Update on Summer Communication & Fall Planning
Hello and Happy Last Days of School!
As we head into summer, I first want to thank you all for your support during this unprecedented time. Many of you never thought you would be teachers or homeschooling children, and you have taken that new role on with determination, flexibility, and care. I know it has not been easy and there have likely been more tears and tantrums - from both your kiddos and you - during the last few months. We could not have continued to educate children without your support and will be forever grateful.
I know there are many questions as we head into summer and think about the fall. I want to provide the information I can at this point.
Survey
As we plan for next year, we would appreciate your feedback. Please take some time to thoughtfully and carefully respond to the survey linked at the end of this email. We will take all feedback into consideration. Please note that does not mean we can make every person’s ideal situation a reality. We will make decisions based on what is feasible, reasonable, and most importantly, what we as professionals know is in the best interests of students’ academic, social, and emotional needs while meeting whatever mandates are in place from the state.
Summer Communication:
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Report cards, supply lists, and summer learning activities (both required and optional) will be sent to all families on Friday, June 12th.
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Weekly newsletters will end June 12th and resume in early August.
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You will receive Principal’s Update letters:
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End of June
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At least twice in July
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At least twice in August
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Coffee with Conklin and Cocktails with Conklin will happen periodically throughout the summer. These will be offered so that we can touch base, say hello, and I can help answer questions the best I am able. Links to these sign ups will be emailed.
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Updates from teachers will come to parents at the direction of the principal if needed.
Fall Planning & Potential Scenarios
We will be working throughout the summer to monitor developments in the state’s phasing, the progress of the COVID virus, and updated recommendations from the CDC, Governor’s office and Office of Catholic Schools. No final decision regarding the start of school will be made until those are in place and we are closer to the actual start date. As we all know, the situation changes daily and we will make an informed decision with the most updated information possible.
One question people have been asking is whether or not we automatically follow what Seattle Public decides. No, we do not automatically follow them. Seattle Public must make a decision that is district-wide. We have more autonomy in making local decisions school by school, but must be in compliance with state mandates and the Office of Catholic Schools.
We are currently planning for a variety of scenarios so that we are prepared to move forward with any given situation. Please know that our foremost goal is to have students back on campus as soon as possible.
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Scenario A - All students and staff are allowed back on campus. This scenario includes increased safety precautions, screening, updated cleaning and sanitizing practices, and limiting non-staff and non-student presence on campus.
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Scenario B - Students may be on campus in a limited capacity. This scenario includes a mix of in person and online learning, updated based on student, teacher, and parent feedback. It also includes increased safety precautions, screening, updated cleaning and sanitizing practices, and excluding non-staff and non-student presence on campus.
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Scenario C - Students are still doing solely online learning. This scenario includes procedures that are updated based on student, teacher, and parent feedback. It also includes increased safety precautions, screening, updated cleaning and sanitizing practices, and excluding non-staff and non-student presence on campus so that staff can work from campus if needed.
As an administration, our goal is to have complete outlines of each scenario with detailed procedures so that we have a solid template to implement once a final decision can be made. The Office of Catholic Schools has provided a comprehensive list of questions, considerations, and scenarios to use as a guide, which we are currently doing.
All scenarios will continue to evaluate our ability to offer Extended Care to families who need it.
Technology Needs
All families will need to assess their technology needs as it will inevitably be a part of all three scenarios in the fall. Over the summer, please assess the following:
As we did this year, we will be able to provide technology support in some capacity if needed but it will be important that families are as prepared as possible.
Other items families need to consider and prepare for just in case:
I understand that everyone wants answers and the anxiety of the unknown is wearing on all of us. I wish I could give you definite answers, but making any final decisions at this point would not be prudent as they would likely change. I promise to update throughout the summer as I have more information.
This is an extraordinary community and I have been consistently reminded of that throughout the last few months. I am so grateful for each of you and so grateful to be at ASB.
Have a well-deserved, relaxing summer with your families!
Survey Link Here - Please complete
Best,
Kathleen Conklin
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