Dear St. Clare of Montefalco Families,
 
The school year is going to definitely be a different school year for all of us. It is going to be very  important that all families read eblasts and communications coming from the school so that you will know how instruction will be imparted day to day for your children. Administration from the Archdiocese of Detroit, from the school and the teaching staff are all trying to assure your children will be safe, receive quality, faith enriched instruction and have their emotional and creative needs met. 
 
At this time I need to share more changes happening at the school. Our shared time teaching staff will have new instructors who may wear more than one hat to limit the amount of adults your children come into contact with each day at school. We are in the process of hiring educators who have multiple certifications to accommodate this need. A new janitorial service, Trinity Enterprises, will begin to service our school next week. This company will meet the requirements of cleaning the space being used as well as spray the entire facility every two weeks to assure COVID is not on any surfaces. Other schools in the archdiocese as well as Sacred Heart Seminary use this company for custodial needs. We will miss the beautiful school family of Marsha Mangrum, her sister Crystal, and their mother, Carla, who all lovingly took care of the school working for the ABM Custodial Company. 
 
The Archdiocese of Detroit had a meeting with all AOD school leadership discussing safety protocols for opening schools if we open during a Phase 4 status as determined by the Governor. Governor Whitmer was on CNN Wednesday evening. You may see what she said around the opening of schools at this link.
https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/07/gov-whitmer-very-concerned-about-if-it-will-be-safe-to-send-kids-back-to-school-she-tells-cnn.html?fbclid=IwAR1Q4basXAXTZwDDT8SKmx0gts0rM-o2gSnW-cBDdJ0WtvxRiTmwvMo7ry4
 
The plan at St. Clare of Montefalco School remains as I presented last week.  The plan is to open with a five day a week, in school, instructional program. Our projected Orientation Week with staggered classroom dates will begin August 24^th. During Orientation Week parents will come with their children and spend a half day with their new teacher.  Only one class at a time will come to the school. Processes and procedures will be gone over with the parents and the children. Students would only come to school for this one half day the week of August 24 ^th.
 
Monday, August 31^st may be the first full day of school with a four day school week so that families may enjoy a four day Labor Day Weekend. Remember, this is all tentative. As the summer progresses you will receive continuous updates.
 
These are some givens you should know. Class size will be limited to 15 students per classroom though restriction for social distancing in classrooms has been relaxed somewhat. We are thinking of locking registration on September 8 ^th for safety reasons.  Classrooms will become safe spaces for the children and teacher who occupy those rooms. Due to the projected lack of substitutes it may become necessary to implement Distance Learning if a teacher is absent.

Important Dates:
 
1.    AOD Tuition Assistance 2^nd Round Window: Due July 15 
https://www.detroitcatholicschools.org/tuition-assistance-scholarships
2.    Wednesday Classroom Zoom Meet Ups: Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
3.    “The Lion King, Jr” filming is completed. We seek ideas on how to release this film to our families so that it may be enjoyed in a safe way.
4.    Classroom Showcase of St. Clare of Montefalco School: Please share this link on your social media sites and with families you know. Remember the incentive you will receive to help reduce your tuition.  www.visitstclareschool.org
 
Peace, safe health, and love sent your way,
 
Ms. Crowley
Principal