News - August 2020 RSS Feed

Great news! Head Director Pennsbury just called me. We are getting a registered nurse (Susan Ward) for St Mikes everyday for four hours in addition to our regular nurse while Pennsbury is virtual.. Thank you for your calls and assistance. God's joy, Mr. "D".

Catholic Schools In PA Need Our Help

Pennsbury Bus update! Pennsbury Superintendent just announced at the board meeting we have Pennsbury busing for non public schools even before an official vote. Another win! Thank you everyone! God’s joy, Mr. "D".

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Task Force created a special reopening video for you and your family Here is the link. Parent video- https://vimeo.com/447265535/2175f5d532 One of our own is in the video! Shea Andress Check it out. She did a wonderful job representing St. Mike's. God bless, Mr. "D" .

Some AOP Public Service Announcements for You and Your Family TY! God bless, Mr. "D". Social Distancing- As you know our school plans focus heavily on having children keep socially distant for others. It would be helpful as you would bring this to their attention as you are with them in the community. It might be helpful to highlight good examples and point out negative examples as well. Thanks for your help with this, together we can help build for a self-return to schools. Masks- Masks have been mandated by the state other than when we provide “Masks Breaks.” During the mask breaks, students will be able to remove them in a safe manner. However, we suggest that you take steps to help students build tolerance to wearing masks. Have your students practice wearing masks during the day. Build it slowly each day so that first day is not a shock. Thanks for your help with this, together we can help build for a self-return to schools. Hand washing- Another important tool to keep children safe, have them practice washing their hands for the time it takes them to say the Hail Mary. Sustained handwashing is important, and doing it with a prayer is even better. Thanks for your help with this, together we can help build for a self-return to schools. Holiday weekend, After the fourth of July holiday, the area saw a spike in COVID cases., We ask that you stay particularly focused if you go away during the Labor Day holiday to take safe steps not to bring COVID back to school. Thanks for your help with this, together we can help build for a self-return to schools.

Dear Parents/Guardians: As you are aware, the elementary schools have been developing a plan to have children return to school safely for the 2020-21school year. This plan is based on a hybrid of allowing some students to receive virtual learning from home while others will be in school in addition to many other modifications. I have had many questions about how the State of Pennsylvania’ new guidance impacts our plan. Fortunately, since we have a blended learning model, our plan fits nicely into the new guidance. The new guidance provides objective measures when schools should not meet in person when community spread is high. The State guidance relies on two standard public health metrics: incidence rate and the percent positivity of diagnostic testing. On a weekly basis, the PA Department of Health will publish the level of community transmission of COVID-19 for every county in the state and the state has recommended instructional models based on the level in each county. Low Full in-person model or blended learning model Moderate Blended learning model or full remote learning Substantial Full remote learning Archdiocesan schools will be expected to utilize the recommended learning model two school days (48 hours) later. We have allowed for transition time so that schools could prepare and parents could arrange for child care. The state guidance is fact based on actual cases and provides the necessary safeguards that we have consistently utilized for the operations. If the level of transmission increases to the substantial level, schools will need to switch to full remote learning. We recommend you prepare to be flexible. Sincerely, Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D. Superintendent for Elementary Schools

Just attended the meeting,I . sent some pointed questions along with some of our parents and teachers to their school board and we have bussing! Next up Pennsbury A ugust 20th. God's joy, Mr. "D'. --

They will not need to be in the school building. TY! God's joy, Mr."D'.

Great news! We just hired a new Music teacher for SMA School!!! Her name is Alyssa Wiltbank. She comes to us with extensive music theory knowledge, is a singer, performs in local theater, has experience in Catholic Schools, is a pro at virtual music lessons, and is full of enthusiasm! She also lives in the area. We will be keeping Tuesday /Thursday as our SMA Music days. Her other teaching days will be at Maternity BVM. I am sure we as a St. Mike’s family will give her a warm welcome. Her email is awiltbank@sma-pa.org. She will have a music website on our school www.sma-pa.org website posted soon. God's light, Mr. "D".

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Coronavirus Task Force Update See "Useful Links" on this homepage. TY! God bless, Mr. "D".

See SMA Plan below or in "Useful Links". TY! God bless, Mr. "D".

Greetings! Here it is! It is abbreviated due to current conditions. If the situation changes when can switch to a more extensive calendar. TBD on the calendar signifies "To Be Determined". TY! God's light, Mr."D".