SJN Prepares for the Fall; Later Start to the School Year

We are certainly living in uncertain times, aren’t we? At this point no one really knows what the fall is going to bring. We all want to return to normal as soon as possible, but we also want to ensure the health and safety of our children above all else, so what does that mean for the next school year?

I wish I had solid answers for you, but right now, no one does. I can tell you what SJN is doing to prepare for the Fall. SJN will be deep cleaning our entire facility over the summer break, top to bottom, side to side. Classrooms are being examined and planned for proper distancing, policies are being reviewed to ensure that everything that can be done to ensure the health and safety of students and staff is being done.

If distance learning is required, SJN is ready to proceed using a model that is a close to a normal school experience as possible. Live classes will be taught. Work will be assigned and assessed on a normal schedule. Tests and assessments will be given as appropriate. Help and tutoring with be provided, and students will not be in a “holding pattern,” they will be actively advancing their studies.

If a blended model of part-time attendance is required, SJN is ready for that as well. Our class sizes are kept small enough that if this is required of schools by the State, SJN may not need to do it. SJN may be able to open much closer to normal than other schools BEACAUSE of our small class sizes.

SJN will open as close to normal as possible, while still maintaining the highest standards and practices for the health and safety of students and staff. One of the things we have done to increase this is our schedule. This year, SJN will be opening for the first day of classes not in the middle of August, but on September 9th. This will give SJN staff additional time to ensure that every single thing has been taken are of to ensure cleanliness and safety. It will also give additional time for the public health situation to further calm down, and for staff to receive more training in safe procedures and practices. SJN believes that this later opening gives us the best chance of beginning the year as normally as possible, and as safely as possible. If there is an increase in Covid-19 cases at the beginning of the regular school year, SJN will know about it time to prevent spread through the school and shift into alternative learning methods before students are placed at potential risk.

SJN will be following all state-mandated recommendations. If the state requires masks, SJN of course will as well. If the state does not require masks, SJN will still permit them for students who wish to wear them. SJN is committed to not only the educational accomplishments of our students, but to their health and safety as well.

If you would like more information about how St. John Nottingham is preparing for the 2020-2021 school year, or would like to chat with the Principal about enrollment, please call the SJN Office at (216)531-8204, or email us at schooloffice@stjohnnottingham.org.

Have a wonderful summer!