Dear Parents,
Today the Task Force is pleased to be sharing with you our Family Guidebook for the 2020-21 school year. It is a quick reference guide to our most frequently asked questions regarding Health and Safety, Infection Protocols and Academics and Programming. This Guidebook is current as of today, but please be aware that it is subject to change as more information becomes available from the CDC, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and the local Health Department. The Family Guidebook will be posted on our website on the “Reopening Safely Page” and will be dated as revisions occur. Please click below and carefully read the guidelines and refer back to them as needed during the school year.
Staggered Start Week - August 31-September 4
Monday, August 31st:
K WOW
- Kindergarten WOW day will take place from 9:00-11:00 or 12:15-2:15. Time was announced in the mailed letter. Please contact Megan Wachalec if you don’t remember your assigned time at mrs.wachalec@stbrigid-school.org
- Due to classroom space, please plan to have only one parent attend the session with your kindergarten student.
- Adhere to 6 ft. physical distancing guidelines, and face coverings will be necessary.
- All students should attend WOW Day in their full uniform.
- There will be no bus, lunch, or latchkey available.
- After WOW on August 31st, all Kindergarten students will then report back to school in full uniform on their assigned staggered start days for the remainder of the week.
Special Circumstance Students (9:00-11:00)
- In order to provide a bit of extra time to reacclimate and spend time on assessments, we are excited to have registered students in the building on Monday, August 31st from 9:00-11:00.
- Please have your child wear the school uniform.
- Drop off will be in front of the school building. The teachers will greet students as they arrive. We will also bring the students outside for pick up at 11:00.
- Students must wear masks, may bring water, and please bring a charged Chromebook (if you have a school assigned device at home).
The session will include:
- a tour of the building and the new layout, and sharing of certain changes such as the relocation of spaces, the wearing of masks, physical distancing, etc.
- an opportunity to see the homeroom pod and to meet the teacher(s).
- a creative activity.
- assessments.
If you don’t remember whether or not you registered, please contact Jill Carfagna at mrs.carfagna@stbrigid-school.org.
Tuesday, September 1st - Friday, September 4th (regular school hours):
Tuesday and Wednesday, September 1-2:
- All students with the last name beginning with A - K will attend school.
- Please wear the full uniform.
- Bus transportation and lunch will be available.
- Students will receive an orientation to new procedures and also participate in assessments to determine readiness for the 2020-21 school year.
- Latchkey will be available A-K
Thursday and Friday, September 3-4:
- All students with the last name beginning with L - Z will attend school.
- Please wear the full uniform.
- Bus transportation and lunch will be available.
- Students will receive an orientation to new procedures and also participate in assessments to determine readiness for the 2020-21 school year.
- Latchkey will be available for L - Z.
Bagpiper & Photo Opportunities
On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, children will be greeted with our traditional welcome back bagpipe music. There will be a life size cardboard cut out of the bagpiper. Family photo opportunities will be available Monday - Friday, August 31st thru September 4th, from 3:30-7:00. While waiting your turn, please adhere to the 6 feet physical distancing policy. Please, refrain from taking photos in the morning upon arrival or at dismissal.
Parent Administration Day and Emergency Cards
PAD Day will be virtual. We are still working out the logistics for announcing pod assignments and paperwork completion and return. More information will be shared as soon as possible.
Community Promise
We are now only two weeks away from the opening of our school. It is now more important than ever to make a commitment to the safety of our community. In order for our school to reopen safely, each and everyone one of us needs to be committed to the health and safety of our own family and in turn to the health and safety of the community as a whole. It is critical for us to understand how important our personal decisions affect the health and well-being of others. All of us must follow the guidelines and practices that are established by our school and parish to protect each other. Caring for each other is one of the fundamental tenets of our faith. We have made the commitment to open our parish school for the good of our students’ spiritual, educational, social and emotional well-being. Physical distancing, wearing face coverings, avoiding large groups and limiting travel are critical for all of us at this time.
If you or your family are traveling before school resumes or during the school year please refer to the Travel Policy on page 7 in the Family Guidelines. For more information regarding “COVID Hot Spots” please contact the ODH Hotline prior to travel for guidance. For more information, click here: Questions about COVID-19?
Thank you for your confidence in our task force as we plan our 25th year of learning at Saint Brigid of Kildare School. We will continue to communicate regularly and in more detail as our plans continue to develop. Msgr. Hendricks and the school staff are committed to hold true to the mission of the Church to fully support families in caring for their children and in educating them in the Catholic faith while providing academic excellence and social and emotional support.
Please continue to pray for our school community and for each other.
Kathy O'Reilly
