COVID-19: Information & Procedures

Meet The Teachers Night for the Fall Term will be virtual and begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening, Septemeber 22. Click here for information.

Everyone who comes on the Monastic grounds of Newark Abbey and St. Benedict's Prep MUST CLICK HERE to fill out our Daily COVID-19 Checklist.

We will hold Virtual Convo Mondays-through-Friday at 8:00 a.m. All are invited to participate.

Links to each day's Virtual Convo will be emailed to students and posted on our website and Social Media channels.

Click here to visit our YouTube channel to join our live Virtual Convos or watch them on replay.

CONVOCATION IS MANDATORY FOR ALL MIDDLE AND PREP DIVISION STUDENTS. Middle and Prep Division students are required to log into their group "MEET" before Convo, where attendance will be taken. Students are to remain in their group "MEET" throughout Convocation.

Middle and both Prep Divisions:

MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY

8:00-830: Convo (Virtual) *Convo will continue to be held virtually, and
8:35-9:35: Block 1 you will watch with your group in your group's
9:40-10:40: Block 2 Google Meet.
10:40-10:55: Break
10:55-11:55: Block 3
12:00-1:00: Block 4
1:00-2:00: Lunch/Office Hours
2:00-3:00: Virtual activities/Office Hours
3:00: In person activities on the property start

WEDNESDAY

8:00-8:30: Convo (Virtual)
8:35-9:30: Block 1
9:35-10:30: Block 2
10:30-10:45: Break
10:45-11:05: Group
11:10-12:05: Block 3
12:10-1:05: Block 4
1:05-2:05: Lunch/Office Hours
2:05-3:00: Virtual Activities/Office Hours
3:00: In person activities on the property start

For ALL Elementary Division Students

• As part of our “new normal,” mask procedures are a learned skill. Help build your child’s “mask endurance and stamina.” Have your child wear a mask while doing a leisure activity (playing a game, reading a book, coloring). Increase the amount of time slowly.
• Remind your child that we are all wearing masks in order to protect one another.
• For the youngest members, remind them: “Superheroes wear masks!” This is their way of being a superhero in their family, community and school.
• At SBP we say: “Whatever hurts my brother or sister hurts me. Whatever helps my brother or sister helps me.” Mask wearing puts our words into action!
• A “Virtual Open House” video will provide families the opportunity to see the classroom set-up and modifications as per protocols for Grades K -6.
  • This will be available Saturday, September 5.
• Video introductions and grade level information will also be presented virtually.
• Orientation Day for Grades K - 6 (Cohort assignments will be sent by August 28)
  • Wednesday, September 9: Gr. K - 6 “In-Person Learners” Maroon Cohort 8:00 am - 11:45 am
  • Thursday, September 10: Gr. K - 6 “In-Person Learners” Gray Cohort 8:00 am - 11:45 am
  • Friday, September 11: Gr. K - 6 “Remote Learners” 8:00 am - 11:45 am (All online)
• Full day for all students in Grades K - 6 begins Monday, September 14 (8:00 am-3:00 pm)
• Full uniform is worn everyday.
• Gym uniforms and sneakers are worn on student’s Gym day.
  • (This will be indicated in class schedule)
• Being on time for class everyday is essential.
• All students will have the same learning materials. Most resources are also digital.
• All students will use Google Classroom and Google Meet.
• Students’ sbp.org email accounts can only be used on Google Classroom.

