Parent Update
October 19, 2020
COVID Update and Upcoming Survey
Tomorrow, a separate email will be sent out to families containing a survey seeking feedback about a few options following Thanksgiving till the New Year. We have a few options on the table and look forward to hearing your input so we can make a decision and families have the time to plan accordingly, if needed.
As we head into the winter months, the current state of COVID is beginning to show concerning trends with increases in the number of cases. Just recently, Cuyahoga have moved into a red classification which is impacting public schools in the county. At this time, we do not intend to change course with our current plan. We will continue to enforce and practice mitigation strategies that have been effective. If we begin to see a rise in numbers, we may implement additional strategies in classrooms with a higher number of students. Our main data point for future decisions will be based on the number of cases in our school and residential community.
With that being said, I have many concerns as we begin to experience fatigue with our practices and letting our guard down. One of the main culprits of increasing cases is the participation in small family gatherings which have led to outbreaks. What is more concerning is that we are heading into Halloween and Thanksgiving. I plead with families to please take caution when thinking about parties or hosting large groups. Simply being outside does not make these events safe. We must continue to practice wearing masks and social distancing, limiting our contact with others.
As we look at the impact of COVID in a school building, the number of people impacted by a singular case is astounding. While I feel we are taking strong measures to contain a positive case, we are not immune from its effects. For example, Parma City Schools has 4 cases impacting 91 people or 22 people per positive case. Padua High School has 7 cases impacting 77 students or 11 people per positive case. So there is absolutely concern with the direction this can go if we do not continue to be vigilant and understanding of our actions on the greater whole of the school.
As I have told students, I love coming to school because this is the one area in life that has some sense of normalcy. I know many students, staff, and families feel the same way. I want everyone to know the sacrifices they have made, allow all of us to share this opportunity. My hope is that we can continue to stay on this path and make the best of this school year.
Picture Day Tomorrow
Just a friendly reminder that Picture Day is tomorrow, October 20. Students are to come to school either dressed up or in their school uniform. Tomorrow is not a dress down day. The following criteria applies for tomorrow:
Guidelines for Dress-Up Days
Acceptable dress-up attire for boys includes the following:
- Dress pants (no jeans, pants that resemble jeans, or cargo pants)
- A belt
- Collared shirts
- Sweaters
- Dress shoes or school shoes (no athletic shoes or sandals)
Acceptable dress-up attire for girls includes the following:
- Dresses or skirts (no shorter than one inch above the knee)
- Dress pants (no jeans, cargo pants, yoga pants, or jeggings)
- Leggings may be worn with a long sweater, shirt, or skirt to provide adequate coverage.
- Appropriate blouses (no tanks, sleeveless shirts, spaghetti straps, cold shoulder tops, or low-cut necklines) Shoulders must be covered.
- Sweaters
- Dress shoes or school shoes (no athletic shoes or sandals, no high heels)
- Form-fitting dresses are not permitted
For ordering online visit, portal.lifetouch.com
School Name: St. Anthony Padua Elem School
Picture Day ID: EVTDBR9M4
Online Cougar Shop for Spirit Wear
The Cougar Spirit Shop Online Store is now open! Place your order online and items will be delivered to your SAS student. Don't miss out on the Back to School Dale and be ready for Spirit Wear Days!