Dear St. Francis Families and Host Parents,
I hope your summer is unfolding exactly as you had hoped and worked for in spite of COVID-19, with time for family and quiet reflection. My summer has been busy. I am enjoying our summer projects on campus and I am enjoying the quiet excitement of preparing both for a new school year and the diligent efforts of our now public capital campaign. I have to admit that leading or participating in multiple ZOOM-style meetings each day has worn me out, but the information is critical to ensure we have all of the safety protocols in place to move forward. Like you, my battery will be recharged with a family vacation over the July 4th break.
I hope your summer is unfolding exactly as you had hoped and worked for in spite of COVID-19, with time for family and quiet reflection. My summer has been busy. I am enjoying our summer projects on campus and I am enjoying the quiet excitement of preparing both for a new school year and the diligent efforts of our now public capital campaign. I have to admit that leading or participating in multiple ZOOM-style meetings each day has worn me out, but the information is critical to ensure we have all of the safety protocols in place to move forward. Like you, my battery will be recharged with a family vacation over the July 4th break.
As we move through Phase 2.5 and inch closer to Phase 3.0 we are preparing for students and staff to return to campus this fall. Our priorities will remain the same:
- Raise awareness & communicate with stakeholders. Post signs, create videos and send emails/text messages.
- Develop a “return to school” and “work training” protocol for all students and employees
- Supply masks for all students and employees
- Social distance – limit the number of people in classrooms and offices.
- Supply hand sanitizer; remind students and employees to wash hands often and to wipe down surfaces.
- Invest in thorough, daily office and common space cleaning & disinfecting
- Do not come to school or work when sick; get tested if you have symptoms.
- Follow CDC, California, and Santa Cruz County Public Health Department recommendations.
- We will remain a community of faith that fosters excellence through the spirit of St. Don Bosco.
- St. Francis will ensure every student is prepared to attend a 4-year college and possesses the values of a good Christian and an honest global citizen.
Over the last 2 weeks, we have brought stakeholders together to plan our reopening. There are 3 primary committees – Health & Safety/Organization, Student Support & Family Engagement, and Instructional Practices. These committees met multiple times with myself and their committee chairs to review best practices and develop comprehensive plans for us to safely reopen in the fall. Unlike many larger schools, many of our classes naturally fall into appropriate sizes for social distancing. As of July 1, we are only waiting to hear from the state about PE and fall sports. These decisions will come out much later in July, but when they do, you will be immediately notified.
For now, I ask you to put yourselves in the presence of God and reflect on why Mary, Help of Christians, and St. Don Bosco called you here to St. Francis. Acknowledge and embrace your calling and take full advantage of our opportunities – for students and parents alike.
All of our faculty, staff, and coaches are committed to facilitating high-level learning in a safe, family atmosphere for all our students, athletes, parents, and colleagues. With that in mind, I have high expectations for our entire community, including myself.
This year our Salesian mission will continue to focus on faith, family, and service, but in light of recent incidents, we will also add social justice as a priority. To help us in this endeavor, the executive leadership of the school has been working directly with the Salesian Province leadership to ensure this happens.
Our Summer Bridge program starts in a few weeks. Summer Bridge is open to all incoming freshmen, with some required to attend, and it runs from July 20-31, 2020. It is a great way to meet new friends and teachers as well as build a bridge from your 8th-grade distance learning to the rigor of a college-prep high school. If you have questions please call the main office at 831.724.5933 to get clarification.
Our Summer Bridge program starts in a few weeks. Summer Bridge is open to all incoming freshmen, with some required to attend, and it runs from July 20-31, 2020. It is a great way to meet new friends and teachers as well as build a bridge from your 8th-grade distance learning to the rigor of a college-prep high school. If you have questions please call the main office at 831.724.5933 to get clarification.
By the middle of July, our reopening plans will be approved and finalized, and at that time we will send the details of the first few days of school:
- August 1, 2020: Class of 2020 Graduation: photos, diplomas, yearbooks, family meal, and alumni mass
- August 7, 2020: All are encouraged to participate in our re-scheduled Spring Swing Golf Tournament
- August 13, 2020: New Student Family BBQ and school programs/services orientation
- August 14, 2020: First Day of School for all students
- August 15, 2020: Back to School Dance
As President/Principal I want to define my role and our shared mission:
- A. I am here to lead the strategic vision and ensure our Salesian mission. I am here to help each of you become aware of our mission, vision, and brand.
- B. I want to support you, the parent(s), in your relationship with your teenager. Your connection and communication will change during your child’s adolescence, and I know as an educator and parent of teenagers myself that parenting is difficult. I want to make your shared road to their young adulthood easier.
- C. I want to assure you that your child matters to each one of the staff. Your views and values will not be compromised; they will be nurtured and supported through our Catholic, Salesian spirit.
- D. I want to help you get to know other parents to build our Salesian St. Francis community. Your child’s friends and their parents will become your friends. They will look out for your child as you look out for their child. Many of you will make lifelong friends, just like your children.
- E. My goal is to nurture and support a life-long relationship between St. Francis and you. It is because of you that we have the great school we have!
I want to thank you for your service and your financial support of the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign. With your help and leadership, we are able to offer unique programs and services in a very personal learning environment for your child and the other 211 students who get to attend St. Francis High School. This year we will again rely on your support of time, talent, and your financial resources to maintain the quality programs for all students in a safe environment.
A great friend and mentor who really got me into teaching and coaching many years ago loved JFK. He used Kennedy’s words in his classes and as an AP teacher and Assistant Principal for St. John Bosco HS. Now that he retired a few years ago, I find myself relying on Kennedy’s inspiration and optimism in my work. In the January 1962 State of the Union message, President J. F. Kennedy challenged our nation: “The United States did not rise to greatness by waiting for others to lead.” In the same way, I am going to challenge all of us to rise to greatness as a community of character, integrity, and faith this year, not by waiting around-- but by leading through faith, family, service, and a commitment to social justice!
Yours in Christ,
Mr. Patrick Lee
President/Principal