PREP News
Getting Ready for Fall!
Traditional PREP Edition
We hope you all had a wonderful summer! As we prepare for this year's PREP, please read below some important information.
This opening newsletter contains very important information as we begin the year and as we return to in-person sessions. Please take some time to review the information below to ensure we begin the year safely & with everything up to date for your family.
I look forward to working with you all this year - God Bless!
21-22 Program Information & Start Dates
START DATE: The St. Alphonsus In-Person PREP Sessions will begin on Sunday, September 19 and Tuesday September 21. We will meet downstairs in the Parish Hall/OLM Cafe for opening prayer followed by a parent meeting - all new and returning families must attend. Students will be dismissed with their catechist (lead teacher) prior to the parent meeting portion to visit their classroom and receive their materials. When the parent meeting is over, parents may pick up their child/ren in their classroom.
21-22 CALENDARS & SACRAMENT DATES: All Calendars are available on the St. Alphonsus PREP Website with session dates and Faith & Family event dates. At least 1 parent/guardian must attend the Faith and Family Events with their child/ren. There are separate calendars for Level 6 which include the additional sacrament & sacrament prep dates/gatherings.
THE BASICS: HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
SESSION TIMES: In-Person Sessions are offered on Sundays from 8:50-10:05 AM and on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:45 PM.
STUDENT GATHERINGS: Students will meet once a week in the OLM building for religious education sessions led by a catechist - a lead teacher of the faith. Catechists will review the lesson for the week and supplement with appropriate activities which range from multimedia, hands-on activities, conversation, or a trip to the Church. Parents are expected to attend the opening and closing meetings for the year. Parents must attend the two Family Faith Formation events.
STUDENT PROGRESS: Students will be expected to complete an assessment at home towards each unit's end. They will be in your child's folder, please follow the calendar schedule to ensure they are returned on time. FAITH & FAMILY EVENTS & STUDENT GATHERINGS: Parents & children will attend scheduled Faith & Family events around holy days, Advent & Lent. SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION: Sacrament year students ( Levels 2 & 6 ) may have additional in-class assignments and will have specific sacrament prep events (retreat, etc) - schedule will be communicated.
MATERIALS AND ASSESSMENTS
All grades will use the Loyola Press FINDING GOD textbook series. Students will each receive a physical textbook. Students will each receive a St. Alphonsus PREP drawstring bag including their textbook, folder and an individual set of classroom supplies to promote the health and safety of all our volunteers and participants.
Classes will follow their calendar for the assigned lesson each week. Catechists will use classroom and technology resources to help guide students through the lessons. Parents will also receive resources to carry these faith lessons into their homes. If your child is ever absent they will be responsible to cover the lesson of that week at home.
Towards the end of each unit, students will complete a Unit Assessment - details and dates will be included on the program calendar.
21-22 Family Portal Information Update & Supplemental Form
21-22 Family Portal Information Update & Supplemental Form
Please login to your Parish Giving portal to ensure the following is complete - you can login using the credentials from the Parish Giving Welcome email:
- Your family email/contact information is up to date--please make any necessary changes
- Your child is enrolled in a session & the program fee is paid in full
- You have updated your child/ren's medical/learning information - this is very helpful to their catechist!
COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR IN-PERSON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR IN-PERSON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA HEALTH & SAFETY DIRECTIVE FOR IN-PERSON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
As the Covid-19 and its variants continue to present challenges, the guidance from federal, state and local authorities varies and is ever-changing. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion, the Office for Catechetical Formation, in consultation with the Office of Catholic Education Covid-19 Task Force, created one, systematic plan for Archdiocesan Parish Religious Education Programs which are returning to in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 academic year. This plan keeps the protection and safety of our parish children, most of whom are not vaccinated, foremost by mitigating exposure to the Covid-19 virus.
1. Waiver: Each student must have a signed and dated Archdiocesan Covid-19 waiver on file. This waiver must be completed and signed at the opening parent meeting. A link to the waiver is included below if you would like to review prior to the opening meeting. If a parent/guardian refuses to sign the waiver, students may not return to in-person learning and will be offered the home-based Family Catechesis option.
2. Masks Required: All adults, teens and children are to be masked while entering the building, during an in-person instruction session and at dismissal until safely outdoors. STUDENTS and VOLUNTEERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ATTEND IN PERSON SESSIONS WITHOUT AN APPROPRIATELY WORN & WELL FITTING MASK.
3. Social Distancing: Students will be seated at least 3 feet apart in their classroom spaces.
4. Classroom/Instructional Spaces
- Classroom environment will be kept well ventilated to the greatest extent possible to circulate fresh air
- Seating Charts: Students will be assigned seating and a seating chart will be kept as this is critical for COVID-19 tracing if someone tests positive and was present at PREP
5. Educational and Hygienic Supplies: Hand sanitizer will be readily available in the classrooms and halls and tissues in the classroom. Students will each be provided with a pencil case of supplies for personal use. Students are also encouraged to carry hand sanitizer with them in their bags.
6. Cleaning and Sanitizing Shared Space: Desks and high traffic areas will be cleaned and sanitized between PREP sessions and as needed during sessions.
7. Monitoring Student Health: Parents/guardians should monitor their child’s health and should not send a sick child to PREP
8. Tracing and Reporting: If a student or an adult volunteer tests positive for Covid-19 or a variant, we will follow the Montgomery County Department of Health guidance on reporting and contact tracing.
Please be assured that this plan will be constantly monitored and adjusted if conditions improve or deteriorate. We cannot predict how the pandemic will progress throughout the year - if necessary, in-person sessions may shift to home-based learning to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and volunteers and families would be notified of any adjustments to in-person learning.
Upcoming Sacramental Dates
2021-22 Sacrament Dates
Major sacrament dates are listed below & full calendars with Sacrament Preparation Events (i.e. retreats, rehearsals, parent meetings, etc.) have been shared with sacrament families and are available on the PREP Website. We are hopeful that we can hold joyful & safe celebrations of the sacraments this year but we ask for and are appreciative of your continued understanding and patience as we navigate the months ahead.
- Confirmation (Level 7) - Tuesday, October 26, 5:00 PM
- First Reconciliation (Level 2) - Tuesday, February 17 2022 - 6:30 PM
- First Communion (Level 2) - Saturday, April 30, 2022 - 12:00 PM
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