RA Emails March-July 2020

July 31, 2020 at 3:00 PM EDT

Good Afternoon

As we prepare to enter the month of August you have likely been seeing, hearing, and reading much about the reopening of schools in our area and across the nation. While all of our sending districts have not yet made their final determination we are working to ensure that RA is prepared and ready to kick-off the school year in the best way possible given the challenges we are facing.

I feel I must take a moment to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the community of RA. The decisions of the past (almost!) six months have been riddled with emotion, fear, and fact. The unceasing effort of our Trustees and our staff to remain focused on what must be done and what cannot be changed has been inspirational. The support of our families has been no less encouraging. I KNOW that everyone is not ‘happy’ with everything that has happened or what plans for the future may bring, but the acknowledgment that we are doing our best is what truly matters.

It may sound like a bit of a broken record, but I will echo what many others have shared: None of us signed up for this, not one employee or student involved with RA asked for this. We are not trying to change the mission of our school and we are not trying to become a Cyber School…. There are plenty of experts already doing that! Our goal remains to eventually return to our ‘way’ of doing things; hopefully having learned how to do to them even better!

Below you will find some answers to the questions that we are ready and able to answer. More information will continue to come to you in the coming weeks. We will also be hosting a live meeting for our families in the evening on August 10, 2020. Details about accessing this meeting will be forthcoming.  

All the Best,
Dr. Guarino Buli

Hot Topics (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to buy school supplies for online learning?

A: Your child will need supplies to participate in their learning. An updated list of items is being crafted by a group of the teaching staff. If you have not yet bought supplies, we suggest you wait until the ‘at home’ list is shared. If you already purchased a Staples Kit, you will still receive and be able to use this!

Q: When / how do we get our Chromebook, textbooks, other items needed?

A: Lower School Families will be receiving a sign-up to come WITH their child for pick-up of items. For some younger children, this will include orientation to some of the materials as well as computer basics needed. Stay tuned!

Upper School Students will have an assigned day for attendance at school (in safe numbers for limited time spans) during which they will receive textbooks, materials, syllabus, etc. from their teachers.

*If your child or a family member is immunocompromised and CANNOT come to school for one of the above the principals will make arrangements with you directly.

Q: Do I need to buy uniforms for online learning?

A: A uniform is required for any onsite activity (such as above) so it is advisable to have a small stock. If your child is signed up for the ‘Supervision’ option [k-6 only] they will be required to attend in uniform.

Q: What is the student’s daily schedule in the online learning plan?

A: Students will have a daily schedule from 8:00-3:30 pm. This DOES NOT mean they will be on the computer the entire time but they will have daily expectations and routines. Specific schedules by grade/age group will be shared in the next few weeks.

Q: When will my child know who their teachers are / what classes they are taking?

A: The published schedule will be visible on Skyward August 10, 2020. Prior to that date information is subject to change.

Q: What if my student needs to change a class? (Mostly applicable to Upper School students)

A: A Drop-Add Period will occur on August 11, 2020, & August 12, 2020 - virtual options. 

Summer Information

Please check back frequently as this page will be updated as needed throughout the summer.  RA Summer 2020 Information Expired

Updates

Yearbooks

Some of our students have recently received yearbooks in the mail, while others have not. We are getting to the bottom of this mystery!

Apparently, Jostens, the yearbook company mistakenly mailed many of our books. While we did not ask for or pay for this service… it got done! The company is in the process of working with our Yearbook Advisors to mail the rest of the books; Upper School and Lower School, as a courtesy to our families. You should not need to pick up a book and can anticipate one arriving in the mail.

For specific questions or issues please contact our Yearbook Advisors:

Lower School: [email protected]

Upper School: [email protected]

From the School Nurse:

*Note - Regardless of the online learning plan for the start of our year the PADOH still requires the mandatory immunizations for school-age children. The required immunization list can be found on the July 3rd email below.

There is a 5-day grace period at the start of the school year during which you will need to provide proof of immunization or proof of a scheduled appointment.

Repeat Information:

The following items were included in this communication as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

From July 3rd Email (below)
  • 2020 Medical Information from the Nurse 
From May 29th Email (below):
  • Busing Information
  • Moving Instructions

July 24, 2020 at 8:26 AM EDT

Parents / Guardians of K-6th Grade:

As you have likely heard or read, RA will be starting the year off as in a FULLY ONLINE learning model. We know that this change will bring about many questions and we are working to develop detailed plans for you. In the meantime, here are some facts about the plan for our Lower School.

All students K-12 will be learning remotely to start the year.

All students K-12 will receive a chrome book from RA, you do not need to purchase a computer.

Supervision on site will be for K-6th Graders

  • Hours - Regular school day hours of 8:00-3:30, following the RA Calendar.
  • Days - 5-day a week expectation, commitment required.
  • Transportation - We are working with districts to secure transportation, you may also drive your child or have them walk if you live close by.
  • Meals - Breakfast & Lunch will be served for the regular cost; Free / Reduced benefits will apply to eligible students.
  • Recess /Breaks - These will be built into the daily schedule to allow for movement, socialization, and hygiene needs.
  • Supervision - Will be provided by RA Staff and Teachers.
  • Rules / Dress Code - RA Code of Conduct and required dress code is the expectation while on campus.

