Newsletter

Dear St. Paul Community,

It is exciting to have our students back in the hallways of our St Paul schools. I would like to thank our entire school community for the outstanding support we have received as we worked through the myriad of requirements and regulations for returning students to classrooms. Our teachers and support staff have spent countless hours preparing our classrooms and facilities for the safe return of students. The governors’ latest executive order included recommended dates for the return of all students in Oregon to classrooms on a limited basis. I am pleased to share with our community that the St Paul school district has exceeded the expectations of the state and have returned students to school in most cases over a month ahead of the states’ published guidelines of March 29th for kindergarten through sixth grade and April 19th for grades seven through 12. In addition to exceeding the state expectations, our St Paul schools will be increasing student contact time following the spring break. Our new schedule is attached and will be the schedule our district will follow until further notice. We are also excited to have our students return to athletic competition and other extracurricular activities that are an integral part of a well rounded school experience. As an added safety measure our buildings are now equipped with covid test kits and students or staff that may exhibit symptoms can be tested on site so that they can return to school as soon as a negative test result is obtained. We will continue to monitor covid cases in Marion county and consult with health officials regarding our school operations any changes in our instructional program will be made as soon as possible to our students and parents.

A reminder of the steps being taken to ensure everyone's safety:

• Students who ride the bus will have their temperature taken when entering the school bus and will be asked if they are feeling well and if anyone in their family has been sick. There will also be a visual screening for wellness. If a student's response to a question raises concerns related to the possible presence of Covid the student will not be allowed on the bus if the parents are home. If parents are not home, the student will be socially distanced on the bus. They will be isolated in a safe place upon their arrival at school until we are able to contact parents for pick up. Additional follow up from the district will occur in order to determine if the student can safely return to school. Our buses will have some windows open to increase the circulation of air while transporting students, this practice will be followed regardless of weather. Please dress students warmly for their bus ride.

• Students who walk, ride, or are driven to school will be screened at the time of entry using the same protocol.

• While in school, students will be required to social distance (stay six feet apart) whenever possible.

• Masks will be required at all times

• Students will be asked to wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently and whenever they enter or exit a classroom or the building.

• Water bottles are allowed and students will have lunch in the classroom or outside weather permitting before release. Our cafeteria will remain closed.

• The shortened school day will allow our district staff to sanitize rooms and occupied areas each day.

• Bathroom access will be closely monitored and no more than three students will be allowed in the restroom at one time.

• Onsight covid testing will be available for symptomatic students and or staff.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your continued support and adherence to all of the required safety measures in order to keep our students, staff, and community safe. ( The new district schedule is also posted on our website.)

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Wehrli

St. Paul School District

Starting Monday, March 29, 2021 the Elementary School will operate on a 5 day school week Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM.

No Split AM/PM Kindergarten or First Grade Class. All Students will be at the same time.

When picking up your student, please stay in the designated car line on the right side of the road next to the track shed. Only approach the cover patio pick-up area when you have been signaled by a staff member to pick up your student.

We are now enrolling Pre-K and Kindergarten students for the 2021-2022 school year. You can pick up the registration packet at the Elementary office or fill it out online and email the forms to star.saenz@stpaul.k12.or.us or oralia.vargas@stpaul.k12.or.us.

For any questions regarding enrollment please contact the Elementary office at 503-633-2691.