The St. Vincent Vikings are Now Back on Campus!
Tuesday, September 1st, was a monumental day that saw the Viking first grade class return to school after six months of a successful distance-learning program.
When the small gate on Hawk St. swung open for the first time, students were met by an enthusiastic first grade teacher, and principal to welcome them back home.
St. Vincent de Paul School, a Catholic school in Mission Hills, has heavily invested in their students’ and teachers’ safety and well being over the summer.
Numerous improvements and adaptations have allowed in-person classes to be held five days per week throughout the fall semester under the watchful eye of new Principal Lynn Crockett.
Safety procedures were diligently discussed throughout the entire summer. Extensive parent surveys were completed and reviewed resoundingly called for in-person instruction to begin as long as the necessary precautions were in place.
Parents overwhelmingly supported a return to on-campus learning, with 84 percent of parents approving the school’s reopening plan.
New Safety Precautions for Fall 2020 at St. Vincent Include:
- Daily wellness and temperature check at each school entry gate
- Face covering requirements throughout the day
- Equipment sharing is prohibited
- 3-sided Plexiglas desk shields and socially distanced desks
- An enhanced nightly school cleaning schedule
- Hand sanitizing stations and sanitizing protocols
- Limited capacity of restrooms, classrooms, and common areas
- Staggered recess and lunch sessions
“Months of planning and preparation by parent volunteers and dedicated teachers prepared St. Vincent to re-open on the very first day permitted by the County of San Diego,” said principal Lynn Crockett.
The school has quickly and thoroughly followed the California Department of Public Health recommendations for physical distancing, including a 29-page re-opening plan. Teachers, parents, and students all understand the responsibilities and expectations required to make this year safe and successful.
Daily wellness and temperature checks, desk shields and face coverings, hand sanitizer, and socially distanced desks are now well established. Students have quickly adjusted to these new daily rituals, and they have proven their resilience and willingness to learn. Although face coverings may shield their smiles, the joy of being back with their friends and teachers has been unmistakable.
This has indeed been a remarkable and memorable year for this school, which has continued to adapt and improve throughout the quarantine. “As a smaller, private school, St. Vincent has proven to be more nimble and adaptable than many other schools could possibly be,” said a first-grade parent.
Many families from other private and public schools took the opportunity to tour the St. Vincent campus in hopes of a school that was willing and ready to re-open. New students have been thriving in their new environment, and it is amazing to see so many new parents grateful for the quality, in-person instruction.
It is also important to note that the distance learning option is still available for all students in all circumstances. The school has recently upgraded technology that allows teachers to support students and keep them engaged via the distance learning option.
The school is currently conducting campus tours for families considering a Catholic education. In November, the school will also be hosting an open house as part of a national initiative themed “Discovering Catholic Schools.”
St. Vincent de Paul Open House date is Sunday, November 15, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul School, a quality Catholic education and a faith-based community has served Mission Hills since 1948. St. Vincent de Paul School offers K-8th Elementary and preschool for ages two to five-years old. It is located at 4061 Ibis Street in Mission Hills, a community of San Diego. For more information, call (619) 296-2222.
Category: Education, feature, Local News, Nonprofit, School