For Elementary Division In-Person Learners

• Prior to coming to the Property, parents must accurately fill out the COVID-19 Daily Checklist for their child.
  • If any question is answered YES, the student MUST STAY HOME..
• Upon arrival at school, students will be screened for mask compliance and temperature check.
  • Students with a temperature above 100.4 Fahrenheit, will NOT be permitted to enter.
• Every student and adult on the property will be required to wear a mask.
• Morning Arrival: Students enter through the 520 door.
• 7:30 am - 8:00 am: Arrive at school
  • Students report directly to their teacher in the classroom after screening.
  • Breakfast provided and eaten in the classroom. (Free, reduced or full pay eligibility).
• After 8:00 am, Students marked late on attendance.
• 8:10 am: Classes begin
• Students should bring their backpack each day containing ONLY materials needed in class.
• Grades 3 - 6 must bring their Chromebook/laptop AND charger to school each day in their backpack.
  • Be sure your device is FULLY charged before coming to school each day.
• Grades K - 2 will each be provided Chromebooks (that stay at school) for their use only.
• Grade K - 6 will each be provided headphones for their use only; stored in a Ziploc bag.
• Students should bring an extra mask in a Ziploc bag marked clearly with their name to be kept at school.
• Frequent handwashing will be practiced and sanitizer will be available in each classroom.
• All classrooms have been measured for square footage and calculated for 6-foot Social Distancing of students' desks. The number of students in classrooms is between 10 - 20.
• Students will remain with their same classmates and teachers to create a "cohort."
• Elementary Division in-person learners come onto the property everyday.
• The total number of persons on the property is significantly lower than our actual capacity.
• NO SHARED SUPPLIES. Each student will be provided their own individual supplies.
• Teachers for Art, Music and Technology will come to the classrooms.
• Art: students will be provided individual supplies to be used ONLY for Art class.
• Music class will focus on lessons about rhythm including clapping, snapping, tapping and rhythm instruments; recognizing instruments, their name, family and sound; listening to and identifying various styles of music. Students will be provided individual use rhythm instruments. NO SINGING.
• Gym classes will be held outdoors whenever possible with social distancing.
  • Activities will NOT be overly strenuous. Individual activity stations will be set up.
• Technology: focus on skills and content that align across the curriculum.
  • Students will use individual Chromebook/laptop.
• Lunches will be eaten in the classroom. Students may choose school lunch (menu is provided monthly) and fee is deducted from their meal account (which parents preload online). Parents will fill out a form and based on eligibility, students qualify for free, reduced or full price lunch. Students may also choose to bring lunch from home.
• Outdoor recess will be staggered and socially distanced.
• "Mask Breaks" will be scheduled throughout the day so that students can remove their masks at a safe, socially distanced location outdoors.
• “Brain Breaks” will be scheduled throughout the day to provide for calm transitions.
• Water fountains are NOT being used.
  • Students bring a water bottle/thermos CLEARLY MARKED WITH THEIR NAME for individual use.
  • The bottles will be kept safe and accessible for students throughout the day.
• Restroom breaks will be provided at a staggered schedule to provide for safety and privacy.
  • Cleaning and sanitizing of restrooms scheduled throughout the day.
• Dismissal: 3:00 pm - 3:15 pm NO AFTERCARE
• Dismissal Gates:
  • Grades K - 3 at Courtyard Gate (William Street directly across from Arts High)
  • Grades 4 - 6 at Parking Lot Gate (William Street directly across from the Department of Health)
• For absences: parent/guardian must email BOTH the child’s teacher and Sister Ann by 8:15 am.
• Families will be contacted via phone call or email if a student is unaccounted for.
• Your child’s teacher is unable to respond to any emails or phone calls during school hours.
  • Teachers will be able to respond to parents’ emails/calls within 24 - 48 hours.

For Elementary Division Remote Learners

• It is imperative that your child has a working device and daily access to the internet.
• A Chromebook or laptop/desktop (Windows based) is recommended.
• Make sure the computer, camera, and microphone work properly.
• Have the device fully charged to prevent interruptions during class sessions.
• Read your child’s Google Classroom messages to be aware of expectations and assignments.
• Read and reply to emails and messages - student’s sbp.org account will be used for correspondence.
• Google Meet is used for online class meetings.
• Be on time and in full uniform.
• Have a dedicated work space with adequate lighting.
• Remove distractions such as access to video games, TV, cell phones, toys and pets.
• Students must be seated up at a table or desk. NO laying down or being in the bed.
• Face and shoulders visible on screen for the duration of the Meet.
• Have all class materials readily accessible in your work space.
• Know your child’s/children’s schedule(s) to help facilitate a learning environment free of distractions.
• A schedule will be provided to remote learners indicating the times they are expected to log in for attendance, homeroom classes and specials classes.
• The daily/weekly schedule will remain consistent. You will be informed if modifications are necessary.
• We will be very mindful of the amount of screentime expected of each grade level.
  • Check in for attendance, direct instruction and active participation with teachers and classmates.
  • “Off-screen” times scheduled for independent work, a lunch break and “recess” or leisure activities.
• For absences: a parent/guardian must email BOTH the child’s teacher and Sister Ann by 8:15am.
• Families will be contacted via phone call or email if a student is unaccounted for.
• Your child’s teacher is unable to respond to any emails or phone calls during school hours.
  • Teachers will be able to respond to parents’ emails/calls within 24 -48 hours.
• For tech issue that cannot be resolved by someone at home, please contact Sister Ann at: agass@sbp.org

Dean of Elementary Division: Sister Ann Marie Gass, SSJ at agass@sbp.org 973-792-5717 (Leave a message.)

