Dear 8th Grade Parents, 

The Office of the Superintendent of Schools, with input from high school administrators and directors of admissions, has decided that the HSPT will not be administered this year as part of the Cooperative Admissions Program of the Catholic High Schools of the Archdiocese. High schools will use other sources of information, including the Ninth Grade Applicant Record, to guide their admissions decisions. 

Stay Safe, 

Principal Tina Underwood 
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Dear Parents,

 I am writing to update you on our reopening plans for September. With our top priority being the safety of our students and staff, our planning process is ongoing. Our Re-opening Committee School is continuing to formulate a detailed framework for the school year, which begins on September 8 with:

 Phase 1: Virtual Parent-Teacher conferences (9/8) , half day virtual instruction with teachers (9/9-9/11), with a half-day class schedule.

Phase 2: Half-day, in-seat learning.(9/9-9/18 and 9/21 -9/25).

Phase 3: Full-day, in seat instruction begins on Monday, 9/28. Please see the details in Plans for Return.

**Classes will be live-streamed for those families that do not feel comfortable returning to the classroom and wish to learn 100% remotely.

We are also incorporating guidance from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), both trusted resources we often turn to in decision making for health-related issues. As many of you know, the New Jersey Department of Education released “The Road Back,” guidance for the reopening of schools, on June 26. We are using “The Road Back” to help guide our plan for reopening.

 Every day, we can see that the COVID-19 situation nationwide is continually developing, and these conditions may affect our plans.

This letter is not a complete plan. I am sharing with you what we know today and what you may want to consider as you plan for September. We will release additional, more detailed information prior to the Governor’s deadline of early August. We will release our final plan by August 10.

WHAT WE KNOW

1. The health and safety of our students and staff is and will always be my first priority.

2. Our students and staff are the most important part of who we are as a community.

3. The Governor has asked schools to develop a reopening plan that includes modified, in-person instruction. We are developing such a plan while accounting for our families who indicate they are not comfortable sending their children back to school at this time.

 4. I know that there is no single plan that will make everyone happy. I am also are aware that guidance from the medical community itself (CDC vs. AAP) is not always in agreement and has changed as more information has become available.

5. COVID-19 policies and decisions are intended to MITIGATE, BUT NOT ELIMINATE risk. From the AAP, “No single action or set of actions will completely eliminate the risk associated with the virus that causes COVID-19, but implementation of several coordinated interventions can greatly reduce that risk.” We intend to implement those coordinated interventions to help keep your children and our staff safe.

 6. Just as there are risks associated with sending students back to school buildings in September, there are also risks with maintaining a 100% remote learning environment for all students. Students rely on schools for academic and social development, as well as physical activity, and safety. We will balance those needs as we continue to develop our plan.

 7. September 2020 in schools will look nothing like September 2019. Most every survey respondents indicate a strong desire to have some sort of in-person learning taking place this fall. WHAT WE ARE PLANNING In order to provide you with as much time as possible to make arrangements and prepare for the In order to provide you with as much time as possible to make arrangements and prepare for the coming year, I want to share with you some key points of our reopening plans. Please understand that these key points do not represent the entire plan. There will be a much more detailed plan released by August 10th.

 Plans for return include:

1.    1. Students would return in phases (first week (9/8-9/11) would be virtual, that is as students and teachers transition from Zoom to Google for Education, instruction will be virtual. On Tuesday, September 8^th you will meet the teachers through Parent/Teacher conferences. Your child’s homeroom teacher will reach out to you in mid-August to set this up. Wednesday through Friday will follow a 12:10 dismissal school day schedule, still virtual. The next two weeks, (9/14-9/18 and 9/21-9/25) will have a 12:10 dismissal—students would enjoy lunch at home) but 100 % in-seat instruction, five days per week. Classes would be live-streamed for those families that do not feel comfortable returning to the classroom and wish to learn 100% remotely.

2.    The PK through fourth grade has been capped at one class per grade and would meet daily. The middle school, grades 5, 7, and 8 will have two classes per grade level should everyone return to in-seat instruction, with their regular teacher delivering instruction in the students’ homeroom. Middle school teachers will rotate into every classroom. After the first two weeks (9/28 on), lunch will be enjoyed in the classrooms. Students are encouraged to bring their own or order through No Fuss Lunch, which would be delivered to their classrooms.

We will strive to create 6 feet of physical distancing whenever possible, but we will require face coverings/masks for all students, including when they must leave their seats in the classroom and walk in the hallways and other areas.

Again, accommodations will be made for students with certain medical or other conditions, as identified and verified in writing by a treating physician, which preclude the use of face coverings. We also are planning additional physical spacing measures in classrooms, hallways, and other areas.

