If you are looking for some fun activities to keep busy during this final month of Summer vacation, we wanted to remind families that many local museums and attractions are offering free tickets for children and an accompanying adult.  The website with all the details can be found HERE (Tickets may be limited. Be sure to visit the museum’s website to secure your tickets in advance as certain days may sell out).  Happy exploring!!

Dear Families,

The Saint James School administration is working diligently to prepare our school for the 2021-2022 school year.  Our Return to In-Person Instruction Committee met last week to review recent guidance from the State Department of Education, State Department of Public Health, and the Archdiocese of Hartford.

In reviewing the preliminary information from these sources, it does appear that many of the protocols put in place this past year (2020-2021 school year) will continue to be with us in the fall.  Of notable exception is that we will NOT be offering a remote learning option as the new year kicks off. Instead we will require all students be back in the school building. Some of the procedures that will remain in place are as follows:

* Four separate entrances for grade K-8 students to enter the building depending on their classroom location (details will be forthcoming later in the summer but they will remain the same as last year).  There will be separate entrances for Pre-Kindergarten cohorts as well.

* K-8 students will report directly to their classroom upon arrival (7:30am – 7:50am) if they are not using before-school care.

* Using updated spacing guidance, desks will be spaced throughout the classroom area to maintain at least a 3-foot distance between students.

* Frequent handwashing and sanitizing are key to preventing the spread of Covid as well as other viruses and illnesses. Students will continue to frequently sanitize and wash their hands while at school.

* Ventilation protocol will be followed along with utilizing the customized filtration systems installed last year in each classroom.

* A rotating schedule is being established to allow each full grade (grades 1 through 8) to eat lunch in the cafeteria together at the same time. To allow appropriate distancing and ensure all students eat at a reasonable time, alternate grades will have their lunch in the classroom during that same time. Hot lunch will still be available to students in grades 1 through 8 when they are scheduled to eat in their classroom.

* Saint James School’s maintenance staff and cleaning contractors will thoroughly clean and disinfect all high traffic areas of the school – including bathrooms and stairwell banisters – at least twice a day. Classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned each day after dismissal.

* Afternoon dismissal for K-8 students being picked up at 2:05pm will continue to be held outside in the main school parking lot.  Pre-Kindergarten students will be dismissed from their assigned entryway.

* Extended day students will be placed in assigned cohorts based on their grade.

 

We still do not have clear guidance on mask protocol.  As was the case this past year, our priority will continue to be the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff along with keeping our students moving forward academically, socially, and spiritually inside our school building.

Thank you again for your continued commitment to the Saint James School community and entrusting us with the education of your children as we navigate and meet the challenges of the 2021-2022 school year together.

God’s Blessings,

Bridget Zorger
Principal

Dear Friends of St James School,

The Saint James School Foundation Golf Committee is looking forward to its 27th St. James School Foundation Golf Event.  The Tournament will be held on Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 at the Manchester Country Club with an 11:30 am registration/lunch, then Shotgun start at 12:30 pm (scramble format). The Dinner and Live Auction program will be held outside like last year under the beautiful new Seasonal Tent adjacent to the Clubhouse.

For this year’s event you can register your Foursome/Sponsorship online at https://saint-james-school-foundation.square.site/ or by regular US Mail.  The Foundations’ Golf Brochure can be found HERE.

All the best,

Bill Creamer
SJSF President

This policy is subject to change at any time.

Updated: 4/6/22

Families should call the SJS Nurse – Mrs. Vignati (860.643.5088, option 3) and provide any dates of absence PRIOR to travel.  Please also inform your child’s homeroom teacher of the dates of absence for travel too.

For international travel (outside of the US and any US territories), please review the travel policy listed below and call Mrs. Vignati to discuss your travel plan and school  protocol.

Short term domestic trips only do not need notification to the school unless there is an absence occurring.

*Please note:  NO remote learning will be provided during travel or a quarantine period that is due to travel.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL (Updated 11/16/21)
If traveling outside of Connecticut, but still within the United States/ US territories,  students no longer need to quarantine or provide a negative Covid test prior to returning to school. As always, please continue to monitor your child for any signs of illness and/or Covid like symptoms.  Do not send them to school if they are feeling ill and always contact your Primary Care Provider if no improvement for further advice.

 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL (Updated 4/6/22)
All travelers are required to meet the international travel requirements per the CDC guidelines.

After you return home, students and staff must meet the following criteria prior to returning to school:

Unvaccinated (or partially vaccinated) Individuals
*Get tested with a Rapid or PCR test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 5 days after travel (even if your test results at day 3-5 were negative).

A negative test result must be provided via email (jvignati@mpspride.org) or faxed to the school nurse before returning. If your test result is positive, immediately isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected and immediately contact  the school and also your primary care provider.

Self-monitor for any illness and/or Covid-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if symptoms of illness develop.

Fully Vaccinated Individuals (Students and Staff)
Staff and students who are fully vaccinated AND also not showing any signs of illness and/or Covid-like symptoms do NOT need to quarantine before returning to school, but should closely self-monitor for any illness and/or Covid-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if symptoms of illness develop.  A copy of your child’s vaccine card must be on file with the nurse.

* Although a quarantine is not required for fully-vaccinated individuals, a Rapid or PCR must still be obtained 3-5 days after travel.  Please provide test results to the school nurse.

*If your test result is positive, immediately  isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected and immediately contact the school and also your primary care provider.