COVID-19 and School Closure Plans

SJ23 classes and activities will not be held next week, March 16-20.  This suspension of activities extends to sports practices and contests, and all other group activities, including weekend activities, that involve either students or adults.
March 12, 2020
St. Seraphina
 
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Friends,
 
With the COVID-19 virus now declared a global pandemic, what may happen next is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.  In the effort to slow the spread of the disease, you are all aware of the suspension or cancellation of many events and activities that involve large groups of people attending and participating.  As our school community remains on spring break this week, taking prudent steps to address this dynamic and evolving situation is very important.  
 
Therefore, along with many other schools and school districts, SJ23 classes and activities will not be held next week, March 16-20.  This suspension of activities extends to sports practices and contests, and all other group activities, including weekend activities, that involve either students or adults.
  • While our campus is closed to activities, staff will be here to continue operations as necessary.
  • Hopefully, classes will resume on campus March 23, however, this decision will not be made until late next week
  • Contests, events and activities scheduled for later in March will also be reviewed next week to determine whether or not they can go as planned.
  • In the meantime, our teachers will meet to finalize plans to continue classes remotely using an online portal system – details regarding this process, should it be necessary, will be out by mid-week next.
  • During this time, please be sure that all contact information for you and your student(s) is accurate and updated as necessary.
  • Students do not have to worry about obtaining class texts and materials from their lockers at school at this time.  Should the suspension of on-campus classes extend beyond next week, opportunities for students to retrieve materials will be arranged.
  • Any impact on April events and activities will be addressed as we get closer to those scheduled dates.
In doing our part to help slow the virus, families who have traveled abroad over the break, should strongly consider self-quarantining for the recommended 14-day period.  Other precautions you have all heard about should also become routine:
  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water (20 seconds) or use a hand-sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60%.

  • Stay home if you are sick – and especially if you are exhibiting the specific symptoms of COVID-19 or flu – fever, aches, cough, shortness of breath.

  • Use disposable tissues – direct sneezes or coughs into tissues or elbow of sleeve.

  • Avoid touching mouth/nose/face with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid contact with anyone exhibiting cold-like symptoms.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home.
 
As this pandemic situation continues to evolve, we will do our best to keep you informed as to how we plan to respond.  Links to resources and information appear below.
 
We must also remember to keep the victims of this virus in our prayers, along with their caregivers, health professionals, and officials who are working to contain the pandemic. 
 
Yours in Christ
Joseph Noonan
Principal
 
 
RESOURCES: 
 
National Association of School Psychology: Attached 
 
 
 
 
UPDATED NEWS links for local, state, nation and world: 
 
 
Texas Department of State Health Services- STATE- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-NATION: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
 
 
 
 
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St. John XXIII College Preparatory forms the hearts and minds of young men and women in a Christ-centered community dedicated to academic excellence, the pursuit of virtue, and service to others in the Tradition of the Catholic Church.