Please fill out this survey to notify the staff of your intention to use the Supervision Model while your child is receiving online learning. This response is required to secure your child's space, plan for staffing, and notify district transportation. If your situation should change we will require a 10-day notice to ensure we can provide adequate staffing and transportation needs.

You MUST be registered with your sending district’s transportation department if you require transportation via the school bus.

This selection DOES NOT affect the delivery of your child's educational program, teaching staff or learning support. This survey is to secure on an on-site supervision commitment only.

Best,
Dr. Guarino Buli 


July 24, 2020 at 2:47 PM EDT

News From RA

Good Afternoon

I am taking some time today to send this email to share some updates but also to hopefully address a few questions.

Yesterday afternoon, our Board of Trustees approved the Second Version of RA’s Health and Safety Plan for Reopening School. This version was developed with support and planning in collaboration with our Middle Leaders, Trustees and Administrators; with input from others in our school community. The approval occurred during a public board meeting. The meeting itself did not allow a capacity of over 100 participants and consequently some of you may have been unable to enter the online meeting. The minutes from this meeting, along with all minutes from public meetings, will be published on the school website once voted upon and approved by the board.

The greatest change in this plan is a move to a FULLY REMOTE mode of learning for the start of the school year. This plan includes an on-site supervision option for students K-6th grade.

This plan was chosen as it was determined the BEST option for both health, safety, planning and being able to provide a consistent and continuous education regardless of future developments or changes ahead of our nation and community. The plan itself will be published to our school website after it is acknowledged as received by PDE.

In some respects this decision allows our staff, families and community to KNOW what is ahead, the decision also will create, predictably, many more questions about planning, logistics and next steps for your students. In an effort to share all of the information with all of our families I am going to refrain from answering individual email questions and attempt to provide answers to questions both asked and anticipated to the entire community. Of course, if you have a specific need for your child or your family myself or someone on our team will respond to you directly, as soon as we are able to do so.

There are many questions asked for which we already have ideas and plans in the works and development; while other specifics will rely on input and cooperation from others outside of our own organization. This will all roll out to you slowly as we get closer to the start of school. We appreciate everyone's patience to allow the information sharing to occur in a systematic fashion.

In the meantime, I encourage you to watch the video recording of yesterday’s meeting, if you were not able to attend. Many of our initial questions are answered and the dialogue will provide you some basic information. The file is large so it is suggested you download and watch from your computer.

All the Best,
Dr. Guarino Buli

Summer Information

Please check back frequently as this page will be updated as needed throughout the summer.  RA Summer 2020 Information Page - Expired

Repeat Information:

The following items were included in this communication as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

From July 3rd Email (below)

  • 2020 Medical Information from the Nurse 

From June 19th Email (below)

  • Sports PIAA Physical Information Update
  • School Uniform Vendor Sales

From June 5th Email (below)

  • Fall Sports Registration

From May 29th Email (below):

  • Busing Information
  • Moving Instructions

From May 15th Email (below):

  • Yearbooks
  • Junior Class Rings

July 20, 2020 at 8:31 PM EDT

Good Evening

This email comes as a thank you to the 349 families who responded to the survey sent out last Friday, seeking input on our school plans and options for the coming school year. If you have not yet responded, please consider doing so to ensure we have a complete picture of the expectations and needs of our families.  Reopening Learning Format Family Survey

I am also happy to share some data from the survey, as requested by some families. I hope it is helpful to see how others in our community are responding.

Sending Districts for Transportation/County Chart

Represented in the following pie chart, of 349 Responses: 33.8% bused from Norristown SD, 28.9% bused from Phoenixville SD, and the other 37.3 bused from Great Valley, Boyertown, Methacton, OJR, Perkiomen Valley, and Pottsgrove.

Parent Survey Busing District Chart

Safety Requirements Compliance Response Chart 

Represented in the following pie chart, of 349 Responses: 340 (97.4%) would support mandated safety requirements and 12 (3.4%) said they would be unable to follow the mask requirements.

Parent Survey Safety Compliance Level Chart

Reopening Preference Chart 

Represented in the following pie chart, of 349 Responses:  6.9 % prefer all students onsite learning; 39.1% prefer all online distance learning; 36% prefer all students onsite learning on a rotating basis (several days in/several days out); and 18% prefer most students onsite learning with high-risk students distance learning.

Parent Survey Reopening Prefernces

During the week ahead our School Leadership will conduct their yearly planning retreat. As you might imagine much of this year’s time will be spent planning and finalizing decisions regarding opening and successful managing of our school. We anticipate updated plans and details to be available as these meetings unfold.

Our Board of Trustees is planning a public Voting Meeting at the conclusion of the retreat; July 23, 2020, at 4:00 pm. A link to connect and join this meeting will be published shortly.

