.  

The Florida Education Commissioner has signed an executive order requiring all schools to reopen in the Fall. W e are following closely CDC, state, and county guidelines, as well as those set forth by FCIS, our accrediting association, and our Diocese. Aligning with what the American Academy of Pediatrics is strongly recommending, our intent today is to open on August 19 with all students on campus. However, the recent developments, spikes in COVID cases in Florida, our County, and warnings from our Mayor and Governor, precludes us from certainty. We will continue to monitor the situation and notify you of any changes as soon as they occur. I recognize how difficult this uncertainty is. Please rest assured that the health and safety of our students, our families, faculty, and staff are always paramount in any decision, and we continue to believe the only prudent course of action is thoughtful and nimble reaction to an ever-changing reality versus trying to bend reality to pre-set plans.

I take this opportunity to resend our SSEDS Re-Opening Health and Wellness Procedures so that you can familiarize yourself with them. We are very much looking forward to coming together in the fall and welcoming our new and returning students back!

Warmly,
Silvia