Dear St. Patrick families,

Last night’s parent broadcast indicated that it is our expectation that we will be in school, with face to face instruction, five days a week. This falls in line with the Diocese of Youngstown’s policy regarding the start of this school year.

I appreciate all of the positive comments regarding our start this year and I am sensitive to those families that have concerns. There have been many questions that have been posed regarding the start. Many of the questions being asked are the same issues we are dealing with in our twice weekly staff meetings with the teachers. Unfortunately, I cannot answer everyone’s questions at this point since these are part of our discussion and how we will prepare for the start.

I can tell you we will be increasing our daily cleaning routines, both during the day and after school. We are working on how we will social distance the students in our classes. We are working on schedules and routines for the students that will be published when complete. We will also be preparing how we will be addressing remote learning if we should be forced into this situation again. At this point in time, all students will wear masks. I may revisit this policy for our kindergarten through 2^nd grade, but all students  grades 3 to 8 will wear masks. Masks should be plain, colored, or with an abstract pattern only. If masks with a St. Patrick logo is produced, that will also be permitted.

I am also considering moving back the beginning of school. That may happen to facilitate the completion of the construction in the school. It will also give us more time to be prepared.

I ask for your patience and understanding as we prepare for the new school year and make available our plan for what will take place. I am confident that we can make this work and have a safe and clean environment for all of our students to learn in.

Enjoy the rest of your summer. I will keep you updated as we move forward. And, as always ….. GO PANTHERS!