FACTS and tuition info: Ms. Bebi Amzad at bamzad@sbp.org

Admissions: Mr. Mario Gallo at mgallo@sbp.org

Admissions: Ms. Doris Lamourt at dlamourt@sbp.org

Student IDs: Dr. Dennis Lansang announce@sbp.org
(Please send in your child’s picture by August 31 to Dr. Lansang if you haven’t done so already.}

Academics

Core curriculum includes daily instruction in:

• Reading
• Language Arts (Phonics, Grammar, Spelling, Composition, Handwriting)
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Religion

Classes taught once a week include:

• Art
• Gym
• Music
• Technology
• Instrumental lessons for students in grades 4 - 6 (optional)

Uniforms For St. Benedict’s Prep School - Elementary Division
Flynn O'Hara Uniforms 196-198 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105 (862) 231-2149 https://www.flynnohara.com

YOUNG LADIES
(Grades K - 4)

Gray/burgundy plaid jumper or black trousers
White uniform blouse Plaid tie Burgundy, black, or gray knee-hi socks or tights
Uniform shoes: “Mary Janes” black flats with rubber heels and soles

YOUNG LADIES
(Grades 5 - 6)
White uniform blouse and burgundy sweater vest or sweater
Plaid tie
Burgundy, black, or gray knee-hi socks or tights
Uniform shoes: “Mary Janes” black flats with rubber heels and soles
* Shorts may not show below the hem of the young ladies uniform jumper or skirt.

YOUNG GENTLEMEN
(Grades K - 6)
Black trousers
Black belt must be worn to keep trousers at the waist
White uniform shirt and burgundy sweater vest or sweater
Plaid tie
Black or gray socks
Uniform shoes: black flats with rubber heels and soles

PLEASE NOTE: Leggings, yoga pants, jeans (of any style) ARE NOT PERMITTED!

Burgundy Uniform Polo Shirt may be worn September - October 15 and April 15 - June.
No sweater, sweater vest or tie is necessary with the polo shirt.
Only the specified school uniform is to be worn in class. All outdoor wear must be hung up.

GYM UNIFORM ALL STUDENTS (Grades Kindergarten - 6)
The Gym uniform is to be worn to school on the student’s designated Gym day.
Gym uniform shorts or sweatpants
Gym uniform T-shirt
White socks and plain sneakers (NO ORNAMENTATION OR BLINKING LIGHTS PERMITTED)
Gym uniform sweatshirt may also be worn over the uniform T-shirt.
No student will be permitted to leave the class to change into a gym uniform.

PLEASE NOTE: Rain or snow boots may be worn to school during inclement weather. However, school shoes must be brought in and changed into once the student arrives in the classroom.

In addition to the school uniform requirements:

• False nails, acrylic nail tips or filler are not permitted.
• Only clear nail polish is permitted.
• Simple hairstyles are required.
• Hair designs shaved into the head and/or hair coloring are NOT permitted.
• Only hair extensions of the natural hair color are allowed.
• No necklaces (except for a small cross or medal) may be worn.
• Earrings, no larger than a quarter, are permitted. Up to 2 earrings per earlobe allowed.
• Bracelets and rings must be kept simple.

Uniform infractions will result in Out of Uniform Notices and/or Disciplinary actions.
Students repeatedly out of uniform will forfeit their privilege to participate in Dress Down Day.
Parents do NOT need to purchase additional school supplies!
All students receive the following individual supplies
in their classroom for “In-person Learners” or for pick-up “Remote Learners”:

• Copybooks
• Folders
• Theme paper
• Pencils, erasers
• Pens (Grades 5 and 6)
• Crayons
• Pencil Case
• Scissors, glue, ruler

* The date for pick-up of materials and supplies for “Remote Learners” will be closer to the beginning of school. Parents will be notified.

All students will have the ability to get breakfast and lunch from the school during school days.

