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St. Mary Star of the Sea School - Principals Newsletter

November 20, 2020 

Happy Friday, 

Without the children here, I truly lost track of what day it was. I apologize for the late nature of this update. 

As you know our Parent-Teacher conferences are Tuesday. If you did not secure a time with your teacher(s), please do so today. This is accomplished directly with them. All conferences will be held via ZOOM. 

Second graders should have completed the sacrament of Reconciliation. If not, there will be a makeup date in December. Please watch for this. 

Tomorrow’s retreat for the Confirmandi is postponed. Mrs. Navarro will let us know when it is rescheduled. 

Registration begins today for the 8th grader students will wish to test at a Catholic High School. Please consider this option for your child. The success rate of students graduating from a Catholic High School matriculating to college is unbelievable. Mrs. Evans can help you with the procedure. There are some changes due to the pandemic. 

If you missed it – the Turkey Trot is postponed to spring. This is a fun event for the children and we sincerely hope the virus gives us a break by then. 

Lastly, next week is Thanksgiving. I am so very grateful for all of you and your children. All of you are what makes our school special. I hope you listen to the safety guideline the health officials suggest and enjoy the holiday as best you can. I am spending the day with my husband – foregoing the traditional big family feast with extended loved ones. I hope you remain safe and well. 

Today, Dear God, 

I want to say, 

How thankful I am in every way. 

You've made me special, 

Smart and strong, 

With family and friends 

To help me along. 

Thank you for blessings, 

big and small, 

From my home to my safety 

You provide it all. 

Thanksgiving is the perfect time 

To say thank you and to share 

The love and mercy that you give 

With people everywhere. 

God, help me to remember to be thankful 

For your love and presence 

Not just on Thanksgiving 

But on each and every day. 

Amen 

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving, 

Mrs. Usauskas

Virtual Learning Notice Letter 

Subject: Pivoting School to Virtual Learning 

Dear Mary Star of the Sea Parents and Guardians 

I am writing to inform you that our school is currently experiencing several staff/student illnesses and absences. Some are unrelated to COVID-19, but we do and have several  staff members who are in quarantine due to exposure to the virus and four cohorts that  have pivoted to e-Learning because of the virus. At this time, no students are believed  to have had close contact to any of the suspected cases. We will certainly let you know  immediately if we determine otherwise.  

As a result and out of an abundance of caution, we will pivot the school from in-person to virtual until Monday, Nov. 30th. Your child’s teacher will be in contact with you ahead of school on Monday with more information about virtual learning.

As a reminder, prolonged close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of an infected  person for a total of 15 minutes or more within a 24 hour period. Those who had brief,  casual contact with an infected individual are not considered at great risk of  transmission. As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they  develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek health care  immediately. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (temperature higher than 100.4 degrees  Fahrenheit), chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache,  new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. If  you or your child develop symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your health care  provider to discuss evaluation and testing. 

For severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent  pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or difficulty waking, or bluish lips or face  please seek the closest emergency department or call 9-1-1 immediately. 

As per our safety protocols, individuals who are sick with or exhibiting symptoms of  COVID-19 must stay home and away from others for at least 10 days since their  symptoms first appeared and at least one day (24 hours) with no fever (without the use  of fever-reducing medications) and improved symptoms, whichever is longer. 

The school will use this time to deep clean the entire McGuire building. We ask that you  use this time to stay home and keep connected via ZOOM.The health and wellness of our staff and students are the highest priority of Mary Star of  the Sea. We will continue to follow local, state and national guidelines as we ensure  proper protocols and preventive measures are in place for the health and safety of our  staff and students. For any additional COVID-19 questions or support, please visit your  local department of health website for the most reliable information.  

As a faith community, we are doing our best to respond with compassion and prayer to  everyone affected by the COVID-19 around the world, particularly those who do not  have access to health care and community support. Please keep our community in your  prayers and know that we are praying for you. 

God Bless You and please stay well,  

Mrs. Candice M. Usauskas