Finally, we will create additional time during the day to allow for handwashing, mask “breaks, snack, and physical movement.

Enhanced cleaning, sanitizing, and hygiene protocols will be in place in all of our schools. Hand sanitizer will be available in all classrooms and in high traffic common areas. We will routinely clean high touchpoint areas while taking steps to minimize contact with those areas in the first place. Finally, electrostatic misting sprayers will be used sanitize our schools every evening (Cello UV Disinfection Carts (2) 300W from Donnelly Energy).

Transportation is a challenge for a variety of reasons. All students who ride a bus will be required to wear a face covering/mask from the time they are at the bus stop through the duration of their ride to and from school. Please consider whether or not your child will ride a bus to and from school, or if you will secure alternate transportation. We will develop a policy and communicate it to you by August 10, regarding health screenings for students on a daily basis. We will require that any child exhibiting symptoms of illness remain home from school. Those children may tap into the livestream of the classroom if they are well enough to do so.

It is also possible that our proposed return to learn plan might not be feasible if the health conditions in our community change between now and the end of August. If, based upon community health and directives from the State of New Jersey, All plans will depend upon input, guidance, and direction from the New Jersey and The Archdiocese of Newark.

 WHAT FAMILIES CAN DO NOW

 1. Please begin working on mask or face covering “endurance” with your children by getting reusable/washable face coverings that your child is comfortable wearing and gradually building up the amount of time they can tolerate wearing them. Face shields may be appropriate for those students who have a medical condition or disability that will not allow them to wear a mask. Families should begin identifying the most comfortable face mask options for their children and practice wearing masks so your children get used to them. Please choose a mask that is school appropriate.

 2. Next, please ensure that you have a working thermometer in your home, to take your child’s temperature. We will communicate additional information in the coming weeks about health and hygiene practices, but these small steps now will help in the fall, regardless of the type of plan we implement.

 3. Please make sure your child has a backpack in which to carry belongings to and from school every day. Students will not be sharing any items such as pencils, art supplies and tissues this year.

4. Consider substitute teaching at our school!

I know that this is a lot to digest. I also understand it can be frustrating that our plans are subject to change. This letter is not meant to be comprehensive – I know this is not all of the information you need, but it is a start. Our full plan will address many other issues and considerations with respect to school routines, instruction and assessment, curricular resources, technology support, health and hygiene practices, and more. I will deliver additional information to you by August 8 but believe it is important to provide you with a sense of our direction now. I thank you for your continued flexibility and cooperation as we move forward. I hope that you stay well and try to enjoy the rest of the summer.

One final update with reference to out-of-state travel:

As of Thursday, July 30th, there are currently 36 states that meet the criteria where one must self-quarantine after visiting, 14-days prior to the opening of school. Please be aware of the ever-changing list and plan accordingly.

Best,

Mrs. Underwood

Read more ...

Parents,

Please see the letter below regarding the re-opening of schools in the Archdiocese of Newark.

Principal Tina Underwood
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Dear Families, Friends, and Supporters:

Please read and click through to our Voter Voice system to put your message in front of Congress! Voter Voice - NJ Catholic Conference

THE ISSUE: Congress is debating the next round of Stimulus Funding. Families who attend Catholic Schools are struggling to pay tuition and schools are scrambling to meet additional expenses of COVID-19. Catholic school communities have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Private schools, including Catholic Schools serve 10% of all K-12 students in the United States.

THE ASK: 1. That private school students receive Equity in COVID-19 relief services offered to public schools; 2. Tuition assistance for struggling families; and 3. Tax deductions or credits for families' education expenses to help in the struggle to pay for school tuition now.

THE ACTION: Please click through to this link: Voter Voice - NJ Catholic Conference to follow the prompts on NJ Catholic Conference's Voter Voice. In just a few clicks, you can ask Congress to help our Catholic School Families stay in their Catholic schools. Please use Voter Voice by 7/24/20 so your voice has the greatest impact!

THE RATIONALE: Catholic schools save taxpayers millions of dollars. COVID-19 has gravely impacted finances of families and schools alike. Keeping 10% of all K-12 students in private schools helps families choose the education that works best for their children while saving significant money and strain of overcrowding for public schools.

PLEASE CLICK HERE NOW: Voter Voice - NJ Catholic Conference

Thank you for answering the call to support our students by advocating for them!

Dear Parents,

The guidance for returning to in-person schooling includes recommendations about physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection, hand-washing, and using outdoor spaces whenever possible.

I wanted to share with you the source of our guidance in re-opening schools safely and securely.

The name of the publication is The Road Back and I would like to share this publication with you at this time.

I will be sending out a detailed informational letter to you on Thursday and look forward to seeing and hearing everyone soon!

