Dear St. Jude Families,

I hope everyone enjoyed a Merry Christms, and continues their celebration through the Feast of the Epiphany.  It’s clear as 2022 begins,  that we are embarking on another whirlwind year of the unknowns, but in St. Jude style: WE GOT THIS!I

As the principal of the St. Jude School, my main concern is analyzing the trends that are affecting our children, my staff, and our parishioners. To that end, I maintain contact with the Lorain County Public Health Department, as well as leading medical personnel at both UH and The Cleveland Clinic. These professionals guide me in the decisions that are necessary to keep our school community safe and effective.

As we return in January 2022, please review the following changes/updates:

• School will resume for students on Wednesday, January 5th.

Why- Omicron seems to spread over a 5 day period, returning on Wednesday allows us to give this virus time to run its course from the New Year's celebrations.

• Masking will be required of all staff and students.

Why- The Omicron variant spreads quickly and is very contagious thus, masking is the first line of defense. The peak of Omicron is projected to hit Ohio the week of January 17th.  We have been blessed by our PTO and local companies with various donations of masks and will have them available each morning, if needed. 

• Current families registered as Connected Classroom may remain on this forum. 

Why- Connected Classroom is a great tool, however it will not be offered to additional families from this point forward. Clearance will need to include a current medical diagnosis, contact mhibler@stjudejaguars.org  for details.

• Teachers will report on Tuesday, January 4th.

Why- this will allow them additional time to prepare the classrooms for increased social distancing. 

• What if my child tests positive with Covid-19, do I keep them home?

Yes, vaccinated or unvaccinated, your child is to remain home for 5 days.  Only test if you have symptoms.

Just to be clear, all will be required to mask, effective immediately.

*Your child will receive their work when they return from their absence, no sooner. Adequate time will be given for your child to make up their assignments. 

• Plan on dressing your child in layers when they return to school.

Why- We know that this variant spreads quickly, and ventilation is key. As always the staff are instructed to keep ALL windows cracked open in classrooms, hallways, lunchroom, etc. It is imperative that you have your child prepare for the chill that may be present. They can wear ANY St. Jude hoodie, sweatshirt etc. They can wear ANY plain navy, gray, hunter green hoodie or sweatshirt. (no wording or pics on it, except the simple logos of Nike, Under Armour etc.)

• Band students will receive modified instruction. Students will continue to bring instruments on their assigned day.  Mrs. Ramsey will give instruction, model new music, and discuss proper care of instruments. But they will not be physically playing here, they will be required to practice it at home. This will be the course until 1/31/2022.

Why- This variant spreads quickly, and playing instruments is counterproductive. 

I appreciate your continued support of our ever changing policies as we navigate the latest COVID variant. Our goal is to ensure your children receive excellent in person classroom instruction. May you feel the closeness of God during these uncertain times. 

Godspeed,
Mrs. Hibler

FAQ on COVID Vaccination for kids age 5-11