Good news, CSSE families!

Many of you expressed an interest in a delayed start. We will begin school on Monday, August 17th, with phased-in half days for different grade levels. While the delay is only a few days, this change to our calendar will allow our teachers to finalize procedures and plans, and will help all of us — students, faculty, and staff — to ease into a safe and smooth reopening.

From the Archdiocese, July 30th:

From the beginning of our planning process, the goal has been to open safely, in person, with all students together, in August, but we know we must exercise flexibility in responding to changes spurred by the pandemic. A new school year always brings new procedures and protocols, but this will be a Back to School like no other. All of our Catholic schools will

begin the year following procedures and protocols based on guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as using new instructional tools and models. To give our schools the grace to introduce and implement these new routines, the Archdiocese has given until August 19th to officially start.

Delaying our start date creates time for extended Professional Learning for faculty and staff. This will include training in Learning Management Systems, virtual classroom options, and distance learning technology; development of innovative ideas for faith formation and plans for academic growth; training for response to students’ social-emotional needs; and training for COVID-19 response, sanitizing, and hygiene protocols.

A phased start benefits our students in a variety of ways.

• Reducing the number of students on campus each morning allows us to streamline our screening process.
• Students will have a half day to practice procedures and routines.
• Students will be able to ease into a daily routine following this long absence from the building.
• Students and staff will be able to adjust to wearing face coverings.

After reviewing the family feedback survey results, I see that there is a need/desire for virtual learning options, and I am committed to responding to this need. I am aware that many of you are making decisions now about how to go forward this fall; my hope is that we can find a way for all of our Eagles to remain a part of our St. Eugene family. We will be able to offer two models of virtual learning this year. We are finalizing the details on both; I expect to be ready to share these options no later than Monday, August 3rd.

All original Back to School events have been rescheduled or canceled.

Meet the Teacher events help students who are going to school for the first time, or who are transitioning into a new school or class, to feel comfortable in their new school environment. This year, we will hold our Meet the Teacher event for families of our youngest Eagles and our new students at all grade levels by scheduled appointment times. A sign up with details will be shared soon. Thursday, August 13th (sign up for time slots coming soon!)

PTO Purchase & Pick Up: An email was sent earlier with a link to order spirit items from PTO! Park in the back lot and walk up to pick up your order on Friday, August 14th from 4pm-6pm.

We have attached a link to the travel waiver application for families. Some travel is low risk and therefore a family may not need to quarantine. If quarantine is necessary, make up work will be provided but distance learning may only be provided if the travel was essential. Please complete the waiver and submit it to the office.

As you might have heard, Governor Stitt dedicated $10 million toward the Stay in School Fund Program which provides temporary funds to students attending private schools. The initiative will allot funds for low-income families who have suffered COVID-19 related job loss or a demonstrated economic hardship due to COVID-19. Up to 1,200 families in Oklahoma will be able to access tuition grants. Applications for the Stay in School Funds opens August 10.