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Do I have an option of learning in a virtual/remote classroom setting?
Yes! Families are given the option of attending school in-person, via virtual learning, or a hybrid of both. Teachers and students will be equipped to learn both in person as well as remotely. We encourage families to attend in-person but we understand the overwhelming concern for public health/safety. For families that opt to learn remotely: proper technology and scheduling will need to be met and active engagement will be required. Distance learning is not an exception to meeting New York State Learning Standards. Teachers and students will work in unison to create an engaging learning environment that will produce positive student development.
With the help of our Remote Learning Coordinator, teachers, students and parents/guardians we will work together on scheduling and instructional opportunities.
What is the Academic Accountability/ Attendance Policy?
Attendance will still follow the strict guidelines as set forth in the Student/Parent Handbook. (You may follow the hyperlink provided, “Attendance” begins on p. 6 and continues on p.16-19) Students are required to be in attendance each day unless due to an excused reason. Parents/guardians should notify the Main Office/Homeroom teacher via phone call or email by 8:30 am at the latest if their child will not be in school that day. Tardiness due to an unexcused reason is highly discouraged at this time. Schedules have been set in place to provide the most safe and secure environment for our students and faculty. It is your responsibility to have your child(ren) prepared to enter the learning environment in a timely manner. This will take responsibility, accountability and teamwork but it is necessary for the success of the policies and protocols put forth this school year.
For students who will be opting for the virtual learning model, a schedule will be coordinated with the expectation that your child(ren) will be in attendance at the time(s) provided. In cases of absence or tardiness, students will be marked accordingly as in adherence with New York State guidelines. Consistent lack of interaction/engagement while on the virtual platform will also be documented and may result in being marked absent.
Chronic tardiness and absenteeism will be treated in accordance with both the New York State requirements and the Student/Parent Handbook. Students who display chronic tardiness and absenteeism will receive a written notification and in cases where patterns continue a conference with School Administration will be necessary.
How will I receive pertinent information?
St. Ambrose School has a school-wide information system (SwiftReach) that allows families to receive information instantly. Any emergency information would come via SwiftReach and a message is sent in three separate forms. SwiftReach has the ability to send information via phone call, text message as well as email. In the case of an emergency families would receive a message through all of the communication mediums provided.
Information pertaining to your child(ren)’s academic, social and emotional performance will come from your child(ren)’s classroom teacher typically in the form of an email unless other arrangements have been made.
St. Ambrose School sends a weekly newsletter that is published at 3:00 pm each Friday or at the conclusion of the academic week.
Please be diligent checking your email as well as providing the most up to date information as this is a fluid and ever-changing situation.
While we will be lacking our traditional daily personal interactions between parent(s) and teacher(s), appointments will be encouraged via virtual platforms. Maintaining a consistent dialogue will be helpful to support our student body and develop their academic, social and emotional well-being.
Will there be Morning Care and/or After Care?
Yes!
Regular School Schedule Drop Off Times:
Kindergarten- Grade 6: 7:45am (North Entrance)
Pre-K-3 & Pre-K-4: 8:15am (Main Entrance)
***For families with students in both Pre-K and K-6, please enter through the Main Entrance and proper accommodations will be met.***
Morning Care will be provided to students in Kindergarten- Grade 6 from 7- 7:30am. They will then be required to sanitize and then will be under the supervision of their classroom teacher within the confines of their classroom until all students arrive and the school day is commenced.
Pre-K-3 and Pre-K-4 Students will be offered Morning Care from 7-8am. They will then be required to sanitize and then will be under the supervision of their classroom teacher within the confines of their cohort location until all students arrive and the school day is commenced.
We encourage families who do not “need” the use of Morning Care to please arrive within the Drop Off times provided. This will help limit the student population and increase the availability to remain socially distant and provide the highest quality of care, supervision and safety to the standard which we hold our Community to.
Regular School Schedule Pick Up/Dismissal Time:
Kindergarten- Grade 6: 2:20pm (North Entrance)
Pre-K-3 & Pre-K-4: 2:50 (Main Entrance)
***For families with students in both Pre-K and K-6, students will be dismissed through the Main Entrance unless other accommodations have been made.***
After Care will be available from 3-:15-5:30 for all students. Staff and students will continue to follow health and safety protocols, including wearing proper PPE and social distancing. We will do our very best to maintain cohorts according to grade level and/or family grouping.
