Coronavirus (COVID-19) Back to School Update – August 1, 2020

Happy Aloha Saturday Saint Mark Parents!

I am writing with the latest Saint Mark updates as we complete what has certainly been an amazing week.

CAMPUS REOPENED TO STUDENTS
After beginning the week with a bit of a scare from Hurricane Douglas, Saint Mark cautiously yet confidently reopened campus to in-person instruction for the first time in over four months with our K-8 students beginning on Wednesday and our PK students joining us on Friday. While school looks a lot different than when the students left in March, I’m very happy to say that everyone appeared thrilled to be back on campus and seemed to adapt quickly to the many changes.

CONTINUALLY MONITORING
Saint Mark Lutheran School continues to carefully monitor the community transmission rates of COVID-19 in Hawai`i and unfortunately saw another week of increasing numbers of daily cases.  That being said, Saint Mark Lutheran School remains confident and flexible in its operations as we implemented our Reopening Campus Plan – Policy and Procedures – 2020-2021.

IMPACT/ALERT LEVELS 
Hawai`i remains at impact level YELLOW (Act with Care) and Saint Mark remains at level GREEN.

FACE SHIELDS and WASHING STATIONS
A big mahalo goes to `Iolani School for donating hundreds of custom fabricated face shields to Saint Mark.  Every student and every staff member was issued their own shield which is worn over the mask. And another big mahalo goes to Saint Mark’s Parent Teacher Committee for donating (and to Dustin Kubo and Reid Honda for installing) two fully functional hand washing stations.  One was installed just off the blacktop and another by the lower field.

BEFORE and AFTERCARE BEGINNING on AUGUST 10
The Before and Aftercare program is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 10 with a limited number of students. Families will be informed early this week whether or not they have a spot or will be placed on the waitlist.  We apologize in advance for not being able to accommodate all those who are seeking extended care services.

PARENTAL SUPPORT IS NEEDED
This week’s increasing transmission rates should be a powerful reminder that we must all do our part to adhere to the recommended/required preventative strategies. Among other things, we need to: (1) wash our hands often; (2) stay at home if possible; (3) avoid large groups/gatherings; and (4) always wear a mask when out of the house or around any non-household members.  Together we can help keep our Saint Mark and broader community safe!

We fully recognize that these are unsettling times, and we want our parents to be comfortable with our plans and the associated risks, so please do not hesitate to contact the school office should you have any questions or want to discuss/explore the on-line option.

Thank you for your time and support!

Mahalo, Blessings and Stay Safe,

David Gaudi
Head of School