Saint Joseph Academy Reopening Plan 2020-2021

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Introduction Saint Joseph Academy will reopen this fall, and our administrators, faculty and staff are very excited to welcome students back to campus for in-person learning in the 2020-21 school year. A return to SJA’s campus is predicated on two important factors: Safety and Flexibility.

Our return to school will center on reimagined teaching and learning. SJA is committed to the health and safety of every student and faculty member. Ahead of reopening, SJA has conducted several changes to its facilities and scheduling to accommodate social distancing and we will continue to adapt as new challenges arise. However, we are still committed to our Marist, mission-driven goal to offer face-to-face instruction and after-school experiences.

We will continue to keep you informed. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to our normal way of life, and SJA is regularly monitoring policy changes and mandates from the Governor’s Office and public health officials. As SJA develops new proactive solutions and learning format changes, administrators will disseminate updates via email, text, social media platforms and on www.sja.us A successful reopening at SJA means we will all need to work together. As SJA reopens, each of us must be ready and willing to create a culture of responsibility and cooperation. Protecting the health and safety of everyone on the SJA campus will be paramount. We are very confident that the Prep Community will pull together and establish a continued learning environment in the Marist tradition of excellence.

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Academic Calendar Highlights 2020

2021

Wednesday, August 26 - New Student HS Virtual Orientation

Thurs-Friday, February 25-26 Charro Days (½ day Feb 25)

Tuesday, August 25 - New Student MS Virtual Orientation

Monday, January 4 - Classes Resume

Monday, August 31 - First Day of School (Distance Learning) Wednesday, September 28** – First Day of In-Person Classes Wed–Fri, November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break Wed–Fri, Dec. 23, 2020 – Jan. 1, 2021 Christmas Break **first possible day of in-person, pending COVID19 scenario at that time

March 15-19 - Spring Break April 1-2 – Easter Break (½ day April 1) June 4 - Last Day of Class June 8 & 9 – Baccalaureate & Graduation

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Academics & Schedule Flexibility The Academic schedule will be driven by guidelines which will very likely limit the number of students per classroom in order to achieve the goal of optimal social distancing. Reopening will occur in one of three ways:

1

3

2 OR

Distance Learning ALL STUDENTS August 31 – September 25**

Families Choose: In-Person Instruction or Distance Learning September 28** – October 23 (families can change choice at the start of each marking period)

SJA is finalizing a flexible academic schedule that will allow for a seamless transition from being open for in-person instruction to a return to virtual learning, if necessary. Also, the schedule will allow for the non-academic programs to continue regardless of the mode of instruction. **9/28 is earliest possible in-person start date, pending COVID19 scenario

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Academics & Schedule Flexibility In-Person Instruction Instruction delivered in classrooms Reduced class size Daily health screenings Face-shields AND masks required for students • Extra spacing between desks • Social distancing in common areas • • • •

Distance Learning • Synchronous learning (live) in Core Subjects (Math/Science/English/SS) • Asynchronous (self-paced) learning in non-core/electives • Highly engaging lessons & assignments via Google Classroom • Virtual meetings with counselors

Distance Learning Program for ALL STUDENTS should a situation arise where campus needs to be closed

Synchronous Learning (live) 1st – 4th period classes on Mon/Wed 5th – 7th period classes on Tues/Thurs FLEX FRIDAY: Extra-help, virtual office hours with teachers, ACT/SAT/PSAT/TSI test prep • Highly engaging lessons & assignments via Google Classroom • • • •

**More information on how the DEEP Program will be conducted will be provided from SJA & UTRGV in August**

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Flex Fridays ALL STUDENTS will engage in Distance Learning from home on Fridays via the FLEX FRIDAY initiative. Flex Friday will continue until 100% of students return to campus • • • • • •

Scheduled “virtual office hours” with teachers Extra-help available throughout the day ACT/SAT/PSAT/TSI test prep Learning Center support services available Opportunities to virtually meet and work with counselors Teachers will have time to collaborate, plan, and provide support to students and families

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Preparing for the Unexpected Saint Joseph Academy leadership has been flexible in its approach to offering the best academic experiences, knowing that the pandemic has caused a time of great fluidity.

The SJA faculty was outstanding in its pivot to distance learning in the spring, and it will be critical to maintain the same extraordinary academic experience within a schedule that is creative, flexible and ensures that all faculty members and students feel safe and fully engaged.