Mrs. Underwood
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Dear Parents,

If your summer plans include travel out of the state of New Jersey, please adhere to the self-quarantine directive below:

Please remember, it is imperative that you refrain from traveling two weeks prior to the opening of school.

Under the 14-day quarantine travel advisory announced by the Governors of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, individuals traveling to or returning to New Jersey from states with increasing rates of COVID-19 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. This includes travel by train, bus, car, plane and any other method of transportation.

The 14-day quarantine travel advisory applies to travel from certain states identified as those that have a positive COVID-19 test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or have a 10% or higher positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average ("impacted states.")

As of Tuesday, June 30, there are currently sixteen states that meet the criteria stated above:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Nevada
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah

Travelers and those residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at their home, or a hotel or other temporary lodging. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care/treatment or to obtain food and other essential items. As one example, no one who has traveled to or from a state on the COVID-19 hotspot list should be participating in or attending an in-person or drive-in graduation ceremony.

The self-quarantine is voluntary, but compliance is expected. Travelers and residents returning from impacted states typically will not need to check-in with public health officials, unless they are otherwise involved in contact tracing efforts or required to do so by their employer or any other federal, state or local law or order. It is expected that individuals will follow the recommendation to self-quarantine.

The travel advisory does not apply to any individual passing through designated states for a limited duration through the course of travel. Examples of such brief passage include but are not limited to: stopping at rest stops for vehicles, buses, and/or trains; or layovers for air travel, bus travel, or train travel.

Travelers arriving from areas with increasing COVID-19 cases may wish to postpone their travel to the region if they are unwilling or unable to follow the self-quarantine advisory.

We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.

Stay well,

Tina Underwood
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Dear Parents,

We believe your contribution is crucial to the success of re-opening SRLA. Please fill out the survey linked below to help us plan for our re-opening in the fall.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KJJDR2C

To show our appreciation to survey participants, eligible respondents completing the questionnaire by Friday, 7/17 will be entered into a drawing to win a $50.00 Flynn and O’Hara gift card.

Thank you in advance for your time and willingness to share your views on our re-opening.

The Re-opening Committee.

Dear Parents,

Just a quick note!

The Governor's news conference, which just ended a few minutes ago, left me with great hopes for September!

With the right plan in place, St. Rose will open safely, with in-person instruction that work best for our great school. Certain modifications will be needed of course and solutions that will be taylor-made for SRLA. In addition to the Four Principles the Governor mentioned, items such as: 

• Proper social distancing for our students, including outside instruction and dining options
• Limits on class size
• Hybrid learning options
• Remote Learning en
• All Faculty and visitors to wear face coverings
• Students to be encouraged to wear face coverings

Every school is encouraged to open with their own set of Best Practices. These Best Practices will include health and safety standards which may look very different for each and every school.

Our plan will be built upon the necessary means taken to ensure that our students' safety is paramount in our decisions.

I have already applied for and was approved for the CARES Act funding and secured Ultra-Violet and Fogging cleaning services as directed by the CDC. Johnny and Staff have been trained and every inch of our building will be maintained to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve for your family.

I will be forming a Re-Start Committee and ask that you reach out to me on Monday if you would be interested in serving.

The time-table is to have a solid re-opening plan in place at least one-month before school opens on September 8th so that everyone has ample time to plan accordingly.

In September, an additional Pandemic Response Team will be formed and I will again ask for volunteers.

I plan to video chat with you on Thursday and promise to keep you updated should anything change!

Stay well,

Mrs. Underwood

Parents,

A new feature has been added which allows you to view Report cards online in PowerSchool.

To view the report cards, follow the steps below.

1. Log in to PowerSchool.

2. You will see the opening screen with student information.

4. Click on Report Card and the report card will appear.

5. At the top right of the screen, click on the “Print” icon if you would like to print the report card.

Please note the following report card changes have been made for Trimester 3 due to our transition to distance learning:

- There are no Personal Development grades for T3

- There are no Trimester 3 grades for music and technology. The Year End grades are based on an average of the first two trimesters.

- There are trimester 3 grades for World Language, Art and Phys Ed.

* Note – If you can not get into PowerSchool, the report can be emailed

Please contact Mr. Miller – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Principal Tina Underwood

Dear Families,

Please see the Mask Fundraiser info below.

Click the link to order!

St. Rose of Lima Masks

Thank you,

Principal Tina Underwood

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow is the Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time, June 21, 2020. Please view the Mass on HTTV Comcast Channel 36 or Verizon Channel 33 on Sunday at 7 AM and 9 AM.  

