SPB Family Newsletter
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Mission Statement
The Eucharistic community of Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School
focuses on Christ-centered values and develops the unique potential of each student
through a rigorous and engaging curriculum.
A Note from the Principal
It has been a little over a week since we shared our Responsive Return Plan for K-8 and only one day since we shared our Preschool Responsive Return Plan. Thank you for submitting your responses as to whether you will be pursuing in-person learning in the traditional classroom or simultaneous learning for your child/children. I understand that this may have been an extremely difficult decision for you as parents. I heard from several parents who said their decision changes from day to day, even hour to hour, and I hear the heartbreak in your voices or read them in your emails.
Our intention with the form was to gauge how many students would possibly pursue simultaneous learning so that we could plan accordingly in purchasing technology for certain classrooms. Please know and rest assured that we recognize your decision might change as the school year approaches and as COVID-19 numbers change. If you change your mind, we will work with you to place your child where you feel he/she needs to be so that you feel comfortable with your decision.
We are looking at more affordable options to equip our classrooms with the technology needed for simultaneous learning and effectively using existing technology than what we were considering previously. We have reached out to other schools once again to see what they are using, and we have identified some options that would make it possible for us to equip all classrooms for simultaneous learning.
Of course, at a point in August, we will have to have a final decision so that we can move forward. My heart goes out to each of you because I know the decision is neither easy nor clear. Families make different choices, and whatever you decide as parents is what you believe to be in the best interest of your individual family. Please know that we want to work with you to ensure that you are comfortable with the decision you make for your child.
This link may be helpful to you as you continue to weigh the options for your child. Please know we respect your decision. I pray for all of us as we move through this challenging time. May God give us wisdom, strength, patience, and resilience, and may He provide us with a sense of peace in the decisions we make.
God bless,
Diane Raguz, Principal
PTO Uniform Sale
The PTO Uniform Exchange will take place August 3 - 21 in the Julie BIlliart Room near the office. The doors will be open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and during Masses on weekends.
Masks are required, and only one family will be permitted in the room at one time to ensure social distancing.
Items with envelopes are for purchase from individual families. Please leave money in labeled envelopes at main table. Please bring cash (preferred) for the various envelopes. Any checks should be made payable to the SPB PTO.
All other items are by donation and at your discretion. Donations go to SPB PTO.
Please bring in your outgrown, gently used, laundered uniform items. Clothing may be dropped off during regular exchange hours and will be sorted/placed out intermittently.
Questions? Contact Colleen Ockenden at CMOckenden@gmail.com
Mayfield City Schools Bus Transportation
Richmond Heights School Bus Transportation
As mentioned in previous family newsletters, RICHMOND HEIGHTS WILL NO LONGER OFFER BUS TRANSPORTATION to our students and will instead offer payment in lieu of transportation.
I have heard from five Richmond Heights families who plan on pursuing mediation once they receive the letter from Superintendent Willis detailing the process to follow. Accepting or rejecting a district’s offer for payment instead of transportation is up to you as parents; however, we urge you to reject payment and seek mediation for the following reasons:
- The payment is only $250 per family -- the equivalent of a few fill ups at the gas pump,
- If most parents accept payment, payment will become the rule and transportation the exception.
- You still may receive payment even if you do not prevail in the mediation process.
Contesting payment in lieu of transportation sends a strong, unified message to districts and to the State of Ohio that this practice is unfair and unacceptable. There is power in numbers. You can read the letter from Dr. Frank O'Linn, Diocesan Superintendent, below.
Reminder for Incoming Seventh Graders
Uniform update for 2020-2021 School Year
As you prepare for your back to school shopping, we wanted to let you know that we have updated the acceptable school shoe color to include grey for the 2020-2021 school year. Please see the change below. Note: White shoes are not part of the dress code.
School shoes are defined as good, sturdy, supportive shoes. They must have non-marking soles. Shoe color must be basic black, brown, navy blue, tan or grey. Tennis shoes, sandals, backless shoes, moccasins or ballerina slippers are not part of the basic uniform. Heels of shoes may not be higher than one inch. Saddle shoes are acceptable.
School Supplies for 2020-2021
Summer Reading Lists
Prevent the Summer Slide with Exact Path
Prevent the summer slide with Exact Path from Edmentum! This program will continue to build your child’s skills in mathematics, reading, and language arts – all summer long! With our school's subscription, students can continue to work on their individual learning paths over the course of the summer. Students can simply use the same login information they have been using this past school year. Let's continue the learning and prevent the summer slide!