Careful planning has taken place in many areas including but not limited to: • Academic scheduling • Assessment of classrooms and common areas for social distancing • Enhancements to classroom technology • Cleanliness and Personal Protective Equipment

PLEASE PRACTICE

SAFE SOCIAL DISTANCING AT ALL TIMES BLOODHOUNDS

PLEASE STAND

6 FT.

APART!

• Contact Tracing • Food Services • Visitor Policies

WEAR YOUR MASK & SHIELD

WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

New Procedures & Safety Measures Cleanliness and readily available Personal Protective Equipment will be important keys to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for students and faculty alike. Life on the Prep campus will look decidedly different as a result, and each of the following will be required: Face Coverings All persons who are on the SJA campus will be required to wear masks at all times. Students are to wear masks and a face shield. SJA will be providing all students with one face shield at the beginning of the year. Disposable face masks will be readily available to anyone who needs one.

Social Distancing Classes will have reduced sizes and there will be an increase in space between where students sit. All teachers will have plexi-glass shields installed on their desks. Hallways and classrooms will be marked with signage encouraging individuals to keep to one side to allow for greater social distancing between class periods and to facilitate more efficient foot-traffic.

Sanitizing & Cleaning Hand sanitizer will be made available throughout the SJA buildings and classrooms. SJA has contracted a janitorial company to clean more frequently during the day and will enhance daily sanitizing protocols.

Daily Health Screening Students, faculty and staff will be required have their temperature taken daily upon entering the main campus, and walk through a ”disinfecting tunnel”. Students experiencing COVID19 symptoms during the day will be screened and sent home.

Contact Tracing Contact Tracing will be a major point of focus, as we will work meticulously to avoid another school closure by quickly identifying individuals who may have come in contact with a positive COVID19 case. SJA has hired a COVID19 Coordinator to manage the school’s procedures and protocols.

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Technology

Classrooms this fall will be equipped with the necessary technology allowing for a synchronous experience for those students choosing the SJA Distance Learning Program. This will also allow for a seamless transition should SJA need to move to a full distance learning experience.

Teachers will be provided with a “studio set-up� including a web cam and microphone in their classrooms. Core subject teachers will be able to livestream and/or record lessons from their classrooms to the students present physically, as well as those learning from home.

While Google Classroom will be the primary tool used, students and teachers will utilize a variety of applications for learning, assessments, and productivity in the upcoming year including:

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Prepared Faculty

Marist education has a long tradition of innovation. In the spring, being forced to quickly pivot to remote learning, the SJA faculty rose to the challenge and led the way to a new level.

Teachers, on short notice, created opportunities for experience, reflection and action to occur virtually.

We are not resting on our laurels. Professional development experiences continue for the faculty in our very fluid educational environment, with over 150 hours of planned professional growth opportunities. Collaboration will help our teachers continue to offer peak academic experiences in the true spirit of Marist Education.

Currently, 5 teachers have earned their TCEA educator certification for Google Classroom and SJA’s goal is for 100% to be certified in the near future.

In returning to school, faculty is prepared once again to deploy engaging lessons and creative assignments via Google Classroom. These may include: • Zoom videoconferencing • Recorded lessons • Online assessment tools • Flipped classroom pedagogy

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Marist Life at SJA Even in an era of social distancing, SJA will continue to foster a vibrant spiritual life as Marist, Catholic school.

School Masses Masses will be offered for the school community in creative and innovative ways.

Campus Ministry Retreat programs will resume on campus and online for all grades. Even in this pandemic climate, we will expand our retreat programs in order to bolster community connections

Service The Campus Ministry & Religion Departments are committed to developing a series of imaginative new programs that will allow students to serve the community amid the Pandemic.

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Athletics & Extracurriculars Saint Joseph Academy continues to await guidelines from the state and TAPPS for both its academic and athletic competitions. We will also be offering extracurricular, academic, and leadership programs to students once they return to campus.

Sports hopeful return in the fall under the guidance of the TAPPS. In the event that sports are canceled or postponed, team training will continue with our outstanding coaches and training staff, if feasible.

All of our extracurricular activities will resume upon our return. Clubs will have frequent opportunities to meet in person and virtually. Many of the opportunities will be reimagined in order to adapt to the recommended health and safety guidelines

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Ad Astra Per Aspera

REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021