St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School

Dear 5th to 8th Grade Parents:

As we gear up for the 1:1 Chromebook program for your incoming student, there are a few things parents and students need to take care of before the start of the school year. Please read carefully below for instructions and important information. Thank you for supporting your child as they start this program.

STEP 1
Normally, we would be holding several parent informational meetings to go over the program. Because of our current circumstances, I am providing a short video presentation (less than 5 minutes) instead. Please watch the video below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xBBZWBlAo94Hu2xecDgRMmd6TX-SqBcU/view

STEP 2
Parents and students, please read and familiarize yourself with the Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy and the Chromebook Overview and FAQ documents below.

Chromebook AUP
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wu-nqqgyNqDNkHMnNzlNJYVkIpc6aj46uoL3SpaV4K4/edit?usp=sharing

Chromebook Overview and FAQ’s for Parents
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fItjFpZuIF5ET12bYMqcQdh6vBZYrP-Hg1hcNOclJRQ/edit?usp=sharing

STEP 3
Parents and students, please read and acknowledge the Chromebook 1:1 Agreement Form.

Chromebook 1:1 Agreement Form
https://forms.gle/yJDUdXJFmnmJ2QHZ6

PLEASE NOTE:

• Only one form submission is required that will cover both parent and student. 
• Students will not be able to receive their Chromebooks unless this electronic signature form has been completed.

Thank you for taking the time to review the information and e-sign the acknowledgement form. 

JULY 21, 2020
SPS COVID-19 School Continuity Plan approved by School Advisory Council (7.20.20). Follow link below: 
https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/11346/documents/2020/7/COVID-19%20School%20Continuity%20Plan%20SPS%20rev%207%2019%2020.pdf

JULY 15, 2020
Hello Pioneers!  We understand the worry and concern of all in regarding the St. Philip plan to return to school.  As addressed in an email sent on June 24 about our plans in progress, please know that we have been hard at work all summer in many different areas and we are on track to begin school, as planned, on August 11! 

As you see in the news, directives change daily, so we aim to present the most up-to-date information.  The School Advisory Council meets on Monday, July 20 to finalize and approve the Covid-19 School Continuity Plan which specifically addresses topics such as daily screenings, wearing of masks, social distancing, sanitation guidelines, attendance, extended absence plans, food service, co-curricular activities, athletics, drop off/pick up procedures and so much more. This document will then be made available to you on our website.

NEW Technology this year:
-SPS is now a Google School!
-Each student in grades 5-8 will receive a Chromebook device.  These devices are the property of SPS but students will be able to take them home each night. More details to follow!
-Our computer lab, desktop student centers and computer carts are available to grades K-8.  Our Pre-K and Kindergarten students will enjoy iPads in the student centers of the classrooms.
 
All teachers have been training this summer on many platforms to enhance the learning experiences of your children. Some of these new tools are:
-Google Classroom – a dynamic tool to streamline the sharing of files, assignments, websites, etc between students and teachers. Teachers and students can communicate easily.  Parents will be invited to receive either daily or weekly updates for the Google Classrooms. All assignment due dates automatically appear on the student’s calendar. More information to come!
-Google Meet (instead of Zoom)
-Screencastify is a platform  that enables teachers to video record their desktop, websites, and/or themselves to communicate lessons.
 
But wait, there’s more!
-Go Guardian is a  content filtering program for extra online protection during at home use of the Chromebooks.
-Class Link is a SSO (single sign on) app that lists all of the websites utilized by the school on one page along with user names and passwords with just a click.
No more remembering multiple user names and passwords!
 
These are just a few of our new and exciting additions!
We are anxious to see and teach your children soon!
We miss our SPS families!

JUNE 24, 2020
As the new school year quickly approaches, we know you have questions.  We thank you in advance for taking a moment to provide a little input as we iron out all the details.  We are striving to meet the needs of all.  Our goal is to open and stay opened!
Here is what we do know:

-We are "all systems go" for a full face-to-face school year.  The approved calendar is available at https://www.stphilipschool.org/yearly-calendar

-The greatest advantage of our school is that our classroom size already accommodates current occupancy guidelines!

-We will begin the school year with a hybrid platform, meaning a student is able to switch to home-bound learning easily if, for example, they or a family member become ill or have to quarantine.  If we face another state mandated closure, we are prepared.

-We do have a school continuity committee working to make sure all health and safety codes are in place. 

-Our technology is strong!  All junior high students will be issued a Chromebook this year to be used daily but also to take home if distance learning becomes an issue again. 

-We are now a Google school, this is a one-step tool - no more searching for emails!

-We are doing everything in our scope to make sure learning does not stop. 

-We employ highly qualified, talented teachers and staff who go above and beyond for every student.

The new year will bring many challenges, but we are working hard to make sure all needs are met!

Please complete our short, 3 question survey here: https://forms.gle/iyTBEc9y44arGx4j9

APRIL 17, 2020
 Effective today with Governor Abbott's NEW Executive Orders, Catholic schools will REMAIN CLOSED for remainder of the school year!  

**SPS will continue to provide quality education via at-home and distance learning formats for the rest of the school year. 

Please continue to be prayerful and careful to protect yourself and others, and we will survive this pandemic.

God is still in control!

Very sincerely in Christ,

Dr. John Quary

Superintendent of Schools

EXTENDED CLOSURE BEYOND APRIL 6, 2020
With our national and state leaders extending the federal social distancing guidelines to April 30, St. Philip Catholic School will remain closed until return to school is allowed. Please understand that we are committed to returning to normal operations as quickly as possible and the return date will be announced no less than one week in advance.