Best,
Dr. Guarino Buli


July 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM EDT

Families of RA:

We are now just about five weeks away from our first days of school for the 2020-2021 School Year. Given the anticipation of the new year, now complicated by the ever-changing news updates and PDE Guidance related to COVID-19, the school leadership is weighing heavily on the various learning platforms which may be best for our students and our staff.

While our overarching goal remains to provide a high-quality education to your child, we must adhere to the now-growing compliance standards around health, safety, and increased sanitation. We are seeking a plan that will allow us to operate consistently, with minimal interruptions in future learning, hoping to avoid a reactionary situation or shut-down. Families and staff have expressed concerns regarding the ability to safely re-open AND remain open.

We are considering online models, which will allow for a well-planned learning environment coupled with supervision and necessary supports. We are sending the following survey to gain a more solid understanding and accurate account of our families’ needs. Please answer the questions on the survey to the best of your ability given your current plans. Learning Format Survey

Please note:

  1. We know things change - Your responses may be updated as we get closer to the start of the school year.
  2. We are looking at an initial plan for the FIRST TRIMESTER, whatever decisions are made, they will be reassessed once the school year gets underway, and may be adjusted.
  3. Online Learning WILL NOT be the model that was used under ‘Crises Planning’ which took place in the spring.
  4. Online Learning WILL include scheduled sessions, with certified teachers, and mandatory attendance parameters.
  5. All students (K-12) will be provided with Chromebooks in the online model - families do NOT need to purchase computers.
  6. Families in need of WiFi will be given support in identifying programs for which they will qualify.
  7. A provision for the supervision of elementary students, during the Online Learning model, is being considered if this becomes evident as the best course for our school community.
  8. In all models, there will be independent work, and parent support is ALWAYS part of our school model - THANK YOU for all you have done and continue to do to guide your student!

Best,
Dr. Guarino Buli


July 14, 2020 at 9:30 AM EDT

Good Morning

Over the past several days the administration has been receiving more and more communication from our stakeholders: families and staff with rising concerns regarding the impending start of the school year. These concerns have been punctuated by the conflicting guidance and statements being made publicly by government officials, medical professionals, and health care workers - many of those in authority we are taught and conditioned to trust.

Some of our families are eagerly anticipating a ‘getting back to school’ and want their children to be with their friends, while others have expressed worry and doubt about the sheer reality regarding the task of keeping everyone safe in a school setting. The past several months and weeks have truly been difficult for all of us and looking ahead it is hard to see the anxiety or stresses lessen.

I wish to assure you that we, your school leaders, get it!

We too, have concerns about the changing expectations, worries about how we will get everything done, and loved ones for whom we are concerned. We too are eager to get back to educating and learning with your children and their classmates.

I wish to provide some answers to the questions we are getting and hopefully, put some minds further at ease. These FAQs are not meant to be all-encompassing, but rather highlight some areas which have been of greatest concern recently.

Thank you again for your continued patience and cooperation as we explore the most reasonable, safe, and manageable way to continue our mission of developing and educating your children. At this time we are most grateful for your choice of being Renaissance Knights.

With Gratitude,
Dr. Guarino Buli

Questions and Answers

Q: If I need to keep my child home for safety / medical reasons will they have a fully online option?

A: Yes, we are planning for some students to require a fully online program. The option will be shared along with the final plans and details regarding expectations and attendance are forthcoming.

Q: If I keep my child home, learning online, will I lose my ‘spot’ at RA and have to re-apply?

A: NO! As long as your child remains enrolled in the school we will ensure that online learning continues to meet the needs of our students and you will not be penalized for this option. This has been supported and confirmed by the PA Secretary of Education regarding Charter enrollment.

Q: How will teachers teach online and manage students at the school? This is too much!

A: The School Leadership (Curriculum Leaders and Lead Teachers along with Administrators) are working on plans that allow for a division of labor, reasonable expectations, and additional planning time to make sure our teaching staff is accommodated and able to manage their responsibilities.

Q: When will a student schedule for routine attendance be shared?

A: We hope to have finalized plans out within the next few weeks. This may seem like a long wait, but we truly want to make sure we are making a SOLID plan, based on research and best practices, that does not need to be changed haphazardly due to new developments or guidance.

Q: Will all students be attending on a rotating schedule as mentioned in the re-opening plan?

A: The exact configuration of students attending on-site vs. online is not yet finalized. There is still work to be done regarding the safest way to schedule all of the students so that they can learn, regardless of where they are.

Q: If my child has to come to the school will transportation be provided by sending districts?

A: If your sending district is in our busing range, and your child requires transportation, you can expect that. If at any time your sending district CLOSES (due to moving to the Red Phase or other restrictions) your transportation will most likely cease. We are in the process of coordinating with sending districts regarding safety on school buses.

Q: If my child is eligible for Free/Reduced meals how will they receive these on days, not in school?

A: If your child is in an online learning environment, food resources will be made available. The exact method of how this will be executed is not yet finalized.

Q: What if my child is medically (or otherwise) exempt from wearing the required face covering or mask?

