Dear STM Families,
As we referenced in our letter to you on Wednesday, we have been investigating our options related to the mask mandate imposed on schools by the Tri-County Health Department. We have been working in conjunction with current guidance from Tri-County Health, the Archdiocese of Denver, and Monsignor Tom to formulate a solution that best suits our STM community.
At this time and after much prayerful discernment, STM Catholic will be complying with the mask mandate currently set forth by the Tri-County Health Department. Effective Monday, August 23, 2021, all students ages 2 -11 must wear masks while in the school building.
We passionately believe that parents have the right to choose for their children and are the “Primary Educators”. However, as Catholics, with guidance from the Archdiocese of Denver, and as we have done over the past year, we recognize the Tri-county Health Department as a local civil authority over matters of health and safety. The Church calls us to honor and respect such authority. As such, we will act in compliance as a sign of our Christian duty.
Please know that we have and will continue taking the following precautions to keep the health and safety of our students and staff a priority:
*School-wide HEPA air filtration
*Disinfecting of commonly used areas and fixtures
*Hand sanitizing
*Frequent hand washing supported by mobile hand washing stations
We do wish you to know that it was stated in the mandate set forth by TCHD, people may seek to obtain exemption for “Individuals who cannot medically tolerate Face Coverings”. If you are wanting an exemption for your child, please reach out, via email, to Mrs. DeWolfe or Mrs. Hady at gretchend@stthomasmore.org or kilih@stthomasmore.org.
The STM Catholic faculty and staff remain committed to bringing the whole person to Jesus Christ by supporting the diverse needs of all students and families in our community. We continue to be blessed with being part of this amazing STM family and community. Thank you for entrusting us with your greatest treasures, it is a gift to be with them daily, and a responsibility we do not take lightly.
With you, we pray for the day that our students will come back to a setting that is much more free and open. Until that day, we are here with you and for you. May God bless that which we do this year.
Peace and blessings to you all,
Monsignor Tom, Pastor
Mrs. DeWolfe, Principal
Mrs. Hady, Assistant Principal