This Sunday's gospel provides us an opportunity to reflect on what type of "soil" we are or the degree to which our hearts are open to God's Word. Do we lack roots to bear fruit? Do we allow "thorns to choke" what we believe? Or, do we nurture our faith life so that the Word of God grows within us so that we can share this gift with others?
These days, it's very easy to move from rocky soil and to get choked by thorns. I pray that we may always have ears that will allow us to listen to the urgings of the Spirit.
ST. CLARE REPRESENTS
Miss Taylor Payton and Miss Irene Kim are representing St. Clare School in the CA Catholic Schools panel on July 14 to share their experience during our Distance Learning endeavor this past spring with Catholic school educators throughout our state. We are very proud of our talented and caring teachers who provided amazing programs that were student-centered. Thank you for saying yes!
SUMMER CAMP: CKZ STYLE
Congratulations to Ms. Valerye and her crew for completing Week 1 of CKZ Summer Camp. Our campers went on a virtual Disney trip complete with getting splashed (reality: moderately sprinkled) on Splash Mountain. In addition to academics for part of the morning, campers enjoyed Bike Day on Tuesday, arts and crafts, movie-making and water play. Congratulations to Alex G. who was this week's Gold Bead awardee.
More fun for three more weeks!
EXTEND AN INVITATION TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Many of our families expressed how much they value the community of caring families at St. Clare School. Help us share "our best kept secret" with friends and family by inviting them to join us. We are still accepting applications for 2020-21. Please reach out to Ms. Cherell if you know of anyone you’d like her to contact.
PREPARING FOR FALL 2020
Our Health and Safety Task Force began their work of writing a draft of protocols for reopening. We have quite an illustrious group of parents from the medical profession and emergency medical operations. Thank you to Marah Gebala, Katy Kerns, Cristina Cunanan, Brent and Luisa Rapport and Sheinely Maglunog.
The draft will be reviewed internally and once refined, will be shared with the community. The protocols will follow all requirements from the County and will include recommendations that make sense for our site and our community.
Other committees will be invited for a dialog soon. We will convene groups to plan for Drop Offs & Pick Ups, Restroom Use, Recess, Lunch & P.E., Classroom Configurations. We are conducting internal meetings with faculty and staff to determine Scheduling, Supervision, Learning Models and Distance Learning Plans as part of our Reopening Plan.
With a vaccine still a ways away, the possibilities continue to exist for the three realities we've previously shared:
in-person learning with increased health and safety protocols
hybrid learning where we have days of in-person and home learning, and
the possibility of a shelter-at-home directive where we will be asked to learn at home.
Our hope is still to open on August 19 with students attending in-person classes.
Please join us on Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 P.M. for another “Cup with the Principal” to continue the dialog regarding the WHY of St. Clare School. Many parents who attended wanted more time to share their "good will" with one another. As your principal, this warms my heart tremendously. Thank you.
CONTINUE TO PRACTICE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS AT HOME
As we prepare to return back to school, now is a good time to practice being mindful of health and safety protocols which we practiced while we were at school during the flu season:
Check for temperatures regularly and watch for a change in energy level.
Wash hands often, with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Cough into your sleeve or a cloth tissue.
Disinfect surfaces regularly.
Refrain from touching your face (especially mouth, eyes, nose).
In addition, practice these specific self-checks at home to evaluate possible COVID-19 exposure:
Check for symptoms: cough, muscle aches, diarrhea, shortness of breath, headaches, unexplained loss of taste or smell.
Maintain at least 6 feet from others not from your household.
Refrain from touching surfaces or from unnecessary physical contact.
Wear face coverings (current public health guidelines; exceptions for those with respiratory issues where wearing a face covering makes it difficult to breathe).
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENCOUNTER
As always, please reach out to me if you have any concerns or questions. Please email me at cecile.mantecon@dsj.org.
For any other questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact the school office office@stclareschool.org or 408-246-6797. Ms. Cherell and Ms. Teresea are happy to answer your call and direct you to the appropriate person. Summer Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 A.M. to 3 P.M.
I continue to ask for your prayers as we navigate the road that lies ahead.
Gratitude and blessings for your support and love,
Cecile Mantecon, Principal
