ST. BENEDICT SCHOOL

Dear Parents,
    I hope that you have taken the time to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather since school has ended. Even though we know very little about what the 2020-2021 school year will look like, we are planning for a September 2020 reopening based on currently available information and regulations. As most of you know, Governor Phil Murphy will be sharing his guidelines for reopening schools in the coming days and we will make changes as new information and regulations become available. I would like to thank the members of the Reopening Planning Committee; Patricia Sargent, Megan Gallagher, Noreen Potterton, Erin Michels, Jennifer Penley, and Anthony Valentino for their commitment to St. Benedict School and assisting in creating guidelines for a safe reopening.

    On June 24th, we held our first committee meeting. The Committee feels that keeping the lines of communication open is crucial, and although we are in the very early stages of planning, we have already taken steps to prepare for reopening. These steps include the following:

• Purchasing three cordless Electrostatic Disinfectant sprayers (one for each wing)
• Purchasing Temperature Kiosk Cameras for each wing
• Purchasing in- classroom cameras/computers                
• Purchasing ten no-touch Thermometers 
• Purchasing additional PPE 

    In addition to the above, we have taken action to limit opportunities for the spread of any potential viruses by creating procedures that will limit student contact with shared school supplies. Students in Grades 2 through 5 are required to purchase a Chromebook for the 2020-2021 school year. This Chromebook will be their own personal device and will not be handled by anyone other than the student while in school and will go home with them daily. Students in grades 6 thru 8 will also have the opportunity to purchase a Chromebook. Students who do not purchase one will be assigned a specific St. Benedict Chromebook. This Chromebook will remain in school, and the student will be responsible for wiping the cover down every day and returning it to the Chromebook Cart. The CDC discourages the use of any communal supplies. In the past, we have been able to share crayons, scissors, glue sticks, and other supplies. To avoid the spread of germs this year, parents will receive a supply list from each teacher, asking that they purchase individual supplies for their child.

    St. Benedict School’s main focus is ensuring a quality education for students under any circumstances. When we implemented distance education beginning March 13th, we knew it was vital that our students receive direct instruction from teachers a minimum of three times a week. This plan allowed our students to continue and complete the required curriculum. Over the summer, students will be completing summer reading and Mobymax Math modules. When we return in September, teachers in grade 2-8 will use MobyMax to benchmark students in both Math and Reading. After analyzing the data, teachers will identify any possible learning gaps and will utilize that data to guide whole group and individualized instruction. St. Benedict will also create a comprehensive plan for distance learning if we are required to follow a stay at home order. The plan will be available to parents at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.  

    An open dialogue between the Committee and parents is critical to the success and implementation of our reopening plan. St. Benedict School will be sending a survey to parents in the next few days (SEE BELOW). As we continue to move forward with our Committee Meetings and reopening plans, we will send further updates and information on how families can assist in our efforts. Please check your St. Benedict parent email frequently throughout the summer. 

Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate the preparation for a successful school year.

Christine Keeling
Vice Principal

School Year 2020-2021
An open dialogue between the St. Benedict Reopening and Planning Committee and parents is critical to the success and implementation of our 2020-2021 reopening plan. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for our staff and students. As we begin the development of policies and procedures for the school year, we would like to understand what matters most to SBS families as we prioritize the health and safety of our school community. We ask that you complete the survey below by July 13th.

If you have any questions, please email Christine Keeling at keeling@stbenedictnj.org

Thank You!
CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY