Dear Crusader Families:

We hope this correspondence finds you, your children, and your entire families in good health and happy spirits.  We are all very anxious to return to normal school days, but as we all know during these unprecedented and unpredictable times plans can change.  Over the last several weeks and months we have been working hard to put plans in place to provide the best educational experience possible for all of our students.  We are confident that by working together we will have a successful school year.

We had previously announced that we would begin the 2020-21 school year with in person classes on August 13, 2020.  However, in light of recent announcements by the TEA, virus trends and reporting,  and local school districts changing start dates we have decided it is advisable to begin our school year on  Monday, August 24, 2020.  All students will begin with in person classes on our campus on August 24.  Our school calendar will be revised in the coming days and will be posted on our website.

There are a number of safety precautions that will be implemented for all students as we return to in person learning.  The list below highlights a few of the major areas:

1.  All students will be required to bring lunches from home.  These lunches must accompany your student at the time of arrival in the morning.  We will not start the school year with a hot lunch program.  As the year progresses we hope to reinstate this option through Tastefully Yours, but for now we will ask you to help us by packing your child's lunch each day.  
2. Outside lunches, deliveries, and guardian visits for lunch will not be permitted on campus at this time.  All students will be eating lunch in their classroom.
3. Water -- our water fountains will be inoperable due to the potential for spreading germs.  Students should bring water bottles from home each day.
4. Student drop off and pick up procedures will be modified. Location for your your student's drop off and pick up may be changed.  An announcement will be made prior to the first day of school regarding the details.
5. Everyone entering the building will have their temperature checked.  Each student will have their temperature taken upon arrival each morning.  Students will go directly to their classrooms where morning prayer and announcements will take place over the loudspeaker system.
6. Masks -- All adults must wear face covering at all times while in the buildings.  At this time students above 10 years of age must also wear masks throughout the day.  Younger students are also encouraged to wear them.  
7. Our classrooms have adequate space to accommodate 20 + people allowing for social distance guidelines.  We will limit our class size to 15 or fewer to further space out students in to designated spaces and areas.
8. Students will remain in their classroom and will have limited transitions throughout the day.  Teachers will transition from class to class as much as possible while students stay in their area to minimize risk.
9. We will have physical education and recess opportunities for the children throughout the day.  These activities will be carefully orchestrated and managed to maintain social distancing safety.
10. Our plans for weekly student Mass are under development.  We will pass along that information as soon as the Parish office has reviewed and approved our recommendations.

During these uncertain times we think it is important for everyone to be aware that even the most well thought out plans can change.  The above is our plan for returning to school now.  Circumstances beyond our control may dictate that we adapt and change.  Rest assured that we will continue to communicate with you and we hope that you will share your thoughts and concerns with us as we move forward.  

A certainty is that TCCS will offer  either in person or directed distance learning.  We will not be able to concurrently offer both programs.  We believe it is in the best interests of both our students and faculty to fully dedicate our attention and resources to one format at a time.  Ideally we will all be together and function as close to "normally" as possible throughout the school year.  If health conditions mandate it, we will dedicate our resources to online learning delivery methods.  

We continue to pray for each of our families' health and safety and look forward to coming together on August 24.

God bless you and keep you well,

Yolanda Agrella 
Principal