A: We will work with you to make sure your child is able to safely attend with special accommodations as needed. Socially distancing will be used to manage those not wearing face coverings if they are able to attend school.

Q: How will you handle issues of students making fun / bothering a student who is or is not able to wear a mask or face covering?

A: Unkind behavior will be addressed per our Code of Conduct and Core Values. Education regarding the use of face coverings will be key to handling this new concept, especially for our younger students. We encourage you to have conversations about the various possibilities (masks, shields, friends who cannot wear a mask) at home and prepare your child for what they may see at school. Practicing and modeling these behaviors now will go a long way when your child returns to the building.


July 10, 2020 at 2:10 PM EDT

News From RA

As the summer months seem to be flying by, your School Leaders are hard at work planning for a safe and successful re-opening of schools. I know it may seem that there is a lot of conflicting and confusing information in the news; which may lead to questions and uncertainties regarding schools.

While we will do our best to stay abreast of the latest and safest recommendations, our attention must be focused on what we feel is best for the organization overall. The commitment we can make, and will adhere to, is communicating with our families with transparency and understanding. We are also seeking to respond to questions and concerns while keeping in mind that we cannot make every request become a reality.

We are now in the process of digging deeper into all aspects of school to ensure a reasonable, safe plan is in place to allow our kids to come to school, interact with friends and participate in a ‘normal’ day while with us. We know that some aspects will be different but we feel confident that with everyone’s cooperation we can achieve our goals. July Greetings!

Some logistical Reopening updates:

Masks and Face Coverings: There have been a number of questions on this topic. We do not want to create any more stress, then it already exists around this topic, for our students.

We will allow most types of face coverings felt to be most appropriate for your child’s needs. You may send your child with a cloth mask, face shield, neck sock etc. if you like.

We will also allow designs - *This is a Change from a previous message. The designs must adhere to school code and values. Any words or images deemed inappropriate or distracting to learning will not be permitted and your child will be given a palin disposable mask to wear if asked to remove their own mask.

If you have further questions about face coverings - please ask! 

Seeing the Nurse:

If your child has a condition for which they visit the school nurse on a regular basis for medication, or management of a known condition this may be a concern as the nurses office will also be visited by children who are ill.

Plans are in place to create ‘sick’ and ‘well’ areas within the school. This will allow us to isolate a child who may be ill, while they await an emergency pick-up from school.

Staff will be provided basic items in classrooms to handle MINOR needs such as a bandage or such, so that children who are not ‘sick’ do not need to visit the nurse’s office unnecessarily. 

Travel Plans: 

We will be monitoring the current list of PA DOH locations for travel advisories. We will continue to review this list and the recommendations regarding return to school / work from those places. There is not currently an Order for quarantine in the Commonwealth however, staff and families are urged to be aware of those regulations as they develop over the next few weeks. We will be asking for self-disclosure regarding any travel within 14 days of reporting dates. 

Kindergarten’s Big Move!

You may have heard… A few months ago our Board of Trustees announced the acquisition of a new space adjacent to our Lower School Building. This area is being transformed into a lovely space for our incoming kindergarten students! While all of our RA Team is working hard to prepare for the start of school; our kindergarten teachers have been prepping their shiny new space for our newest knights.

This new space will allow for age and developmentally specific planning as well as room for our kindergartners to learn and be with their new friends.

Kinder Families: Please stay tuned for more information regarding a visit to this new space and more details to prepare for your exciting first year at RA!

Summer Information

Please check back frequently as this page will be updated as needed throughout the summer.  RA Summer 2020 Information Page - Espired

Repeat Information:

The following items were included in this communication as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

From July 3rd Email (below)

  • 2020 Medical Information from the Nurse 

From June 19th Email (below)

  • Sports PIAA Physical Information Update
  • School Uniform Vendor Sales

From June 5th Email (below)

  • Fall Sports Registration

From May 29th Email (below):

  • Busing Information
  • Moving Instructions

From May 15th Email (below):

  • Yearbooks
  • Junior Class Rings

July 3, 2020 at 3:00 PM EDT

News From RA

July Greetings!

Another milestone of sorts has been reached as the educational communities in our state and nation continue to prepare for the school year ahead. Health and Safety are the guiding forces while reconciling the importance of delivering on our promise of a World Class CHOICE in education for your child is ever on our minds.

This past week our Trustees approved the first version of our Reopening Plan. We hope that this plan will provide our staff, students and families with some guidelines that point toward our hopes for a successful school year. We are keenly aware that this plan will change over time and adjustments will be made. Our expectation is to maintain the standards set forth by PDE and the Department of Health while doing what is best for the overall well-being of our community.

We appreciate everyone’s ongoing support and understanding as decisions must be made and questions answered; in tandem with ever-changing updates and guidelines.

I wish you and your families the best for a lovely Fourth of July Weekend, celebrating safely!

