Dear Parents,
On September 24, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, or as we lovingly call it, Mercy Day! We remember Catherine Mcauley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy and the first House of Mercy in Ireland, to help those in need in her community. At St. Peter’s, we remember and celebrate the Sisters of Mercy who founded our school and continue to care for and support our students to this day. We are grateful for their love and support!
The sisters of Mercy our living examples to us for living out the mission of Mercy. MERCY means to show love and compassion towards others; to forgive others and to be grateful to be forgiven by others; to show charity and generosity, especially to those in need; to have the courage to stand up for what’s right, especially for others who are afraid to stand up for themselves; to have faith in God. MERCY means having an open heart and open mind!
Let’s remember to be thankful for all the good works of the Sisters of Mercy, and try our best to live out the mission of Mercy ourselves, not only at St. Peter’s School, but everywhere!
--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez
REMOTE STAR TESTING
This week, we will conclude our first round of remote Renaissance STAR assessments. Please know that the purpose of these assessments in Reading and Math is to help teachers know how they can best help students. It will not be part of the students’ grade, yet it will help teachers determine areas where students may need extra help or where students need to be further challenged. Remote STAR testing was new for us all, so thank you for your cooperation as we went through this process for the first time!
SCHOOL REOPENING UPDATE
It has now been determined that our school will continue Distance Learning until late-October. In San Francisco county, the process to reopen for in-person instruction is a lengthy one, which includes meetings, reviews, and at least one on-site school visit from the San Francisco Department of Public Health. With various schools in line to complete this entire process, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact date for reopening our school building.
By late October, we hope to begin with in-person instruction for those who choose that option for their children, as long as we are cleared to do so, with the safety of students, faculty, and staff as a priority. Then, we will begin with a staggered start--this means that we will first open for our students in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades; then followed by adding the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades the following week; and finally the middle school students will join the following week. Please know that due to the changing COVID-19 situation, our plans may change, so please watch for updates on Class Dojo and school email messages.
To review the school’s Infection Mitigation Plan which is a necessary document to be prepared for reopening the school building, you may find it on the school website at http://www.stpeterssf.org/parents-students
DISTANCE LEARNING SUPPLIES PICK-UP
Since distance learning for all students is going longer than expected (and because our math books arrived late due to a delay in shipment), we are having another supply pick up this week. Supplies will be distributed on Florida Street, outside of our front office doors. Please come at your scheduled time. (If your child is currently enrolled with BVCC, your child will receive his/her supplies at school during the program.) If you are unable to come at your scheduled time, contact your child’s teacher so alternate arrangements can be made.
Thank you to all those families who have already picked up their supplies. Below is the remaining schedule for Wednesday:
Wednesday, September 23
- Last names K - N …. 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Last names O - R …. 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- Last names S - Z … 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
*During pick-ups, teachers will continue to follow each class’s regular Zoom and Distance Learning schedule, and students will continue to have assignments.
ZOOM LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
- Remember the Zoom expectationsfor students. For a complete list, refer to the Parent & Student Handbook, which was distributed with learning materials, or see the Distance Learning Plan on the school website: http://www.stpeterssf.org/parents-students
Conduct yourself according to the "Student Discipline Contract" in the St. Peter’s Parent-Student Handbook.
Do not enter Zoom sessions you haven’t been invited to join.
Dress in appropriate St. Peter’s School free dress attire.
Student microphones may be disabled to help the teacher retain attention during the lesson.
Video should be enabled to show your presence.
Do not eat or play with other items or devices during Zoom sessions.
Have the necessary supplies ready for class, and maintain a distraction-free learning space.
Zoom sessions may not be recorded without parental consent from all participants.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING
For information about free COVID-19 testing in San Francisco, visit the website (available in both English and Spanish): https://sf.gov/es/find-out-about-your-covid-19-testing-options
The Latino Task Force also has information about free COVID-19 testing, as well as a variety of other helpful resources such as food assistance and employment assistance. Visit their website at
https://www.ltfrespuestalatina.com/
REMINDERS
September 28 12:30 Dismissal – Faculty In-service
