March 13, 2020
Dear Assumption School Families and Community,
I’m writing to you after thoughtful reflection and ongoing dialogue with public health agencies, our pastor, Fr. Leonard, and Diocesan leadership.
Given the increased limitations on large gatherings and the positive impact of social distancing on reducing the spread of COVID-19, I am using this letter to inform you that Assumption School will initiate a two-week, long-term dismissal to go into effect on Wednesday, March 18th. Assumption School will be scheduled to resume normal operations on Wednesday, April 1st.
Please note, that as of March 13, 2020, NO student, faculty or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 at Assumption School. That being said, it is very important that you inform me directly if your child or any member of your immediate family tests positive for COVID-19.
As we move forward please note the following timeline of events that will affect your child’s learning:
- A Parent Technology survey from Google Forms will be sent to families this weekend to assess the ability for families and students to use technology at home. If families would like to borrow technology from the school, a device agreement will be available.
- Ms. Sandra Schnabel will be available to families who use our counseling services to provide remote services during this time. This will be scheduled through Ms. Schnabel via email at [email protected].
- On March 16, Monday, Assumption will be open for a full day of school with Extended Care to allow students and teachers to connect before this long term dismissal.
- At this time, teachers will provide students with an age-appropriate overview of what the two weeks will look like and provide students with the supplies they will need.
- If families need to borrow technology and have signed the device agreement, students will be allowed to take home a device at the end of the day with directions on how to use the device.
- Teachers will also provide for the social emotional needs of students during the day.
- We will be open for parents of absent students to pick up any supplies or textbooks needed no earlier than 3:15 p.m.
- On March 17, Tuesday, Assumption School will be closed to families and students while teachers and staff have a professional development day to finalize their long-term dismissal plans.
- From March 18-March 31, Distance/Remote Learning takes place. All school events are cancelled during this time and the school building will be closed.
- While homeroom teachers will provide the structure and frame of what is taking place for students via email to parents (and/or students), subject specific teachers like Mr. D, Ms. Avalon, Mr. Angel, Mrs. Sweeney, and Mr. Wong, will be available for questions from families via email as well. Teachers will use Google apps including Google Classroom, Google Hangout, Youtube, and other video conferencing like Zoom to connect with students during the two weeks.
- School administration will send weekly updates to families. I will be available through email and video conferencing for families, teachers, and staff during normal school hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- School will be closed to faculty, staff, students and families. Contracted custodial services will complete work including a deep-clean of the entire campus during this time.
- On April 1, Wednesday, school will resume normally. The 4th Grade Sacramento Field Trip which was supposed to take place on this day is cancelled.
We recently received an email from Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, stating that he is dispensing from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for all Catholics from the Oakland Diocese. While churches will remain open to provide for the spiritual well-being of the Diocese, the decision to attend Mass is left to the individual. Those who attend are asked to practice the same protocols already highlighted including social distancing, hand washing, and self-awareness regarding sickness. Bishop Barber encourages those who would like the experience of the Sunday Mass to visit live streamed services through EWTN.com. Daily scripture readings are available through usccb.org.
The following link from the CDC provides helpful information for you and your family to utilize at home: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/index.html
As you know, this fluid situation evolves daily. We will actively monitor this situation and continue to follow the guidance of our public health agencies. Should any changes be made to the plan outlined in this communication, you will be notified as appropriate.
Like I have said before, this is an unprecedented time. Assumption School is committed to the safety and well being of all students, faculty, staff, and families in our community. I value with my whole heart that while there is worry in our world, we find comfort in each other. Thank you for being the school community of love and support we need during this crisis.
Sincerely,
Lana Rocheford
Principal of Assumption School
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present source of help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear.
- Psalm: 46: 2-3