DEAR SPC FAMILIES,
Four days remaining, and we are back to school! I am excited to see the students on Tuesday! I want to take the opportunity to thank our teachers for all their hard work these past two weeks in making sure that our children’s learning continues.
TRAVEL: FROM THE OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS--BRAND NEW INFORMATION AS OF 3:15 pm today!
Adjusted Quarantine Period for Travel
After consultation with state and local health departments and our own medical advisors, we are adjusting the quarantine periods for travel. The following guidelines are in immediate effect for all schools (no matter their location):
- Quarantine periods for all domestic travel (travel out of Illinois) is now ten (10) days.
- Quarantine periods may be shortened to seven (7) days if individuals present a written negative COVID-19 test result. The test must be administered no longer than 72 hours before arrival back in the state. Only written results are accepted (a verbal confirmation does not suffice).
- This guidance can be applied retroactively to any out-of-state travel that occurred in early January. This may enable certain families to return to in-person learning who were unable to return to Illinois by January 4th.
- This guidance does supersede the information released in the recent Parent Newsletter. We are doing our best to remain on top of frequently changing guidance from health authorities.
- Quarantines for international travel remain 14 days.
- Quarantines for COVID-19 exposure cases also remain 14 days (based upon the recommendation of all departments of public health in those jurisdictions in which the archdiocese operates and our own medical advisors).
SPRING BREAK
I know we are just finishing up the long Christmas vacation/remote learning stretch, but we do need to start looking ahead to Spring Break and travel plans. In order for me to work with the Office of Catholic Schools to make the best decision for our school community, please complete this survey by 1/22/2021. We are in the early stages of looking into Spring Break, and no decisions have been made. I value the data you provide in aiding this decision. Please click here for a very brief survey.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CHILDREN
Many children received a gift of a phone or a new iPad for Christmas, and as exciting as that can be, I want to include some resources on the responsible use of social media. I cannot stress this enough; middle school children should not have social media. I am keenly aware of the ongoing battle of social media with our children and the pleading of “but everyone else in my class has it” comments. Please consider the points in this article:
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/why-social-media-is-not-smart-for-middle-school-kids/
https://www.protectyoungminds.org/2018/01/18/social-media-not-smart-middle-school-kids/
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok
https://www.goodschools.com.au/insights/parental-advice/parents-guide-to-social-media-in-2020
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/social-media
COVID DASHBOARD
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal
The yearbook committee has started working hard on this year's yearbook. We are looking for photos from the first day of school. Please feel free to add any photos to this shared folder. We will be asking for other photos throughout the school year to add to the yearbook.
First Day of School Photos for Yearbook
FROM THE PARISH
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. Britto's weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
FROM THE COMMUNITY
Future Lion Newsletter St. Viator High School - January