SPB Family Newsletter
Thursday, August 6, 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.
August 6, 2020
Dear SPB Families,
After lengthy and careful consideration and discussion and in consultation with our Responsive Return Plan Committee as well diocesan leaders and area principals, we have decided to begin the school year by moving forward with our Responsive Return Plan. We are prepared to offer K-8 parents the choice to return to school with two options:
Traditional Classroom: The traditional learning model of instruction provides face to face learning five days a week.
Simultaneous Learning: This option is offered to families who are not comfortable with their child(ren) returning to in-person learning. Simultaneous learning is a design instruction to offer students the ability to attend classes online at a scheduled time and/or through recorded lessons.
We believe that every parent has the right to choose what is best for their child(ren). We also recognize that we need to consider the guidance of not just the Cuyahoga County Board of Health but also the CDC, the State of Ohio, and groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. We need to balance potential issues related to returning to school with the fact that in-person learning at school is fundamental to a child’s well-being and development.
We know that each family will make a decision that they feel is in the best interest of their child(ren) and this is personal to each family’s unique needs and situation. The decision one family makes may not fit with what another family believes. We respect whichever decision you feel is best for your family. We know that for many of you this decision has weighed on you, and we know that some of you may have changed your mind since you last submitted the SPB Education Plan Form a couple of weeks ago. If you have changed your mind and would now like your child to participate in simultaneous learning, please indicate that by completing the SPB Student Education Plan Form HERE by Tuesday, August 11. If you are comfortable with your child returning to school in-person five days a week and you already indicated this on your original form, you do not have to complete a new form.
Our school is doing everything that is reasonably possible to protect our students and staff during this time, and we will address situations if and when they arise. We know that as parents, you choose to have your child(ren) attend a Catholic school and that you may make the choice to send your students to school in person. In doing so, you as parents acknowledge your understanding and assumption of risk and the responsibilities of both the family and the school to ensure the health and welfare of each student and staff member. If you decide to have your child return to SPB for in-person instruction, please know that all families, kindergarten through eighth grade, will be required to sign the SPB Student (K-8) COVID-19 Policy Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk. We ask that you read it thoroughly to fully understand what is being expected of you as parents and that you understand and assume the risks related to COVID-19 and returning to school. This will need to be signed prior to your child attending school in person. Please note that this will not be included in the back to school forms you complete online. You need to complete and submit this separately, and you may do so prior to the start of school.
We believe in putting the needs of children first and in responding to the needs of our children and families. We plan to do this through offering different options for learning for K-8 students (both remote and in-person). Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School has carefully made decisions about our reopening plan together with a steering committee of stakeholders that have taken reasonable steps to create a safe environment and a quality education for the students, whether it be remotely or in-person. As shared in last week’s newsletter, this link may be helpful to you as you continue to weigh the options for your child. Please know we respect your decision.
Preschool classes will be held in person as well according to our Preschool Responsive Return Plan. Preschool parents will also be required to sign the SPB Preschool Student COVID-19 Policy Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk; however, it is not necessary for preschool parents to complete a new SPB Preschool Enrollment Form as we have gathered enrollment numbers already.
Finally, we pray for all of our families, faculty/staff, and the wider community as we move through this challenging time. May God give us wisdom, strength, patience, perspective, and resilience, and may He provide us with a sense of peace in the decisions we make.
In Christ’s Peace,
Diane Raguz, Principal
Sheila Klepcyk, Assistant Principal/Preschool Director
Rev. John Thomas Lane, SSS, Pastor
Project Challenge Suspended for 2020-2021
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
Spirit Wear Store is Open!
Job Opening
- Responsibilities include ordering and distribution of milk; lunch time trash and light clean up of Father O'Brien Hall
- Monday through Friday (school days) from 10:00 AM to 2 PM; $10 per hour
- Must be able to lift trash out of a garbage can
- Usual background checks and responsibilities with diocesan codes and regulations
- Contact: Jon Detzel 440-442-3410 x 333
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.