November 17, 2020

for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  

That said, Gavin Newsome announced yesterday that 41 counties, including Alameda county, moved back into the purple tier, the most restrictive in the state’s reopening framework. This is in response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, in addition to the upcoming holidays, flu season and winter weather. As our state moves back to restrictions on various activities, gatherings, and a possible curfew, we are monitoring these updates and the potential effects to our school reopening plans. Data and information literally changes day to day, if not hour to hour, and the health and safety of our staff, students and community remains our top priority. At this time, we look forward to 2nd grade’s first day of school this Thursday. We will keep you posted on all updates. You can find the most recent Alameda County press release here.

How does Alameda County in the Purple Tier affect the School Reopening: Per county guidance, once the school’s reopening plan has received approval from the county (which ours has), and the school has opened for in-person instruction (which we have), the school may remain open, even in the purple tier. At this time, we do not plan to close and will continue with our phased reopening plan. However, we will continue to monitor all state and county guidance, and may altar our plans as needed.

Travel Recommendations: The county and the state highly recommend that you “stay home for the holidays.” If you do travel outside the Bay Area, the county highly recommends that you self-quarantine for 14 days. We support this recommendation. Students can join the distant learners and return to the cohort after their 14 days of quarantine.

Mandatory Meeting for 3rd-5th grade Parents: We plan to have 3rd-5th grade return for in-person instruction on November 30th. There is a mandatory parent zoom meeting to review the new protocols and practices for onsite learning tomorrow night at 7pm. Meeting information sent separately via email.

Annual Fund: I am so grateful for our generous community and parish. We surpassed our goal, raising $63,000! Thank you. We are so blessed.

Admissions Events - SPN Information Nights: Be sure to spread the word to prospective families that our Virtual Information Nights are happening on December 3rd and January 13th. See flier below for details.

Diocese Christmas Card Contest: Every year, the Diocese hosts a Christmas Card Contest. All entries must be sent to SPN by November 30th. Please send all entries to Mrs. Schmitz at jschmitz@csdo.org. The following criteria apply:

Preschool Openings: We have two spaces opening up in January, 2021. Please spread the word and invite potential new families to apply now!

Book Fair:  Last chance to order books! Let’s keep our kids reading! There are 3 days left of our Online Book Fair. Remember, every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly (25% back in rewards!). Be sure to visit the Fair at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/spn_alameda from Nov. 7 - Nov. 20. Thank you for all your support!

Spirit Day Tomorrow: Ever wish you could time travel? Now is your chance. The SPN Time Travel Spirit day is tomorrow, November 18th. To which when will you travel?

SLC Promotes World Children's Day - this Friday! The well-known foundation, UNICEF, is spreading awareness of child rights. This Friday is their “Turning the World Blue” event in honor of World Children's Day. Landmarks across the globe will be glimmering with blue lights in acknowledgement. SLC asks all Spartans to join in by wearing blue this Friday in a show of support and to represent our community! There is also an art opportunity to express your support - please read details here.

Spirit wear: Order your SPN spirit wear for the holidays! Here is the link for ordering. The deadline to order is Tuesday, November 24th to ensure orders are available for the holidays.

SLC Wildfire Relief Fund Drive: We are accepting donations through this Thursday, November 19th to aid the victims of this year’s California wildfires. Please make checks payable to SPN, with “2020 SPN Wildfire Project” written on the memo line. Thank you for your support!

ADOPT-A-FAMILY 2020 - Each year SPN partners with one or more charitable community organizations to help bring cheer to those in need during the holiday season. This year, SPN is sponsoring Alameda Meals on Wheels who currently has 190 meal recipients. We have made the donation process very simple for 2020. If you are able, we ask that you please consider purchasing gifts cards in the amount of $25 to either Safeway, Lucky, or Target.  Please bring in the gift cards to the office for placement in the AAF folder, or use this form to order and Mr. Carter will ensure your cards are placed in the folder. When utilizing the form, either submit payment or indicate if you would like the charge placed on your billing statement. Thank you for your support of this opportunity to bring cheer to our community members in need! If you have questions, please contact Bobbi Butler (4tellez@att.net) or Jenny Feliciano (gabby122601@yahoo.com). 8th graders Sammie and Molly recorded a helpful video on this year's Adopt-a-family on view here.

PTG Christmas Event: A family photo shoot, zoom holiday parties, letters to Santa and more! Please see here for details and sign up by this Friday for the PTG Christmas Wonderland Events!

1st graders return to school!

2nd grade teacher Mrs. Suer giving a virtual tour to her class - getting ready to return!

Thank you to those who sent messages of gratitude this week. Know that your words lift the spirit of our staff and teachers, and help them to stay connected to their SPN community!

"Here is a little something I would like to share with you & all the wonderful teachers, support staff (Mrs. Schmitz & Mr. Carter), Miguel, and all personnel helping educate and keep our children safe as they return to ‘in person’ school- THANK YOU doesn’t do justice! Your dedication, creativity, perseverance in online education, and passion are noted and marveled at. Please know how deeply appreciated you are everyday, but especially during COVID when your talent and patience have shined through. We know it is not easy, but here’s to a warm hearted, gratitude filled THANK YOU to each of you!" - Mom of TK and 1st grade students

"I am SO THANKFUL for the SPN community at this time. What an incredible and supportive family to be a part of in this crazy year. Our gratitude to all of you is overflowing. You are all SUPERSTARS!!!!!" - Mom of 3rd and 8th graders

2nd graders say thanks