Joyfully Embracing Our Mission
St. Clare School Family News | 13 December 2020
Testify to the Light
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
~John 1
Dear St. Clare School Families,
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a very important feast for the Americas and its people. Let us leave our cares and worries to Our Lady who intercedes for us. La Virgen de Guadalupe, pray for us!
The third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, is the Sunday of Joy. Pope Francis in his 2014 Gaudete Sunday homily, asked us instead to rejoice in all that we have instead of what we still haven’t got. If only we had this...if only we had that...if only people did this...if only people did that. Instead, perhaps we should focus on opening the eyes of our hearts and looking to see how fortunate we are that we have everything we need in the people who surround us and a God who loves us.
SPREADING A BIT OF CHRISTMAS CHEER
At last Wednesday’s retreat and work day, the Student Council spent some time getting to know each other and looking ahead to what they can offer the student body. This week, they are asking students to unite with a bit of Christmas cheer by dressing in the theme of the day (a separate post was sent earlier on Saturday). Free dress bottoms with themed tops are in order. Enter the Ugly Sweater Contest for everyone’s amusement. Even though we can’t gather and celebrate like we used to, this pandemic is pushing us to be more creative, find joy in simple things and cherish the ordinary.
On Thursday evening, we invite you to gather for a viewing of a labor of love known as the Christmas Program. Ms. Ariel and Miss Kim, along with your talented children have put together a celebration of the season. Join the All-School Meeting Room at 7 P.M. with your own cup of cheer: hot cocoa or cider, among the people you love. It will be our simple celebration as a community.
This Sunday from 3-5 P.M. drive through the parking lot for a bit of Christmas and Cocoa sponsored by the St. Clare Youth Ministry. Bring a pair or two of brand new white crew socks that we will donate to those who serve the unhoused.
As we spend this last week of the year 2020, let us look back at the lessons learned, how much we have grown and how much more we have yet to accomplish. I appreciate your continued support. I look forward to the journey through 2021 and beyond.
YEAR END GIVING
Please remember St. Clare School in your year-end giving. You may designate donations towards operating expenses, tuition assistance, COVID-19 related expenses (purchase of air purifiers for the classroom, additional iPads for in-person learners, disinfecting supplies) or towards the upgrade of our HVAC system. We thank you for your generosity in a year when we could not depend on fundraisers or other income generating programs like our summer school and extended care. Arrange for matching with your employer or ask family and friends to donate using the school store. Check out the school’s Support Us page.
ENROLLMENT
In order to strengthen our programs, support our teachers and provide an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning, we must increase our income. Currently, we need your help in recruiting students to the TK and Kindergarten programs for the 2021-22 school year by sharing what you love about St. Clare School. Help us leverage your influence among co-workers and acquaintances, pediatricians, counselors and educational consultants. Your enthusiasm for our school will help convince others to take a “look” at us. Many of you say that we are this area’s best kept secret. It’s time to let that secret out! Our enrollment marketing committee is working hard to tell our story. We are grateful if you would take part in the story-telling.
THE SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY
When we return in January, please note the following:
Monday, January 4: Minimum Day (12:30) due to a faculty in-service
Tuesday, January 5: Minimum Day (12:30) due to a faculty in-service
Wednesday, January 6: Wellness Wednesday (asynchronous)
Thursday, January 6: Full Day
Friday, January 7: No School due to a diocesan collaboration for teachers
SOME REMINDERS WORTH REPEATING:
CANCELED: Picture retakes that were scheduled for Dec. 16 will be rescheduled in January.
MANDATED QUARANTINE AFTER LONG-DISTANCE TRAVEL is in effect at least through January 4. Travel is very strongly discouraged. If you do travel or mix with other cohorts while we are on Christmas break, please voluntarily quarantine before you return to school.
