9/21/2020 SJF Newsletter

*|SJF Monday Newsletter|*

View this email in your browser A Note from the Principals We have an update from the diocese regarding wavers and small-group instruction!  We will be starting small group instruction for our high-needs students starting next Monday. These small groups are NOT mandatory. If you still have concerns sending your student to school for any reason please let your teacher know. You student's teachers will be contacting you if your child is chosen for one of these high needs groups. Here is the message about wavers and small groups from our Superintendent, Paul Escala: Waivers:  The leadership of the LA County Public Health Department continues to state that waivers for elementary schools (TK-6) are not being accepted at this time.  Despite the county being below the state’s threshold of 200 cases or less per 100K residents for over two weeks now, the department has stated that they are not comfortable with TK-6 students returning to in-person instruction under waivers for at least six more weeks.  As for all K-12 schools, “early November”, or “after the election” is when we might expect a return to in-person instruction, according to the department leadership.  They did not offer what metric(s) they are using to make a decision, which has created a significant level of concerns among many school leaders.  In addition, the Board of Supervisors are directly engaged on the decision to permit waivers, making this now a political matter.  As a result of this recent news, we are engaged with other school leaders to form a diverse coalition to speak with one voice and advocate for transparency on how decisions are being made and for the opening of the waiver process under the state’s protocols.  I would encourage those in your communities who are concerned about this issue to contact their respective Board of Supervisor’s office and share their concerns.  The following are their email address and the areas they represent: http://bos.lacounty.gov/About-Us/Board-of-Supervisors   firstdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; sheila@bos.lacounty.gov; markridley-thomas@bos.lacounty.gov; kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov LiaisonCOVID19@ph.lacounty.go   Cohorts:  The LA County Department of Public Health has taken a more restrictive approach to the cohort guidance from the state.  In short, the county is allowing schools to provide K-12 in-person instruction to cohorts of up to 12 students and up to 2 adults (14 total) and no more than 10% of the total student body at any one time.  Schools should prioritize targeted/specialized services for Special Education (i.e. STEP) and English Learners (EL).  New Information: the county clarified today that their intent is for high-need student populations to be served, such as STEP and EL, in cohorts.  However, schools can exercise their discretion and determine who their highest need populations are, inclusive of STEP and EL, but also students who do not have access to the internet or devices, students requiring assessment, do not have care during the school day, or other vulnerable circumstances.  We strongly advise that schools use sound judgement on the student populations back under this program.  REMINDERS: We have received clearance to resume sports "practice" with social distancing. If any parent is interested in coaching a team please contact Mr. Cuevas (ECuevas@stjanefrancesschool.org) and hopefully we can start some team practice on campus soon! Please contact the office if you are in need of daycare for your students in 1st-6th grade.   Many Blessings! Mrs. Giron & Mr. Ranney SJF Parish News Please follow our SJF Church's new Facebook page!  http://www.stjanefrancesparish.org/  Also, if you can, PLEASE consider moving your weekly donations online through the parish Paypal HERE. They support us a lot through the years and will have a hard time without being able to have their weekend collections. Thank you!  THE DIGITAL PARENT Tips and Tricks for Parenting in the 21st Century RESOURCES: Parents and caregivers should be on the lookout for signs of anxiety and depression in children. This can take different forms – being withdrawn, acting out, disobeying, being tearful. Please reach out if you need support: Call the LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH) 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771. The call is free AND confidential. Call your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you are concerned about your child. If you don't have a health care provider, dial 2-1-1 and we'll connect you to one. You can also visit DMH online at dmh.lacounty.gov/resources for resources related to back to-school and a number of other mental health topics.   Thank you for continuing to pay your tuition on time & allowing us to keep everyone on staff so far! If you have any questions or would like to pay your tuition via a credit or debit card please call (612) 548-3320 or click the link below: Tads.com Save the Date This week: Distance Learning continues Friday: Student of the Month (Respect)   School Calendar SPARTAN SPORTS If you are interested in coaching a team or coordinating a digital sports team, please see Mr. Cuevas ECuevas@stjanefrancesschool.org #GoSpartans Saint of the Day (9/14) Every Saint has a story &Saint Matthew was a Jew who worked for the occupying Roman forces, collecting taxes from other Jews. Read more below: Saint of the Day Our Mission: St. Jane Frances de Chantal School guides our students and their families to experience the harmony between academic learning, social growth, and Catholic faith formation.