News

Dear Parents and Friends of St. Paul’s,

Schools, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases and protecting vulnerable students and staff, to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments. These last few days I have been following the CDC’s guidelines for K-12 schools and childcare programs as well as the Diocese, Texas Education Agency  and local health department recommendations.  

Fr. James, the board leadership and I have been communicating as well. Fr.James has been following the leadership of Bishop Doyle. Following instructions from Bishop Doyle and after much consideration and prayer, St. Paul’s Church and School Campus will be closed for the next two weeks (March 15-28). I attached Fr. James’ letter for you to read.

We will extend spring break next week then commence with an e-learning platform March 23rd. The education of your children is important to us and know that it will continue, just not in a traditional sense. Teachers will meet to plan and implement our e-learning platform on Monday. Please look for emails that will communicate how we will carry on the education at St. Paul’s. 

Great care is being taken to ensure our campus is as clean and safe as possible. Our cleaning company will deep clean and disinfect the campus today and again next week. Furthermore, teachers will be instructed to monitor and assist with good hand washing and hygiene practices. They will also be instructed to use the disinfectant spray whenever leaving the classroom.

As a reminder, if you traveled over spring break either domestically or internationally to areas with widespread, ongoing community spread of COVID-19, we ask that you follow CDC guidance to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. Regardless of travel, if you or anyone in your household experience symptoms including fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, please call your doctor or health care provider.  Also practice caution when going into the community and refrain from gathering in large groups.

In the meantime, the most effective way to stay healthy and minimize the spread of infectious disease is to follow basic health best practices such as:

Enforce great hygiene, like washing hands thoroughly with soap and water (sing the happy birthday song twice when washing hands). If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

Cover up coughs/sneezes ( cough/sneeze in your elbow)

If students, faculty or staff are feeling ill, please stay home until you recover. Students should not return to school until they are fever free for 24 hours.

Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get a flu shot.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

For now, avoid large gatherings.

Again, at this time spring break will be extended for one week. E-Learning will commence on March 23rd. Our hope is to be back in school March 30th.

Educating the whole child in mind, body and spirit.