Dear Community,

In the fall of 2021, City Garden is planning for full in person learning.  In order to do this as safely as possible, City Garden will continue many of the COVID-19 safety procedures used in the 2020-2021 school year. 2020-2021 was a challenging year for our whole community and we have seen the impacts in student learning. To help address and recover from these impacts, City Garden is adding several resources. This includes adding an additional reading specialist, a math specialist, an early education special education instructor, and a second Family support coordinator/student therapist.

In our most recent survey, most parents are looking forward to in-person learning in the fall. Based on the current numbers, City Garden will not be able to offer customized virtual learning for families opting out if in person learning. City Garden will be consulting with families on using the State of Missouri’s virtual option called MOCAP.

While we are very hopeful that we will be able to provide in-person learning for the whole of the 2021-2022 school year, we do have plans to offer remote learning should COVID-19 situation at City Garden or the City of St. Louis dictate it. City Garden will offer instruction and on-line learning programs similar to what was offered in 2020-2021.

As we have seen over the last 18 months, the situation can change very rapidly. City Garden will review our fall plans and Covid-19 procedures in Mid-July and communicate with families in early August with any changes and adjustments.

Thank you for your partnership.

With gratitude,

David Blank
Chief Operating Officer

Dear City Garden Families,

In late July, we decided to operate under our current school plan through December, 2020. We currently have 26 preschool students in the building, 30 K-6 students in the building, and 176 K-8 students participating virtually.

In November we will evaluate the status of COVID-19 in our community and what our students’, staff members’ and families’ needs and preferences are, and we will make a decision at the end of November regarding how school will look in January through June. Our decision to keep with the same plan through December was based on the following:

• Operating under one instructional model for several months allows both guides and students to adjust to the necessary changes and make improvements along the way, rather than having to change course multiple times (i.e., begin virtually, transition to in-person, face potential closure and return to virtual).
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• Having the same plan in place for several months allows families and staff to make plans and not have to wonder when things will change.
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• We have many staff members with chronic health conditions and who are immune compromised, and a majority of City Garden staff remain very uncomfortable with resuming in-person classes.
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• Though the COVID-19 transmission rates in St. Louis have been improving, the risk of spread remains significant. It does not yet seem safe to bring all students and staff back to the building. I realize that other schools and districts are making different choices and are beginning to bring more students, and that some of you are anxious for us to do the same. Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate this very challenging set of circumstances. We realize virtual learning presents many challenges and is less than ideal. We are committed to supporting you and your children through this unusual time.
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Thank you for your partnership.

With gratitude,

Christie
CEO/Executive Director

Dear City Garden Parents and Families,

In preparation for the school year which begins on Monday, August 31st, I wanted to send along some updates to the families whose children will be on-site this fall. 

Morning Arrival

On-site students are asked to arrive between 8:10 and 8:30am. (We have previously allowed students to arrive at 8:00am - please note the time change.). Parents and guardians will be asked to say goodbye to their children at the car or outside the main entrance. Parents and guardians will not be allowed in the building, to minimize spread of germs.

COVID-19 On-Site Procedure Video

In order to ensure the safety and well being of our children and staff, we ask that each child planning to be in the school building this fall watch the following COVID-19 On-Site Procedure Video. The video features City Garden students demonstrating how to maintain social distance, wear a mask, participate in daily temperature checks, and participate in drop-off and pick-up protocol.

Dear City Garden Parents and Families,

In preparation for the school year which begins on Monday, August 31st, I wanted to send along some updates to the families whose children will be on-site this fall. 

Morning Arrival

On-site students are asked to arrive between 8:10 and 8:30am. (We have previously allowed students to arrive at 8:00am - please note the time change.). Parents and guardians will be asked to say goodbye to their children at the car or outside the main entrance. Parents and guardians will not be allowed in the building, to minimize spread of germs.

COVID-19 On-Site Procedure Video

In order to ensure the safety and well being of our children and staff, we ask that each child planning to be in the school building this fall watch the following COVID-19 On-Site Procedure Video. The video features City Garden students demonstrating how to maintain social distance, wear a mask, participate in daily temperature checks, and participate in drop-off and pick-up protocol.

Daily Wellness Checks through Tyler SIS Portal

In order to facilitate Daily Wellness Checks, we ask that all parents record information about their child's wellness before coming to school each day. This process will be facilitated through a mobile app/online portal called Tyler SIS. You should receive an email from Sharmouel Mosley with your username and password soon. 

On the first day of school, you will find a table of staff members on campus. They will be stationed outside to help facilitate this process if you are having any technical challenges. 

On-Site Learning Agreement Form

All families sending their children to school on-site are asked to read and sign an On-Site Learning Agreement Form. You can sign the form electronically at this link. We will also have paper copies available on Monday morning that you can sign as you drop off your child(ren).
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We have developed detailed health and safety guidelines, informed by the CDC, the St. Louis Department of Health, and infectious disease experts at St. Louis University. You can review our detailed Health & Operations Guide at this link.

School Supplies & Electronic Devices

Please Note: Any student who will be on-site will have their supplies ready for them on Monday morning. Parents/guardians of on-site children do not need to pick up school supplies or materials since all learning will be in the school building. 

As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions. Thank you for your patience and partnership!

In partnership,

Crystal Isom
Principal