I hope you are enjoying summer and have found some activities to enjoy. What beautiful weather we are having, makes for great outdoor time. As we continue to navigate the summer and plan for the fall I wanted to provide you with a few updates. The Return to Learn committee has been meeting twice a week and will be able to provide solid plans once we understand the requirements and recommendations.
1) The teachers and I are working on measuring the classrooms. It is anticipated that we will have room to have all students in the classrooms while still being social distant. We are also putting together lunch room options for spacing and working with food service to follow proper guidelines and social distancing.
2) We still will have essential classes (PE, art, music, library, technology) this year. The options will be to either have the students go to the essential room as we have traditionally done or have the essentials come to each homeroom (PE will have a different option). We are still developing multiple plans for arrival, dismissal and recess should they be needed.
3) We are working with the Archdiocese and Grant Wood AEA on trainings for all three learning scenarios (in the building, hybrid day, remote learning), should we need to use remote learning from home at some point the teachers will have trainings they can also share with the students and parents to help with the process which will provide more details than what we had available in the spring.
4) For students who would prefer to learn from home (whether that be parent wish, immunocompromised or any other reason), the teachers and I are working with resources on how students can participate in class while at home. We are hopeful that this means the student can login and join the class live.
5) We are prepared to have iPad devices for all students who will utilize them in the classroom and for the need that we would be a required virtual learning model at some point next year. If there is ever a need that a family has, please reach out to us to see how we can help.
6) Plans are being made to assess students early this fall as a way of understanding how we can tailor the curriculum this fall to meet student need. Staff is already working through documents to share information with the next grade level on standards that need refinement. We are going to work very hard at putting personalized learning plans in place to close the learning gap in transitioning from one grade to the next in the fall.
7) St. Matthew is working on ways of increasing our diversity education for next year so that our students can not only better understand diversity, they can also be prepared to make a positive impact on the world. We are looking at purchasing some additional resources, as well as forming a committee to share ideas with the staff.
8) As a Catholic School, we are continually looking for ways to be able to provide opportunities for faith development and service to others. Next year is no different; plans are being made to ensure that Catholicity is a large component of our day.
I hope you are all having a great summer! The Return to Learn Committee and the staff at St. Matthew are working very hard to be back in the building this fall, while also ensuring the safety of our students and families. Our return to learn plan is taking into consideration academics, social and emotional well being, health and safety and our infrastructure and equity. We will continue to keep you updated on our fall plans as they continue to develop.
God Bless,
~Mrs. Conlon