Dr. Guarino Buli

Summer Information

Please check back frequently as this page will be updated as needed throughout the summer.  RA Summer 2020 Information Page - Expired

From the School Nurse:

Items needed for entry into School Year 2020/2021:
(Note: all forms and information can be found on rak12.org by clicking on
Medical & Health under the Parent section)

  • Entering Kindergarten:
    • Physical Exam form
    • Dental Exam form
    • Immunizations
      • 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
      • 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)
      • 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella**
      • 3 doses of hepatitis B
      • 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity
  • Entering Third Grade:
    • Dental Exam form
  • Entering Sixth Grade:
    • Physical Exam form
  • Entering Seventh Grade:
    • Dental Exam form
    • Immunizations
      • 1 Dose of Tdap
      • 1 Dose of MCV
  • Entering Eleventh Grade:
    • Physical Exam form
  • Entering Twelfth Grade:
    • Immunizations
      • 2nd Dose of MCV is required at age 16 or entry into 12 th grade. (If the 1st dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.)

*Updated* - The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires students entering 12th grade receive a second dose of the Meningitis vaccination. (If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.) After careful review of your child’s records they are still in need of their 2nd meningitis vaccination required for entering 12th grade.

Please note that if your child fails to comply with the immunization requirements by August 27, 2020 we will be required to exclude your child from attendance in school.

Please forward updated immunization records to Mrs. Cavanagh as soon as possible or have your child bring documentation to school on their first day back. Information regarding immunization requirements are available on the school web page at rak12.org by clicking on Medical & Health under the parent section.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Grace Cavanagh, RN, BSN, CSN, M. Ed.
Certified School Nurse
Ph: 610-983-4080 x127
F: 610-983-4096

Repeat Information:

The following items were included in this communication as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

Attention www.rak12.org Mobile Website Users

We have recently been informed by our website host that the former web app is no longer supported. If you have downloaded and been using this app, please delete it and save our actual website www.rak12.org for future use. Our website is now fully responsive in mobile form so this app is obsolete.

*If you receive an error message when trying to view our site, be sure that you are NOT using the old app address which contains a “/m” at the end. Use www.rak12.org only.

From June 28th Email (below)

  • High School Prom Update
  • Scholarship Contest
  • Bus Loop Mural

From June 19th Email (below)

  • Sports PIAA Physical Information Update
  • School Uniform Vendor Sales

From June 5th Email (below)

  • Fall Sports Registration

From May 29th Email (below):

  • Busing Information
  • Moving Instructions

From May 15th Email (below):

  • Yearbooks
  • Junior Class Rings

June 28, 2020 at 8:24 PM EDT
News From RA

Summer Information

Please check back frequently as this page will be updated as needed throughout the summer.  RA Summer 2020 Information Page - Expired

Office Summer Hours

  • July 6th - August 6th
    • Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm (Closed Fridays)
  • August 10th-August 19th
    • Weekdays 7:30am-3:30pm
  • August 20th - 1st Day of School
    • Regular Office Hours 7:30am-4:40pm

Main Office Email:  [email protected]

If you have an emergency or need immediate assistance in a school related manner please contact a school administrator. Emails and phone messages will be checked periodically through the summer months.

High School Prom

Unfortunately, there was not enough interest / commitment to warrant holding a Prom even this summer. We apologize for any disappointment and look forward to future events with our students! 

Contest Opportunity:

Calling All Middle & High School Students!  Has your school delivered on the promise of equal access and educational excellence during these challenging times? Show @edreform your answer in a YouTube video, and you could win a scholarship! #MyEducationVideo http://MyEducationVideo.com

Attention www.rak12.org Mobile Website Users

We have recently been informed by our website host that the former web app is no longer supported. If you have downloaded and been using this app, please delete it and save our actual website www.rak12.org for future use. Our website is now fully responsive in mobile form so this app is obsolete.

*If you receive an error message when trying to view our site, be sure that you are NOT using the old app address which contains a “/m” at the end. Use www.rak12.org only.

Reopening of Schools

The administration continues to work toward plans for a safe reopening of schools in August. We are working along with guidance from PDE, professional organizations and internal teams to create a plan that will allow for peace of mind, safety and learning to happen for all of our students.

Thank you for the feedback provided by families through our Reopening Survey and Collection of Information earlier in the Spring. These responses are very helpful as we try to consider the many needs of our families and students.

While firm plans are not yet known we do anticipate that our official start date will remain per our school calendar, August 20, 2020. Specifics on what this will entail are forthcoming. We hope to have a ‘Preliminary Plan for Re-opening to share in with the community soon. We acknowledge that things will continue to develop and change and plans will be fluid.

We do expect that there will be some expectation for face coverings at minimum. Specific requirements pertaining to children’s ages, times of day, and activities requiring this are not yet set in stone.

We do not want this requirement to add any additional stress but we will have set expectations to diminish distractions or issues; much like the rest of our dress code.

There have been a few questions about the strictness of these guidelines. While we are not making any decisions regarding this currently, please know we are taking all concerns and suggestions into consideration.