You can also watch the Mass anytime via the YouTube video here: 

 https://youtu.be/rUOJ9Z0vhd8

NOTE: Many people have complained for the past two weeks that there is no sound on Comcast Channel 36. If that happens tomorrow morning, you are advised to contact Comcast immediately as it is happening and report the problem. You will need to have your account number in order for Comcast to troubleshoot the problem. 

This is not a result of our videotaping or an HTTV issue. 

Please read this weekend’s Bulletin:

 http://www.stroseshorthills.org/images/bulletins/bulletin062120.pdf

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: 

Here is the link to tomorrow’s activities that can also be found on the SRL website:

 http://www.stroseshorthills.org/images/worship/CLOWActivityWorksheetsOT12.pdf

St. Rose is open for personal prayer from 11 AM to 1 PM every Sunday. Masks must be worn by all individuals while in the church. Individuals and families must maintain social distancing (six feet) between each person while in the church. 

NOTE: Special Mask Fundraiser - Buy One Give One: Click below for more details.

 http://stroseshorthills.org/index.php/important-news/99-st-rose-buy-one-give-one-fundraiser-details

Weekday Masses for June 22nd-27th will air on HTTV Comcast 36 and Verizon 33 at 7:30 AM Monday through Saturday. 

 Here is playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGALmzi6dr5IYpOFVmeR_G5-2ItOxJwo7

Parents,

Please view the enclosed YouTube video for the latest update on our re-opening preparation for both the Church and Academy.

https://youtu.be/U7jE8SMk8Ac

Stay well,
Principal Tina Underwood
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Hello Parents,

Did you order your prepackaged school supply kit? Don't get stuck going to retail. This is the last chance to order, so don’t delay and order your kit today! Late orders will NOT be accepted! Please remember to order for the grade your child will be in next year. Kits include the exact colors, quantities, and brands your teachers have approved for class. The kits will be delivered to the classroom by the first day of school.

Why order a kit?

 - Everything you need in one easy box

 - Save the hassle of driving from store to store

 - Skip long lines

 - Your child will be prepared for the first day

Simply place your order by this Sunday: 6/21/2020

Order online at: www.shopttkits.com

Enter our school’s account number: 28992

Questions?

Contact:

Please note that if you did not order a yearbook, we do not have any extras copies to sell.

Thank you,

Principal Tina Underwood
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Parents,

Please return your students books in a a brown paper bag with the name and grade of the student written on the bag.

The small entrance part of the lobby is open every weekday from 9 am - 3pm for drop off.

Thank you,

Principal Tina Underwood

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Parents,

It is paramount that our families have an opportunity to share their voice in the school re-opening process. Therefore, we encourage our families to participate in completing this survey. Please see the parent letter below with survey information.

Below you will find links to the English and Spanish versions of the survey.

The deadline for completing the survey is Monday, June 8th.

English:

https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/V8HZ2MQ

Spanish:

https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/7VM29CM

Principal Tina Underwood

Thank you so much SRLA families for coming out in droves to celebrate our 8th grade.

It meant so much to the students and their parents to receive such support.

Thank you to the kids who made awesome signs!! We loved them all!

And finally thank you to all the teachers who came! 

It was great to see everyone!! 

Dear SRLA Families,

With God’s Grace I can face each day with His peace and strength, Amen.

I am writing to you with overwhelming waves of sorrow and sadness following the death of George Floyd. Life itself, especially during these last 80 days, has challenged everyone. It is through challenges that we grow stronger and persevere.

I ask that you engage, as a family, to have those tough conversations about racial inequality, right and wrong actions and ideas about injustice. We need to be creative and work together to remove obstacles that only flame systematic inequalities.

As a school community, we are here for each other at a time when we need each other. Together, we need to reach out to our family, friends and neighbors and let them know that we are in this together. Only by showing others compassion, love, empathy and humanity that we hold dear for ourselves can everyone heal together.

This will not be easy. We must work with every last ounce of energy we have to support our own families, friends and communities. Everyone at SRLA supports peace, love and understanding. I want our students, staff and families to know that we care, your life matters to me, never feel alone.

Suggestions:

Poetry: “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou

Participate: Millburn Rally For Black Lives: Sunday, June 7^th 2020. Meet at Millburn High School at 12:00 noon. The Peaceful March will begin at 1:00 pm and march down Millburn Ave. At 3:00 pm, a vigil will be held in Taylor Park.

Books: Anti-Racism For Kids 101: Starting To Talk About Race-Books For Littles (Free and accessible for all readers)

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman

Lovely by Jess Hong

We’re Different: We’re The Same by Sesame Street

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

We Are America by Walter Dean Myers (one of my favorite YA authors)

            “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

            --Martin Luther King Jr.

Sincerely,

Tina Underwood