St. Viator Parish School
Viator Voice: November 29, 2020
As we begin Advent...
So, we begin with our longing, our desire and our hope.
Source: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/firstweek.html
We pray that you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The pandemic has been exceptionally difficult on the emotional health of our students. Recent CDC data suggests that 1 in 5 are thinking about suicide. This is a scary statistic. Think of a typical classroom -- could this mean that about 5 to 6 students could be contemplating? We must prevent, recognize, and support our children in this challenging time.
Over the past decade, many studies have found that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. Mrs. Garner asked our 8th Grade students to compile images and ideas that spark gratitude: family, friends, God, school, clean water, our health, pets, and such much more. They will make you smile or bring a tear of joy to your eyes.
We pray that during this season of Advent that you pause to take time practice gratitude. Be mindful that there are hidden blessings in this challenging time. We only need to pause for a moment to see 20/20 clearly. Enjoy!
Mrs. Daly, and a bunch of our Viatorian friends, are true Bear fans.
As you know, I am a true Packer fan.
Who will wear their jersey tomorrow to celebrate tonight's win? YOU! See Monday below
What's Happening!
Monday, November 30, 2020:
- Fan day - wear your favorite jersey or t-shirt with your uniform
- Advent Blessings in classrooms
- January Lunch Cards will go home
Tuesday: December 1, 2020:
Wednesday: December 2, 2020:
Thursday: December 3, 2020:
Friday: December 4, 2020:
- Noon dismissal, All Faculty & Staff Meeting, Advent Retreat
- January Lunch Order Due
A few things to consider as the days grow darker...
Mayo Clinic Recommends...
Set reasonable limits for your child's screen time, especially if your child's use of screens is hindering involvement in other activities. Consider these tips:
- Prioritize unplugged, unstructured playtime.
- Create tech-free zones or times, such as during mealtime or one night a week.
- Discourage use of media entertainment during homework.
- Set and enforce daily or weekly screen time limits and curfews, such as no exposure to devices or screens one hour before bedtime.
- Consider using apps that control the length of time a child can use a device.
- Require your children to charge their devices outside of their bedrooms at night.
- Keep screens out of your child's bedroom.
- Limit your own screen time.
- Eliminate background TV.
SLEEP WELL! STAY WELL! HELP US STAY IN SCHOOL!
St. Viator School is Recognized as a BATTLEBORN BUSINESS!
The Battleborn Business campaign recognizes Nevada businesses following directive guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19.
From the Nevada Response Team:
St. Viator in Las Vegas studied hard to stay in school during COVID-19. They started with a restoration plan developed by the Diocesan Restoration Advisory council that was appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas, George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. comprised of individuals with various professional experience and knowledge including medical professionals that developed and established protocols for all Diocesan schools including St. Viator, for a safe return to school. This plan was guided by the CDC and Southern Nevada Health District plans. The school carefully reviewed the protocols and submitted a plan and immediately began implementing the necessary steps.
To keep the students at the top of their class, daily health screenings have been implemented. QR codes at guest check-in prompt a health survey for all students, faculty and visitors. In true teaching fashion, some teachers created poles with strings that display 6 feet to teach the younger children to stay that far apart at all times. Before the return to school all desks were measured to ensure the proper socially distance. Every square inch of the campus is now a classroom to ensure social distancing for all.
Twenty percent of the school decided to start school online and teachers are going above and beyond to accommodate these students. The students who decided to participate in person have been divided into cohort groups. These cohorts stay in the same classroom and only the teachers rotate, helping to minimize and contain potential exposure should that arise. When the school heard of a positive case contracted from off campus, the cohort model enabled them to switch the cohort of the positive student to distance learning for 14 days to keep the campus healthy.
In keeping the campus healthy, there is also a day porter who goes around the school all day cleaning high-contact points. The school is also sprayed nightly with an electrostatic sprayer. “We have worked very hard to stay open and keep teachers in front of students,” said Tracy Brunelle, principal at St. Viator.
Of course, everyone (even the pre-kindergarten students) wear masks at all times. “Our families have been amazing and we are so thankful. Everyone is paying attention and wants to be safe,” Brunelle said. Teachers are working hard to keep their students learning; one kindergarten teacher has created individual center boxes so each student has their own learning materials. “Our teachers have never worked harder, they are teaching in two classrooms and online,” Brunelle said. “We are very creative now more than ever. It is a different world out there.”
Extended Care for Week of November 30th
WASH YOUR HANDS AND SAY YOUR PRAYERS BECAUSE JESUS AND GERMS ARE EVERYWHERE!
HELP US STAY WELL AND STAY IN SCHOOL
- Do you believe your child may have been in contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19?
- Is your child unwell with cold/flu like symptoms? (Nasal drainage, sore throat, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, headache, chills, loss of taste/smell, significant muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea)
- Does your child have a fever of 100.4F or higher?
Please review the Parent Screening Tool each morning to determine if your child should be in school each day. Help us stay well and stay in school.
ASK YOURSELF: CAN MY CHILD GO TO SCHOOL TODAY?
REMEMBER TO QUARANTINE WITH ANY EXPOSURE
Registrations for 2021-22
We are currently taking registrations and testing appointments for students entering Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten for our SVS families for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are a current SVS Pre-Kindergarten parent, your child will tested at the end of this year for Kindergarten 2021-2022.
Please contact Mary Jane Marlow at 702-732-4477, extension 100 for more information.
St. Viator Parish School
Email: svsschool@stviator.org
Website: stviatorschool.org
Location: 4246 South Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Phone: (702)732-4477
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stviatorschoollasvegas/
Twitter: @svsschoollv