  • We will not require a specific color of mask, but we will encourage neutral, or academy colors. Colors such as gray, blue, black, etc. will be encouraged.
  • We will not allow prints, pictures, or wording - masks will need to be solid in color.
  • Some of our uniform vendors will be supplying masks for sale, but we will not require a logo. The option to affix a logo does appear on some sites at this time.
  • We will maintain a stock of disposable masks for students who might forget, lose, or damage a mask while at school. This will need to be managed as we, for obvious reasons, cannot have an endless supply.

Dear RA Students/Alumni/Parents,

On June 9th, an email was sent to our families stating our intention to create a Black Lives Matter mural in the bus loop at school. This idea was inspired by the mural painted in Washington DC and that now is being painted in a variety of ways all over the country. A follow-up email was sent last week, asking for student input for the artwork. We are happy to have received several creative ideas.

The proposed design is under review with our trustees & will be shared with the Franklin Commons Condominium Association prior to a final decision on what the design will look like. We will update the community once we have an approved design.

Best,
Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. James, & Mrs. Swiggard

From the School Nurse:

Items needed for entry into School Year 2020/2021:
(Note: all forms and information can be found on rak12.org by clicking on
Medical & Health under the Parent section)

  • Entering Kindergarten:
    • Physical Exam form
    • Dental Exam form
    • Immunizations
      • 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
      • 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)
      • 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella**
      • 3 doses of hepatitis B
      • 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity
  • Entering Third Grade:
    • Dental Exam form
  • Entering Sixth Grade:
    • Physical Exam form
  • Entering Seventh Grade:
    • Dental Exam form
    • Immunizations
      • 1 Dose of Tdap
      • 1 Dose of MCV
  • Entering Eleventh Grade:
    • Physical Exam form
  • Entering Twelfth Grade:
    • Immunizations
      • 2nd Dose of MCV is required at age 16 or entry into 12 th grade. (If the 1st dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.)

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Grace Cavanagh, RN, BSN, CSN, M. Ed.
Certified School Nurse
Ph: 610-983-4080 x127
F: 610-983-4096

Repeat Information:

The following items were included in this communication as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

From June 19th Email (below)

  • Sports PIAA Physical Information Update
  • School Uniform Vendor Sales

From June 5th Email (below)

  • Fall Sports Registration

From May 29th Email (below):

  • Busing Information
  • Moving Instructions

From May 15th Email (below):

  • Yearbooks
  • Junior Class Rings

June 22, 2020 at 2:22 PM EDT and again on June 26, 2020 at 2:22 PM EDT

Good Afternoon

Thank you to the many families who have already completed our Re-Opening Survey. We will continue to collect responses until Friday, June 26, 2020. Your time, input and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Some Notes on the response thus far:

Many of the concerns voiced by families, are the very same concerns that our administration is aware of and working on plans to address. It is reassuring that we are all on the same page and are seeking solutions to many of the same issues! This will help our planning immensely.

I wish to cautiously note that No Firm Plans are in place however, I can address a few questions that have consistently come up while confirming a few items for you.

  1. Perfect Attendance Awards - This will no longer be an area of recognition. We do not want to do anything that encourages a child or staff member to come to school if they are not feeling well! 
  2. Rotating Schedule - If implemented in any configuration we will do our best to keep households/families on the same rotation so that siblings are able to be home and to travel together.
  3. Online Learning - We are well aware that the model used during out period of closure was 'good enough' to get us through an emergency situation. We are in exploration and development of a much more robust, interactive and structured plan for our staff and students. While we are not opening a Cyber School, per se, If virtual learning continues in some format it will be a different level of expectation and accountability going forward.

Thank you again for your feedback. If your family has not yet filled out the survey please do so: Online Re-Opening Family Survey - Expired

Regards,
Dr. Guarino Buli


June 19, 2020 at 3:00 PM EDT
News From RA

Summer Information

Please check back frequently as this page will be updated as needed throughout the summer.  RA Summer 2020 Information Page - Expired

Reopening of Schools

The administration continues to work toward plans for a safe reopening of schools in August. We are working along with guidance from PDE, professional organizations and internal teams to create a plan that will allow for peace of mind, safety and learning to happen for all of our students.

We are asking for ALL FAMILIES to complete this survey to provide the school with information to inform these ongoing plans and decisions. Responses are not a commitment to any particular plan at this time. A response is requested by June 26, 2020. Additional information may be requested in the coming weeks.

While firm plans are not yet known we do anticipate that our official start date will remain per our school calendar, August 20, 2020. Specifics on what this will entail are forthcoming.

We do expect that there will be some expectation for face coverings at minimum. Specific requirements pertaining to children’s ages, times of day, and activities requiring this are not yet set in stone.

We do not want this requirement to add any additional stress but we will have set expectations to diminish distractions or issues; much like the rest of our dress code.

We will not require a specific color of mask, but we will encourage neutral, or academy colors. Colors such as gray, blue, black, etc. will be encouraged.

We will not allow prints, pictures, or wording - masks will need to be solid in color.

Some of our uniform vendors will be supplying masks for sale, but we will not require a logo. The option to affix a logo does appear on some sites at this time.

