Start of School Year Letter to Families - June 19, 2020

Dear Lancer Families,

The health and safety of our Lancer community is our first priority. We have made the following mission-driven decisions as to how Salpointe will operate in August, following the guidance of health care professionals, meeting the specific needs of our Salpointe community, and respecting the global educational milieu in which we operate. Like you, we recognize that allowing students to participate in any group activity at this time of global pandemic involves a health risk; however, we will do everything in our power to minimize that risk. 
 
With the goal of meeting our mission to serve our diverse student population and to meet the needs of vulnerable students/families, Salpointe plans to open its campus in August with the following two tracks available: On-Campus Learning and At-Home Learning. 

Please review the options below. If you choose On-Campus Learning, no further action is needed. If you choose At-Home Learning, please click on this link to sign up. Complete a separate form for each student committing to the At-Home option. Please make this decision by Friday, June 26 so that the school can complete the necessary accommodations.

Option 1: On-Campus Learning
The school will utilize a block schedule five days a week. This schedule will repeat every two weeks.

Week One
Monday
A Day
Periods 1, 2, 3 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)
Tuesday
B Day
Periods 5, 6, 7 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)
Wednesday
A Day
Periods 1, 2, 3 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)
Thursday
B Day
Periods 5, 6, 7 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)
Friday
A Day
Periods 1, 2, 3 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)

Week Two
Monday
B Day
Periods 5, 6, 7 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)
Tuesday
A Day
Periods 1, 2, 3 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)
Wednesday
B Day
Periods 5, 6, 7 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)
Thursday
A Day
Periods 1, 2, 3 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)
Friday
B Day
Periods 5, 6, 7 (90 min); Period 4 (50 min); Lunch (30 min)

  • This schedule maximizes instructional time and mitigates the number of passing periods and other mass movements of the student body.
  • After-school activities such as tutoring and clubs will be evaluated.
  • Assemblies and all school gatherings will be postponed until we can offer them safely. Options as to how to provide Mass for students are being considered. 
  • Staggered and extended passing periods will be built into the schedule.
  • Lunch periods will provide for recommended social distancing by using multiple service areas: Foundation Hall, Alumni Hall and/or Kalil Family Gym.
  • Students will be on campus from approximately 8:15 to 2:30 each day.
  • Students (and faculty/staff) will be required to wear masks or shields, have daily temperatures monitored with no-contact thermometers, answer a few questions regarding possible COVID symptoms, practice social distancing as much as possible, and maintain health and safety recommendations such as hand washing and desk sanitizing.

Option 2: At-Home Learning
  • Students must be digitally present for synchronous learning in all classes M-F unless released by a teacher. Attendance will be taken during each class period.
  • Some lessons may be live streamed; others may be pre-recorded. 
  • Students will be able to transition from At-Home learning to On-Campus learning at the six week and twelve week grading periods. Students may not “go back and forth” between the two options unless the student or an immediate family member tests positive for COVID or for other serious health reasons.
  • Students will be held to the same academic standards as expected of students participating in On-Campus learning.
  • Tests and other assignments will be synchronous or asynchronous online as determined by the teacher.
  • Students are responsible for compliance with Student Handbook regulations regarding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Students are expected to comply with Salpointe’s technology policy as outlined in the Student Handbook.
  • Students may not come to campus for co-curricular activities such as athletics, theater, clubs, etc.
  • Salpointe is available to assist with Chromebook problems, but the school cannot assist with home bandwidth or other external technical issues.

If Salpointe is advised to close our campus or move to distance learning by healthcare professionals or civic leaders, the above options will be adjusted accordingly.

Thank you for your support and confidence in Salpointe as we partner in the education of your Lancer student. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact President Kay Sullivan at ksullivan@salpointe.org or Principal Keith Gibalski at kgibalski@salpointe.org

We look forward to providing a signature Salpointe educational program for your Lancer.
Stay safe! Be well! Pray!

Kay Sullivan            Keith Gibalski
President                Principal
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Salpointe Catholic High School

1545 E. Copper St.,
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 327-6581
Attendance: (520) 327-1990
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