Guidance regarding ventilation
New York Times, “Europe Keeps Schools Open, Not Restaurants. The U.S. Has Other Ideas.” (Nov. 13, 2020)
NPR, “Lessons From Europe, Where Cases Are Rising But Schools Are Open” (Nov. 13, 2020)
I’d like to conclude with something to ponder from Henri Nouwen:
REVEALING GIFTS
Everyone whom I allow to touch me in my weakness and help me to be faithful to my journey to God’s home will come to realize that he or she has a gift to offer that may have remained hidden for a very long time. To receive help, support, guidance, affection, and care may well be a greater call than that of giving all these things because in receiving I reveal the gift to the givers and a new life together can begin.
With gratitude and thanksgiving for the gifts that you are to our community, I remain,
Mrs. Cecile Mantecon, Principal
VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE
When reporting absences or shifts to distance learning from in-person, PLEASE EMAIL attendance@stclareschool.org and all classroom teachers!
St. Clare Multicultural Cookbooks Are Here!
- If your child is an in-person learner, the cookbook will be sent home with your child next week.
- If your child is a remote learner, please call the school office (408-246-6797) to arrange for pick-up.
Christmas Cheer Themed Week
Ugly Sweater Contest
Take a photo of you wearing your Ugly Sweater and upload it to: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-Ajwk9GNV9kwy7n5MBDGi0ldeYafdpjU
See flyer for guidelines and rules.
Student Council will announce the winner on Friday!
We received a lot of great looking blankets for the Warm Love Drive. Way to go, St. Clare!
8th Graders Proudly Show off their Hoodies: Our Gift to You!
Important Dates Reminder
- 12/13 Christmas and Cocoa | 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Drive Thru the Parking Lot
- 12/16 Math Club Tutoring Event K-8th | Zoom ID 896-048-8987 | 5:00 P.M.
- 12/17 Christmas Program Viewing Party - All School Zoom | 7 P.M.
- 12/18 Weekly School Mass | 9:30 A.M. | Read-a-Thon
- 12/18 12:30 Dismissal | NO CKZ
- 12/21 - 1/1 Christmas Break
- 1/4 School Resumes
Google Public Calendar
PUBLIC URL TO ACCESS FROM A WEB BROWSER
PUBLIC ADDRESS IN iCAL TO ACCESS FROM OTHER APPS
Voluntary COVID Testing for Children; Flu Shots
Thank you to all the families that attended the Return to School orientation last night. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming days about logistics and more.
Thank you to Jane Wulf (8th grade parent) for sharing the information below. St. Clare is not requiring a negative COVID test to return to in-person learning, but families may want to have their children tested before returning.
Families with children of any age are welcome to schedule a free COVID nasal swab test. Results are sent by text/email within 2-3 days (in the past I have received mine within 24 hrs). I recommend scheduling a test for the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds site:
https://scl.fulgentgenetics.com/appointment/screen/landing
Fulgent Booking System 1.0 - Appointment
This testing is for people who live, work, attend school, or assist with care for a resident of Santa Clara County.
scl.fulgentgenetics.com
You will be asked to provide optional insurance information to help offset the costs related to providing the test. The insured(s) is NOT billed. Insurance is NOT required to be tested. The fairgrounds location is a drive-thru site open Tuesdays-Fridays (12p-6:45p) and Saturdays (9a-3p).
In addition, flu shots are offered free of charge across the street (Fairground expo building) on Saturdays.
Free Flu Shots Click On Attached Flyers For More Information
Reopening of Santa Clara County K-12 Schools
Here are some resources for your information:
Sccsafeworkplace.org (see item on reporting COVID cases)
Stronger Together (SCCOE)
FERPA and Coronavirus (Child Privacy Laws)
Our Beloved St. Clare
Photo by Ed Carlo Garcia www.edcarlogarcia.com
St. Clare School
Email: office@stclareschool.org
Website: https://www.stclare.school
Location: 725 Washington Street, Santa Clara, CA, USA
Phone: 408 246-6797
Facebook: facebook.com/stclareschoolsantaclara