We will maintain a stock of disposable masks for students who might forget, lose, or damage a mask while at school. This will need to be managed as we, for obvious reasons, cannot have an endless supply.

Office Summer Hours

  • July 6th - August 6th
    • Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm (Closed Fridays)
  • August 10th-August 19th
    • Weekdays 7:30am-3:30pm
  • August 20th - 1st Day of School
    • Regular Office Hours 7:30am-4:40pm

Main Office Email:  [email protected]

If you have an emergency or need immediate assistance in a school related manner please contact a school administrator. Emails and phone messages will be checked periodically through the summer months.

Uniforms

Please see the following vendor specials on uniform items

Lands End

  • Free Logo + 20% off uniforms (July 4th - July 10th)
  • Code: ROCKET Pin: 1776

Flynn O'Hara

Visit RA's Uniform Webpage for more uniform and vendor information.

PIAA Athletic Physicals Information Update:

All physicals for sports MUST be completed on a PIAA Physical form and must be dated after June 1st, 2020. Any physicals not completed on a PIAA Physical form or were completed prior to June 1, 2020 will not be accepted.

New This Year:  Renaissance Academy Athletic Department has collaborated with a local Physician in Phoenixville that will offer Renaissance Academy student-athletes sports physicals at his office for $20 on Tuesday and Friday mornings starting June 1, 2020. You are NOT required to use this Physician and may use your own doctor. This is just another option for you to use if you would like.

Physician Information:

Dr. Csaszar
Csaszar Institute, PLLC (share space with Tri-County Chiropractors)
503 Kimberton Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-983-3686
Email will always get a faster response: [email protected]

All PIAA Physicals must be completed and turned in prior to the first official practice or tryout of the season:

  • Varsity Football – August 10, 2020
  • All other Fall Varsity Sports – August 17, 2020
  • Fall Middle School Sports – August 24, 2020

Repeat Information:

The following items were included as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

From June 5th Email (below)

  • Fall Sports Registration

From May 29th Email (below):

  • Busing Information
  • Moving Instructions

From May 15th Email (below):

  • Yearbooks
  • Junior Class Rings

June 5, 2020 at 8:59 PM EDT

Weekly News

Good Evening Families of Renaissance:
As we wrap up another week, I am going to take this opportunity and this forum to address what is happening in our community. I will try not be long-winded, and I will not try to answer all the questions - I have never pretended to know all the answers.

In the past three months we have seen struggles of physical health, mental health, job-security, literal storms and blatant hatred; in the form of overt racism. These have ALL hit our nation and our own school community. We have had members of our school family suffer loss of loved ones, loss of stability and loss of their feeling of safety.

This may not be known to all of our families, but since closing school on March 13, I have sent a communication to my staff every day we were in session. My goal in this steady consistent communication was to keep them informed, connected and updated. Sometimes there were logistical needs. Sometimes there were simply morale needs.

Last week, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, a now well known name to all of us, I again communicated to my staff. My communication was to remind them of our role and the need to support our students in times of need. My staff response to my email was reassuring, and validating, and I know that they understand the role they play in your children’s lives. In response to an alumnus’ question on social media, I willingly shared that very communication, in an effort to show our families what my words and directive to my staff look like.

The Social Media posts were followed by a message, which you received earlier today, from our board of trustees. The letter sought to declare the school leadership’s stance and views on the mistreatment of black persons; and specifically our black students. The letter sought to clearly state that our school sees you, hears you, supports you, and supports the ANTI-RACISM stance that is called for to make necessary change.

I proudly support the staff, student-groups and families who currently engage within our school to take active steps to be against racism. I gladly commit resources, time and effort to this mission and look forward to continued action through the efforts of these groups and others!

To the families, alumni staff and others who reached out in the wake of these messages, to offer sincere support and partnership, I thank you. You WILL be called upon and are appreciated!

Have a safe weekend,
Dr, Guarino Buli

From The Counseling Department

As a department, we feel a sense of loss that we are not here to support our students in person during such a traumatic time in the world. Our world is hurting and there is a divide amongst people due to racial tensions. People are experiencing many different feelings, all of which are normal and okay. Please continue to talk to your children about their worries, anger, sadness, and other emotions that they are experiencing. As a department, we recognize that we must do a better job in acknowledging and educating others on this topic. We can listen and seek to better understand other people's perspectives.

Our hearts are heavy knowing how much pain, anger, and sadness people are enduring. Listed below are a few resources that may help you to navigate a conversation with your child. Feel free to reach out to your school counselors if you have any questions or if you come across resources that you feel may benefit our school community.

Thinking of you all,

Mrs. Fleck (9th-12th grade counselor), [email protected]
Mrs. Murtagh (5-8th grade counselor), [email protected]
Mrs. Laurento (k-4th grade counselor), [email protected]

Class of 2020

Join in the 12th Grade Commencement Celebration here:

Celebrate the Class of 2020 with their accomplishments:

  • Class of 2020's Acceptances.pdf

End of Year Clean Out - K-11th Grade 

In preparation for the end of year we have several days of structured time for clean out.

