Back to School Preparations for Fall

St. Mary School is busy preparing for in-person classes, starting August 19th! We are committed to keeping our students and staff safe throughout the pandemic and are excited to share with you what we are planning!
  
St. Mary School educates approximately 200 students each year, from preschool through 8th grade. We have small class sizes, averaging about 18 kids per classroom. We will be able to comply with any state and local regulations limiting the number of people that can gather at one time. 

Principal Ashley Davis is preparing several initiatives to keep all students and staff safe during the upcoming school year:

• Face Shields - face shields are being purchased for each student and staff member upon returning in the fall. These clear shields cover the whole face providing high levels of protection from respiratory droplets while still allowing the teacher to see the student’s face and for the student to be able to see the teacher’s face.  This will help address the concerns of children wearing a face mask all day, as well as meet the needs for students with health or learning disabilities.  
• Restroom Upgrades - plexiglass and touchless soap dispensers are being installed to keep students separated while using the restroom.
• Hand Washing Stations - sanitation stations will be installed throughout the school
• Additional Safety Precautions - plexiglass will be installed in the office and in other areas of the school, stickers will be placed on the floors to remind students of the one-way traffic patterns throughout the school, and extra routine cleaning will be implemented.

In addition to physical plant updates, we are also planning technology changes!  Each student from third grade to eighth grade will now have access to their own chromebook for learning. This will give students more opportunities to stay safe and not share devices. Families without internet access at home will be able to borrow a mobile hotpot to support elearning at home, as needed.

Throughout the summer, our teachers have been participating in training and professional development related to the new virtual processes and technologies allowing them to remain flexible and prepared for future decisions. 

The DeKalb School District received $1.6 million from the CARES Act-ESSR Fund and St. Mary School DeKalb will receive $20K from this funding helping us cover the cost of these new initiatives. If there are no changes to the CARES Act in congress, St. Mary School DeKalb will receive an additional installment later in the school year to continue to provide the necessary safety equipment for our students and staff. 

A final decision on our school’s operating plan for the fall will be made in late June / early July.  Stay tuned for additional updates and information via email. If you are looking to tour the school or meet with the principal, please contact Mrs. Ashley Davis at adavis@stmaryschooldekalb.com.

Office hours will resume July 6, Tuesday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Learn more about St. Mary School at www.stmaryschooldekalb.org

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