• Students receiving instruction on the Property will be given meals in their classrooms or other spaces where they are taking their classes.
• Students who are fully remote can pick up a week's worth of breakfast and lunch every Monday.
• Students who are coming to the property each day for activities can receive grab and go meals upon arrival each afternoon. They can also receive a breakfast meal for the next day.

Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch will receive meals as mentioned above. No cash will be accepted. Students who are required to pay for meals will have to make use of K-12paymentcenter.com and make payments in advance. There will be no a la carte service for the Middle and Prep Division. This means that students will have the option of a hot lunch or a cold lunch but will not have the option to purchase any extras, snacks, or other items.

The main dress code is as follows:

Prep Division / Senior members: Black SBP hoodie, black pants and black dress shoes

9th grade & Transfers: Gray SBP hoodie, khaki pants and brown dress shoes
(NB: Transfer students: when ordering uniforms, please tell the store you are a 9th grader to avoid confusion. This will have no bearing on your actual grade in school)

During the warmer months students may be allowed to wear the SBP polo shirt of the same color.

Click below to order uniforms:
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St. Benedict's providing meals for our community through the summer

Since the move to remote learning, St. Benedict's has continued to supply nearly 25 families with Breakfast and Lunch each week. We have the ability to continue to do so, even through the summer. In order to ensure that we are ordering the proper amount of food and that we are not wasting food, we need all families who are interested in receiving meals to complete the attached survey. Your child does not need to be eligible for free or reduced breakfast/lunch to receive meals at this time. Meals are delivered every Monday for the entire week and are available for pick up at the school after 9:00 AM on Mondays.

We are asking anyone who wishes to receive meals to complete this survey, even if you have been receiving meals over these last several weeks.

• Admissions Office - call 973-792-5719 or email mgallo@sbp.org
• Advancement Office - call 973-792-5777 or email mfazio@sbp.org
• Business Office - 973-792-5757 or dchahalis@sbp.org
• Financial Aid Office - call 973-792-5744 or dlamourt@sbp.org

Mr. Jean-Baptiste has been sending detailed information to all UDIIs and Seniors with information about SATs, college admissions, college financial aid, and more. Please make sure that your son is regularly checking his email as there are a number of action items that are needed. Contact Mr. Jean-Baptiste at:

djeanbaptiste@sbp.org

1. Beginning at 2:00 p.m., activities and athletics will take place on the Property or virtually and will take place at various times throughout the day, including the possibility of evening and weekend activities.
   
2. Each activity is considered a cohort. To ensure safety, students may only physically interact with members of their cohort. Students will not be allowed to participate in multiple cohorts if each requires physical presence, i.e., a student can’t participate in soccer and swimming, but may participate in soccer and a virtual activity.
   

3. Athletic competitions will be dictated by state guidelines. Team practices and workouts will be coordinated through Athletic Director Tom Leahy ’77 and will follow strict protocols to ensure the health and safety of players and coaches

Google Classroom and Google Meet will be used to allow counseling groups to continue. Students who attend these groups will be invited to the appropriate Classroom or Hangout group to participate.

• Students who receive individual counseling should make arrangements with their specific counselor to continue.
• Students in crisis or in need of immediate attention should contact the front desk of the school at 973-792-5739. Referrals will be made from there.
• The school buildings will be accessible for anyone in urgent need of a place to go.

Click here to read helpful information to manage anxiety during this crisis.

The best way to stop the spread of any virus is to prevent it from moving from one person to another. According to the best available information, the best way to avoid transmission of the coronavirus is to wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Since the virus seems to be spread primarily through contact with contaminated surfaces, this is the single most important thing people can do to stop the spread. To that end, we are encouraging everyone to:

• Wash Hands: Wash hands frequently throughout the day. Vigorously scrub hands (especially fingers) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching face: Avoid touching eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
• Carry tissues: Coughing or sneezing into tissue is more sanitary than clothing.
• Wash clothing: Frequent washing of clothing (especially school hoodies) is important for general hygiene. (Please note: if people are coughing or sneezing into their clothing, the clothing is now contaminated.)
• Clean phones, computer keyboards, headphones / airpods and other electronic equipment regularly. Check with manufacturers about proper ways to disinfect equipment without damaging it.

For elder members of our community, including alumni, we offer the following important information from the CDC: COVID-19 AND ELDER PEOPLE