EXTENDED CLOSURE MARCH 23-APRIL 6, 2020
Following our community partnership ECISD, SPS will not return to school until APRIL 6, 2020.

Distance learning that we have implemented will continue.  We remain dedicated to the education and well-being of your child(ren).  Rest assured, we here at St. Philip School, remain available to assist you and your child(ren) as we journey through the next days ahead together.  We ask you to be diligent about checking email for assignments. Any questions should be directed to the teacher.  Teachers and office staff will be available daily to answer any questions via phone or email.  

We have complied a list of helpful tips to aid with Distance Learning from your home.  Since your child is coming from a structured school setting, we recommend setting a schedule and a structure for both your child and yourself.
1.    Hold a family meeting - Talk to your children about this 'new normal,' and communicate with them that while they may be at home, there are still assignments that need to be completed in a timely manner. Set rules about technology/unnecessary screen-time during 'school time.'

2.    Create a daily schedule - Make a daily routine and stick to it.  This helps with the mindset of your child(ren).
    -Have your child(ren) get dressed.  Most will not take their work seriously if they are wearing pajamas. Think of it as a FREE DRESS DAY - WooHoo!
    -As always, eat a good breakfast.

3.    Learning Environment - Let the children choose/create a learning space (kitchen table, on their bed, on the living room floor, etc).  You may also find that a rotation of learning environments (centers) for different subjects will help.  A rotation is something all SPS students are familiar with in the classroom settings.

4.    Motivation - Some students are self-motivated while others may need some incentives.  Praise their efforts and encourage your child to finish an assignment/task with the reward of a snack or play-time.

5.    Take Breaks - Just as we do in class and throughout the day, schedule breaks and downtime through the day.  Trust me, when you are struggling through an assignment, a quick 15-minute break can do WONDERS for your child.

6.    Give the Kids Choosing Power - At the end of the day it will not matter if the Math was finished before the English assignment.  Let your child decide which subject they would like to begin with. OR! Even better, grab a piece of notebook paper and simply write out the assignments for the day.  Let them work through the list in whatever order they would like.  Providing this check-off list as they go will also help motivate them. 

7.    Give GRACE - We have all been thrown into a situation that is unfamiliar and somewhat scary.  Many routine activities are now disrupted and that is going to be an emotional process for everyone.  Children may be disappointed, as well as parents, both wanting their normal routine.  Your 'school day' will not be perfect and that is OK!  Give each other grace knowing that you and your child(ren) are both adjusting to something new.


WEEK OF MARCH 16-20
Parents,
Re:  School Closure Assignments

Today, our staff met to implement the best possible plan for each student during this school closure.  This week will be more of a test week as we anticipate some problems with technology.  Teachers are working hard and I am proud of the team effort!  

Please be diligent on checking your email.  This week we are concentrating on Math and ELA.  To keep student routines and structure, we have decided to offer a few more options for student learning.  It is our hope that by keeping routines similar to a school situation, students and parents will have an easier time with the completion of work. 

With the uncertainty of the future, we want to make sure we keep parent outings to a minimum. TOMORROW ONLY (March 17, 2020), we have textbook and additional assignments available for pick up from the parish hall between 7:30am-1:30pm and 5:30-6:30pm.   Teachers are including notes that will clarify individual grade level work and expectations.  We have tables set up by grade level and parents can come in and retrieve items.   To keep everyone safe, we are asking for quick entry and exit from the Depot Street entrance to the parish hall.   The doors will be open and we will have teachers available to help answer any questions.  Everything is clearly marked.  Throughout the week, other coursework may be sent via email.  

Some of the online programs used will be Prodigy, Mathletics, HMCO, Spelling City, Compass/Edgenuity.  Pertinent information will be included in the above packets (or via email) regarding all login procedures for students.   

Textbooks are being sent home in case we are out longer than anticipated.  Some textbooks are available on line, but we are sending the book as well as for those students needing the resource.  Teachers are sending students their library books and other items that might be useful during this period.  We understand that the Wharton County Library is open, but they are evaluating daily.  

If you cannot make it by the school, please email gwene@stphilipschool.org

We are working on finalizing our third Nine Week report card and Report Cards will be posted on ParentPlus Portal next Wednesday.  

We are cancelling Parent/Teacher Conferences scheduled for March 24.   If we are open, we want your children in the classroom!   If closed, we will continue with our current strategy of learning at home.   We can meet with parents as needed anytime by phone.  

SPS track meet has been cancelled.
All March field trips cancelled until further notice.
 
Gwen Edwards, Principal

302 W. Church Street
El Campo TX  77437

Phone:  979-543-2901
Fax:      979-578-8835



 

St. Philip Catholic School is a private co-educational Pre K, Elementary, and Junior High school sponsored by St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in the Diocese of Victoria.The school offers a three-year-old and four-year-old pre-kindergarten program and a Kindergarten through eighth grade program.  St. Philip is committed to the promotion of academic excellence, individual responsibility, and spiritual awareness.

St. Philip Catholic School endorses the call of the Catholic Bishops of the United States to express its educational ministry through the three objectives of personal spirituality, social justice, and a strong academic program in accord with Christian values. These three objectives reflect the intense commitment of all engaged in the work of St. Philip Catholic School.

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