Effective September 2020, this information below, tailored to Saint Francis Xavier School, derives from the Archdiocese publication - Catholic Schools Onward:  Best Practices and New Opportunities as We Move Forward.  In building this product, the Archdiocese partnered with federal (CDC), state (Health Department), and local subject-matter experts (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)) to plan and coordinate a return to school in the fall of 2020.

This document provides information regarding the plan to return to brick-and-mortar learning for the 2020-2021 school year. If a parent does not feel safe sending their child to school, virtual and/or distance learning will be available and that parent needs to work directly with the teacher to figure out the details. If you are choosing this option,  please inform Miss Bulter of this decision by August 17, 2020.

SFX’s COVID-19 Guidelines and Procedures Highlights.

Below are highlights of the major changes’ families should expect upon the return of school in September. For more details, please continue reading through the entire document.  CLICK HERE.

1. It is imperative every guardian assesses their child/children prior to leaving for school which includes taking your child’s temperature each morning (a health check list will be provided to all families prior to the start of school).
2. SFX will reopen 5 days a week, in full capacity, for in person learning. If/when there is a need to shift to virtual learning, it will occur via Google classroom.
3. Drop off is no earlier than 7:40 am. Children must go straight to their respective classroom; congregating in the gymnasium is NOT allowed.
4. SFX will utilize three separate entrances for drop-off and pick-up.
   1. Pre-K, 1st, 4^th and 3^rd grades will enter on the Green Street entrance and go directly to their classrooms.
   2. K, 2^nd, 5^th and 6th grades will enter on the Wallace Street entrance and go directly to their classrooms.
   3. 7th and 8th grades will enter at the 24^th Street Main entrance and go directly to their classrooms.
5. Masks are mandatory (for everyone) at all times. Please normalize the use of masks with your child prior to the start of school.
6. Anyone desiring to meet with Ms. Butler in person must email/call ahead of time to schedule an appointment.
7. High-touch surfaces will be cleaned throughout the day (i.e. - door knobs, railings, light switches, and bathrooms - sink knobs, stall doorknobs, toilet handles, etc.).
8. Signage is placed in each classroom, and throughout the building, reminding students/staff to practice good hygiene, wear masks, and keep socially distanced.
9. Hand sanitizers are available at the building entrances, in classroom entrances, in the hallways, and in other high-traffic areas.
10. Each student must provide their own mask and hand sanitizer for use during the school day. Each child must have their own hand sanitizer and an extra mask (placing it in a Ziplock bag), which will be kept at their desk.
    1. A Sanitation/COVID 19 Fee will be instituted this year. Each family is required to pay a $100 fee per child prior to the start of school. These funds will be used to offset the additional costs associated with the increased needs around sanitation required due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
11. SFX has designated a room, the St. Raphael Room (the art room), should students experience any signs/symptoms of coronavirus. This room will be monitored/staffed by volunteers.
    1. Should a student exhibit symptoms and be placed in the St. Raphael Room, parents/guardians will be notified and need to immediately (within 45 min) pick-up their child.  
    2. Parents should discuss the purpose of the St. Raphael room with their child to ensure the student recognizes the purpose of the room.
12. All “specials” teachers will go to each classroom, except for Mr. Yoka (Advanced Math).
13. No outside food is permitted, and no sharing of food is allowed. Children must bring their own water bottles to school, as common water fountains will not be in use. This also means children will not have opportunities to refill their water bottles so parents must pack accordingly. 
14. There will be no hot lunch. Soft pretzels will not be available.
15. Ventilation is important; windows will be opened daily. Students and faculty should dress accordingly.
16. Gym uniforms can be worn for all grades for the foreseeable future.
17. Classrooms will dismiss in a staggered format so as to avoid congestion at the doorways. Students will utilize the same door for both arrival and dismissal.
18. CARES Aftercare Program will continue, but in a modified fashion (cohort tables in the gymnasium).
19. There will be no after school programs hosted at SFX.