Dear Parents and Guardians,

Last Tuesday, July 14, Riordan announced our plan (versión aqu í en español) for a fall reopening and hybrid model of in-person and distance learning. Since that day there have been various announcements from state and local leadership about the rising number of COVID cases in San Francisco, which is now one of the counties on the state "watch list." We hope our modified, in-person learning model is still a possibility for our opening day of school. In-person learning is our first choice for operation as long as it can be done safely. One of the underpinnings of the schedule's design is the ability to switch to full online learning should the need arise. 

We're doing our best to monitor and respond to this constantly evolving situation. These are some additional updates:

Delayed School Start Date

• We have slated Tuesday, September 8 (the day after Labor Day) to be the new start date for the 2020-21 academic year. The Superintendent of Catholic Schools has approved this change. Synchronous learning will begin four days a week. At this time we cannot determine if we will begin with 100% distance learning or a hybrid model. The decision depends on San Francisco health data in the coming weeks. 

• This year's Student Orientation will have a new format. We will provide more details next week. In the meantime, our House leadership team will continue doing a terrific job of planning fun and exciting ways to welcome students back to school.

Professional Development for Faculty and Staff

Part of our return plan includes extensive training and professional development for faculty and staff in several critical areas. This will begin in mid-August and include the following:

• Safety training for in-person learning and physical classroom preparations
• Academic planning and best practices relative to hybrid/distance learning models
• Wellness education to prepare for student and adult transitions to the new school year, and
• Co-ed transition training

Safety Planning 

• Our Director of Facilities and school leadership are working with safety professionals to codify campus-wide safety procedures in anticipation of a hybrid opening, which will include Friday enrichment day protocols. 

• Though our plans depend on a change in health guidelines for San Francisco, we are confident that we can provide for our students and teachers a safe and compliant physical environment for in-person learning as soon as circumstances allow for this opportunity. 

Town Hall Dates 

• We are still working on dates to share more information about our campus safety plan and other details for the new school year.

There are no easy answers, but we are committed to finding creative solutions and making the best of these times. Thank you for your continued patience.

Sincerely,

Dr. Andrew Currier

President

Mr. Tim Reardon

Principal

Mr. Nate Simon

Dean of Academics