July 30, 2020

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (SFA) Return to School Task Force Committees successfully completed their third meeting this week. Minutes from all of our final meetings are now posted.   This week focused primarily on reviewing the draft of our reopening plan. All feedback received was reviewed and revisions made as needed to the document.  

As we revisited the notes from all task force committees, we were amazed at how much we accomplished together over the past three weeks. While there may not have been shared agreement on all aspects of the plan, it is evident that all participants had the best interests of our children and the safety of all in mind. While the task force meetings have ended, the work continues. Because the plan needs to be flexible and adapt to updated guidelines, representation from all committees will be invited to continue conversation throughout the school year.  

The Diocese sent the official word yesterday that our start of school is moved to September 8 - please refer to yesterday’s newsletter for a copy of our Superintendent’s letter. The hope is that this allows time for us to be removed from the watch list in Orange County, while still exploring a waiver application, when they become available. The waiver application must be filed first through Orange County Health Department, and then, if approved, goes to the State for final approval. We are waiting to hear if the Superintendent will apply on our behalf or if I, as the Principal, can initiate the waiver.  

Tomorrow evening, a copy of the Approved Reopening Plan for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School will be sent to all of our families. Along with the plan, each family will receive a survey reassessing your intentions for the 2020-2021 school year. We want this year to be as successful as possible for everyone at SFA.  

Be safe and be hopeful,

Jeannette Lambert
Principal