Like Morning Care, we encourage families who do not “need” After Care to pick children up at dismissal time. Due to NYS restrictions, a need to limit capacity in both Morning Care and After Care could develop.
Is my child(ren) required to wear a mask?
Yes! It is in the best interest of the health and public safety of our community to reduce the spread of COVID-19. New York State guidelines and the CDC have required both social distancing and proper PPE to be worn throughout the school day. Students will be socially distanced within the classroom but there will be numerous opportunities for hygiene and “mask” breaks.
How will you monitor faculty, staff and students for COVID-19 symptoms?
Similar to all other workplace environments, all who enter the building will be subject to a temperature check and online symptom survey. This will be conducted on a daily basis with the online survey being completed before arrival of each school day. Faculty/staff will be trained on recognizing symptoms and all medical concerns will be directed to the School Nurse or Mrs. Lily Spera for further monitoring. Adequate thermometers will be in place and readily available to monitor the well-being of the St. Ambrose Community.
At this time, visitors are prohibited unless an appointment has been made with the Main Office or Parish Center. Visitors will not be allowed to enter the academic portion of the building unless it is deemed an emergency. All visitors will be required to complete a health screening and wear proper facial coverings.
What happens if there is a positive case of COVID-19 ?
In the event of a positive case all students within that cohort(s) will move to a remote learning model, while the school receives guidance from the Albany County Department of Health. Families should be prepared that remote learning could take place for an average of 14 days. During remote learning instruction, the school will conduct a disinfection of all areas where exposure took place and continue to communicate with families on a consistent basis. Confidentiality will be maintained as required by federal and state laws and regulations.
Are proper PPE/disinfectant/personal hygiene products readily available?
Yes! Hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels and tissues will be readily available and their usage is highly encouraged. PPE will be provided and available but we encourage families to provide masks for their child(ren) as much as possible. Consistent laundering of fabric masks and daily discarding of disposable masks is highly recommended. In scenarios where more extensive PPE is required, the school will provide the necessary items. (i.e. gloves, eye protection, gowns)
Will there be daily hygiene training?
Students and staff will engage in on-going training and healthy hygiene practices. Students will be encouraged and required to wash and disinfect hands/high touch point areas routinely. Schedules will allow times for full class hand washing opportunities and equipment/personal area disinfection.
Can my child(ren) still order lunch?
Yes! North Colonie School District is required to provide school lunches for both families which qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch as well as students who wish to order. Lunch will be provided in a pre-packaged “Grab and Go” style so that delivery personnel can deliver lunches to the classrooms in a timely fashion while decreasing touch points/aerosol transmissions. Students will eat lunch in their classrooms. This will limit the potential for cross-cohort interaction/contamination.
Families who will be utilizing the virtual learning model and qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch will coordinate with NCSD pertaining to pick up times for breakfast and lunch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Is my child(ren) required to wear a school uniform everyday?
Yes! That being said, our highest priority is good personal hygiene. We expect students to arrive in clean clothing each day. If that means wearing a P.E. uniform on a non-P.E. day or vice versa that is understandable and acceptable. We suggest ordering multiple uniform tops as we would like to maintain our St. Ambrose identity and part of that is our school logo. Please engage in consistent laundering practices so that your child(ren) is arriving at school with a clean uniform daily.
How will my child(ren) maintain his/her Catholic Identity?
Monthly school liturgies will still be accessible both in-person for Grades 2-6 so that social distancing regulations can be met and virtually for Pre-K-3 - Grade 1 as well as students receiving distance learning. We understand that our faith is an important part of your decision to send your child(ren) to St. Ambrose, their connection with Church and School is an integral part of our Mission. Students will have daily faith practices with their teachers and peers and developing their faith is an on-going process. We will always encourage and support students as they grow spiritually.
Will there be clubs/extracurricular activities this year?As per state guidance, clubs/extracurricular activities including interscholastic sports (CYO) are prohibited at this time.