As we get closer to the start of the year, the energy and excitement in the school is definitely noticeable. The teachers and staff have been very busy getting ready for your children. This is no small feat as new seating arrangements are measured and considered, teaching in a more restrictive environment is being worked through, and much more. This is all done in consideration for how to work to keep school on campus for as long as possible, with the hope it will be all year.
Our plan, while not perfect, is a good one. We will make mistakes, and may become overwhelmed, but we will do our best to provide as normal school experience as possible. We ask for patience as we progress through what is largely unknown territory. Having our students on campus is the most ideal learning environment and we hope that it will be a short time before we are all reunited for permanent on campus learning. Once we are able to do that, we will discontinue our remote learning. We will not, however, do that until health department guidelines change.
Again, we are very excited about the start of school. It has been a long time since we closed and seeing our Archangels will be a joyous occasion!
In Christ,
Cyndy Novotny, Principal
Since we will not have our traditional Back to School Bash, we will arrange a time for our younger students (grades Preschool-2nd) to come and bring in their supplies before the first day of classes and see their classroom. We ask that older children bring in their supplies on the first day of class. As you enter at the pre-arranged time (arranged by your teacher), it is required that you wear face coverings, sign in, and have your temperature taken. Post cards from your child’s teacher will let you know of the time and day to bring in supplies. These cards should be received around the 22nd of August.
Part Time Preschool
All Day Preschool
Kindergarten - Middle School
1st: Lillie: Aug 31, 12:00 - 1:30PM
1st: Marnell: Aug 31, 1:00 - 3:00PM
2nd: Bartolic: Aug 31, 1:30 - 3:00PM
3rd: Trumbull: Aug 26, 12:00 - 2:00PM
By now, your child should have received his/her postcard from his/her teacher. As in the past, we do not accept teacher requests. It is our professional belief that every teacher will do his/her best to develop positive relationships with their students. In the same principle, I do not allow teachers to choose the students they want.
With the addition of a new second grade teacher, all but two classes have less that 15 students in each class. The other two have less than 19 students. That is an amazing teacher-student ratio! We added our new second grade teacher, Jacy Short, because our numbers in that class were being pushed to the point of making social distancing a challenge. Mrs. Short’s acceptance of this position is a gift to St. Anthony’s. She comes from teaching at NCSD with ten years of experience and has her Master’s degree. Currently, SAS has seven teachers holding Master’s degrees and two in progress. Two teachers hold multiple Bachelor’s degrees and two hold additional endorsements. Your teachers are committed to lifelong learning and providing the best education possible for all of our Archangels.
This summer, we initiated a campaign to raise funds to replace all of our student devices. Because of the Joe Scott Foundation, the generosity of many individuals donating to the matching funds, additional grants from the Goodstein Foundation, the Zimmerman Foundation, and the St. Anthony School Foundation, we were able to reach our goal. The orders have been placed but because of shipping delays, they will likely not reach the school for the start of the school year. The cost to accomplish this was slightly over $100,000. Replacing one broken computer will cost the school approximately $500. Last year, dozens of devices were broken and we went through all of our replacements. We do not have any additional funds to replace a broken computer. As a result, we are requiring each student in K-8th grade to purchase device insurance for $50. A family may choose to pay this up front or have it paid out with tuition payments. A contract will be included in future School Notes which will allow for your choice. If this is a hardship, please contact Mrs. Dean in Accounting and she will work out a plan with you
In addition to our new device purchases, SAS has been very blessed with the awarding of a Wyoming Ministries Foundation Grant this spring that was used to replaced end of life Smartboards, completing our rotation of replacement with this technology.
- You are invited to join us for our red-carpet entrance on Tuesday. You may enter through the east side gate to the soccer field. Staff will be out there to guide you. Please feel free to park at the old Ridley’s parking lot or OLF. If you park at OLF, you will need to clear out by 8:40 so the 9:00 church goers can park their cars while attending Mass. Parents may also accompany their child but when it is time to enter the school, this will be the time to give a hug and say goodbye. Only preschool parents will be allowed to enter the school and sign their child in as required by DFS.
- Students do not need to wear facemasks that are in accordance with uniform code; however, designs and sayings must be accordance with Catholic values, much like t-shirts worn on uniform holidays.
- All visitors, including parents and grandparents are required to wear a mask and have a temperature check upon entering the building.
- Send a water bottle with your child and a face covering (to be worn in common areas.)
Pick up on the 1st Day: Teachers will bring their students to the playground in a similar fashion. You can park your car in the lot or at the old Ridley’s grocery store parking lot and come to the fence at the soccer field to pick up your child. Again, face coverings are required until you and your child get back into your car. Students will remain in their class groupings.
