August 7, 2020
Dear St. Charles Families,
As we plan for a beginning like no other we have seen in the past, our focus will still be to ensure that:
Every child, every day is finding a way to feel connected, every child, every day is being challenged by new learnings and experiences, and every child, every day knows they have a champion they can turn to.
Spring of 2020 challenged staff and students to find a new normal for learning, connected us in new ways and required our champions to champion from afar. What I have most learned through this process is how much I appreciate the expertise our teachers bring to SCCS, the ways in which our students continue to work hard to grow and, overall, appreciation for the little things in life - giving a high five, a hug or being able to laugh out loud with many people around. What I MOST appreciate about SCCS is how even under circumstances we have never experienced we are still a learning and caring faith-filled community.
Normal is such a simple word and it is our goal at SCCS to not only find our new normal, but to use this time as a learning experience that will forever impact the learning environment. Every week there are new types of learning experiences teachers are piloting and much of what is learned will continue to be used in the future. Our fall may not be “normal,” but our learning will not only continue, but it will thrive. We can’t wait to move on to the next phase of learning and we know, all returning and new students to SCCS will be welcomed with open arms (from 6 feet away) to our community - we will continue to grow!
Welcome to School – Rather than our traditional in-person Meet the Teacher night we will be switching to a virtual platform. Be on the lookout for communication from your child’s homeroom teacher on how you will be able to “meet.”
Teacher Assignment Pick-Up – Teacher/Classroom assignment information for all students PS-8 will be available to pick-up on August 13th and 14th from 8:00-11:30 or 12:30-4:30 in the school office. PS/PK families will also sign up for their orientation slot during this time. All fees and outstanding balances must be paid and tuition payment plans set prior to picking up your child’s assignment information. If you are unable to pick up your child's information during these hours, they will be available during regular school office hours beginning August 17th.
First Days of School – We are planning on doing a transitional start for K-8 with half of the student body (red group) on August 19th and the other half (yellow group) on August 20th. All students in grades K-8 will then come on August 21st. The groups will be split by families to make things as easy as we can for you. Please see the attached list for your child’s group. If you do not see your name on the list please contact the school office. Prekindergarten will begin on August 24th and preschool on August 25th.
Thursday Early Dismissal - Keeping with the spirit of collaboration among the Lima Catholic Schools, we will continue to dismiss every Thursday at 2 p.m. in order to collaborate or for professional development. Regular bus services and the Extended Day Program will be available at this time. Please note if there is a 2 or 3 hour delay on Thursdays, school will dismiss at 3 p.m.
Uniforms - For information about student’s uniforms, please consult the website under student handbook. We have a Used Uniform Room. Parents may label and send in uniform clothing in good condition for our Uniform Room. This is a free lending room available to all students and is open during normal school office hours during the school year. We plan to set the uniforms out in the cafeteria on August 13th and 14th during teacher assignment pickup days for your convenience.
Morning Drop Off – Parents are welcome to drop off their child/ren on Primrose or Cable Road entrances to the school beginning at 7:30 am. Please note that the doors will not be unlocked until 7:30 and there is NO SUPERVISION before this time and it would be negligent to leave your child unattended. Please do not drop off your child/ren in front of the school building on Elm St. For the safety and security of our school, parents/guardians may not enter the school building in the morning to walk their child/ren to the classroom. We ask that you say good-bye in the car or before your child enters the building. There are students and staff members assigned to greet and help your child get to their designated spot. Students are considered tardy at 7:50 a.m.
Dismissal Procedure – Students riding busses will leave the building on Primrose and 8th grade students and their families will have the privilege of being assigned to Row 10 in front of the building. Row assignments for all families will be distributed with the teacher assignments. Students walking home will be dismissed after all vehicles have left the premises to assure their safety. We are hopeful the public school bus garages will have routes available very soon along with their policies for riding the bus. Dismissal begins at 3 p.m.
School Lunches – Students will eat in the cafeteria and in other assigned spaces with a safe rotating schedule and safe distancing at tables. Students may choose to pack a lunch or purchase a hot lunch. There will be no self-service foods or condiments. Monthly menus will be posted on the St. Charles School website. Prices will remain the same as last year. This is a great deal for a healthy and delicious meal! All lunches must be prepaid using the student I.D.
Pre School – Grade 4 $2.65, Grades 5 – 8 $2.70, Adults $5.00
Communications – We will continue to communicate weekly via email in the Thursday Flyer once the school year begins. If you do not get this information, please contact the school office and check your email address. Those families that do not have an email account may request a printed copy. The St. Charles web site is sccslima.org and will provide links to the faculty and staff, calendars and on- line grades for our 3rd – 8th grade students. Under the “News” section of the website you will find the information we have sent out regarding our school reopening plan and other information on what we are doing around the school to help create a safe environment for our students and staff. Please check it weekly to keep updated on events at school. You may also download our school app, St. Charles Redwings, OH for updates and information.
All delays and cancellations are announced on WLIO TV and the Maverick Media web sites as the Lima Catholic Schools. Text messages may be received by signing up at http://www.ohioalerts.org/StCharles.
Again, thank you for your patience and understanding during these uncertain and difficult times. There has been a lot of time and consideration involved in each and every decision and we are doing our best to do what is right for our children and families. We all have questions and we will do our best to answer yours promptly and clearly. New information continues to come our way each day and we are working at being nimble and flexible in addressing these changes and challenges. We know that all of you have had to deal with unexpected burdens due to Covid 19. We wish to remove any uncertainty about your child's safety while at St. Charles Catholic School. Your children are a precious gift and we are committed to their welfare.
Thank you for entrusting your child's education and faith building to us. We are blessed with such amazing families! See you soon!
In His Service,
Mrs.Megan Scheid
Principal