St. Mary Phoenix Re-Opening Update

Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year. We are looking forward to seeing all of you in person in August. As of now, our first day of school will be Wednesday, August 19th. We welcome all of our new families to our St. Mary School Community. We are accepting new families but have limited spaces available so that we are able to maintain social distancing. Our Re-Opening Task Force Team has been working to make a plan that provides for the Safety and Security of our St. Mary Community. We appreciate their willingness to work on our team to plan for the Fall. We are working on the daily schedule as I write this as our day may look a little different but our routines will be structured to help everyone remain safe and happy. Our number one priority is to be able to remain open and provide service to our students and families. With the guidelines we have set and everyone working together we feel confident in our ability to provide a healthy environment. Please read the Re-Opening guidelines attached to the bottom of the newsletter.

Some important information that we need to share with you regarding the fall. The number one question I am continuing to receive is about facial coverings or masks. We are asking that all families provide at least 5 masks or shields for your child. Following the Governor's we will ask that students wear masks during portions of their day when they cannot maintain 6 feet away from each other. That would mean in large groups other than their classroom "pods", in hallways, outside during close contact activities or in the classroom when working in close contact with their teachers and peers. We are aware that it is difficult for some children to wear masks even for a short time and we are understanding of everyone's individual needs. It is apparent that everyone has their own comfort level with the mask or face shield that they choose. We are asking you to choose masks or face shields that your child will be comfortable in that would have appropriate content for school. Masks or face shields are mandatory for all faculty and staff. Mask breaks will be given throughout the day.

Extra help: Since the beginning of the year may be different for everyone, we are asking for volunteers to help with helping everyone learn the new routines. It could be monitoring lunch, standing at the temperature monitor, donating water bottles for those who forgot theirs, bringing games and activities for extended day, donating masks or face shields for students who may forget theirs. Please call the office if you can donate an hour of time or you have any materials to share with the school.

Water Bottles will be required of all students. The water bottle dispensers will be available during the day. Drinking fountains will not be available during the day.

Proud to Be A Phoenix!

Thank you for supporting St. Mary School. Our mission is to create a safe, healthy and happy environment for our St. Mary Community. I would like to thank the members of our Task Force who have been sharing ideas and expertise as we navigate these unprecedented times. Thank you Geoff Martin, Carla Veil, Traci Strozyk, Mary Boyer, Dr. Melissa Seifried, Dr. Mel Burgett, Kate Adkins, Kyle Bares, Mary Lilley, Ron from Maintenance, Sandy Howard, Barb Tarutani, and Fr. Steve for helping us develop this plan. On the bottom of this newsletter is attached the Re-Opening Plan for St. Mary School. The plan is fluid and flexible and is meant to give you the information about school re-opening as we are able to with the information that is available to us at this time. Every day there are changes and new regulations so we will make adjustments as needed. If you have questions, please call the office or email me at stm_lmarvin@tccsa.net.

Have new or gently used uniforms that don't fit your child anymore? Please consider donating to the school for reuse. You can drop them off in the school office on Monday-Wednesday, July 20-22, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., or contact Sandy Howard at 330-620-6290 to make another arrangement.

Need uniforms? Check out our donated uniforms on Tuesday, July 28, from 7-8:30 p.m., in the St. Mary's parking lot (school gym if it rains). First come, first serve. All uniforms are free. If you can not make this time but are in need of uniforms, contact Sandy Howard to see if there are any in your child's size.

We are looking for someone to help with After School Extended Day. We need an additional staff member from 3:15-5:30 to monitor students and help sanitize. This is a paid hourly position.

Since 1865, people have known St. Mary School students by their actions. This is because throughout our history, we have focused on building student’s character, based on the values instilled by the Catholic Faith, and a foundation of academic excellence.

St. Mary School provides a welcoming environment where families have the freedom to celebrate the faith. In a world of need, responsibility matters and strength is needed to serve our communities. It is our mission to develop students who have the ability to be mentors and leaders in the world. We recognize that each student is a unique gift from God and we individualize instruction to help them reach their full potential. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages a love of learning and provides children with a foundation of faith to balance and guide them for the rest of their lives.

Email: stm_lmarvin@tccsa.net
Website: www.stmwoo.org
Location: 515 Beall Avenue, Wooster, OH, USA
Phone: (330)262-8671
Facebook: stmary1