*There are still families who have not signed up to clean out! Please plan to visit the school to return school property and clean out lockers!

Follow this link to select a day / time for your family.

Online Sign Up for K-11th Grade Clean Out - Link Expired

High School Prom:

We are not yet able to make a firm decision on the status of the High School Prom. We have a tentative date reserved with the venue, for July 19, 2020. We will not be able to decide if this date can be used until the DOH / CDC provides guidance on rules regarding gatherings this summer.

2020 Fall Sports Information:

Fall Sports Registration:

Renaissance Academy will continue to use Family ID for our online sports registration. For a student-athlete to be eligible to play a sport, they must register on Family ID for their specific sport as well as have a completed PIAA physical form (dated after June 1, 2020).

Fall Sports Registration is OPEN.  To register, please:

Registration must be completed by prior to any summer or preseason practices/workouts.

Sport Schedules, Tryouts and Practices

All teams’ schedules, tryouts, and practice information can be located on our Knights Athletics Website

PIAA Athletic Physicals Information:

All physicals for sports MUST be completed on a PIAA Physical form and must be dated after June 1st, 2020. Any physicals not completed on a PIAA Physical form or were completed prior to June 1, 2020 will not be accepted. 

New This Year:  Renaissance Academy Athletic Department has collaborated with a local Physician in Phoenixville that will offer Renaissance Academy student-athletes sports physicals at his office for $20 on Tuesday and Friday mornings starting June 1, 2020. You are NOT required to use this Physician and may use your own doctor. This is just another option for you to use if you would like.

Repeat Information:

The following items were included as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

Technology Support

From May 29th Email (below):

  • Busing Information
  • Moving Instructions

From May 22nd Email (below):

  • Kindergarten Graduation / Move-up Shirt Ceremonies
  • Chromebooks

From May 15th Email (below):

  • End of Year Planning:
    • 8th Grade Promotion
    • Lower School Awards
  • Yearbooks
  • Junior Class Rings

From 4/14/20 email below:

  • Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account
  • PBIS Points

June 2, 2020 at 5:26 PM EDT

High School Commencement - The Plans

Good Evening!

We are excited to announce our evolving plans for High School Commencement. Please follow the link below for specifics of each evening's line-up.

Please note: The Links for each 'Knight' of celebration will become Live at the time specified. You will not be able to access those events until that time. June 4th - 10th events are online and will be accessible to all members of our community - we hope you will join us!

June 11th - The event is in person for Seniors and their families only - Specific instructions for this event are on the site and can be viewed immediately. This event will also be available for viewing via a live feed and we hope those of you who are not on campus will join us by viewing online. 

Thank you for joining us as we prepare to send off our Class of 2020 into a brighter future! 

Lastly, congratulations to the Upper School Staff who have worked to prepare this very unique experience for our students and their families.

All the best, 
Dr. Guarino Buli & Mrs. Michelle Boyd 


May 29, 2020 at 5:07 PM EDT

Good Afternoon Families of Renaissance:

As a reminder please be sure to fill out the sign-up forms below to plan for ‘end of year’ cleanout. This will be the expected time for ALL students to turn in school-owned material and pick up personal items. There are still quite a few slots left!

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. Your school leadership is working daily to prepare and provide for your students.

All the Best,
Dr. Guarino Buli

RA’s Week of Talent!

Join in the fun - RA's Got Talent Virtual Talents Week (pdf)

Survey Feedback:

While collecting your feedback from the family survey there were some questions that I felt it would be best to answer for the community as a whole. As we do not know answers to many of the unknowns when it comes to the start of school, we are looking ahead and putting various precautionary contingencies in place. We will continue to follow the updates and guidance from DOH, CDC and the Governor's office as we receive them. Updates and information will be shared during the summer months as decisions are made.

*This is NOT an exhaustive list of all questions nor all actions we are taking as a school. This may provide some answers to common questions and concerns. We will try to include answers to questions each week.

Q: If school continues with distance-education in place will there be a more robust plan?
A: YES! The current distance learning methods were planned in a very short time with no enhancement of resources. A long-term need will involve a more thorough delivery of curriculum with time for proper Professional Development. Plans are being explored for contingencies.

Q: If School re-opens will we be notified if students or staff are diagnosed with COVID-19?
A: We will continue to update our school community if any serious, contagious disease or illness should occur. We typically do this when we a high number in a short time (i.e. Strep Throat, Stomach Bug) and will do our best to continue this practice when information is made available to us.

Q: If a vaccine becomes available will it be required for school attendance?
A: This is a decision that comes from the PA Department of Health. School Officials do not have the authority to make these decisions.

Q: If my child is not able to return due to health concerns will they lose a space at RA.
A: No, as long as your child remains enrolled we are obligated to educate them and they remain our student. If they require specific accommodations to meet their health needs plans will be developed with medical professionals’ and parents’ input.

Q: If school re-opens will my child be required to wear a mask.
A: We will be following specific guidelines from PDE in regard to school requirements for face coverings when those guidelines are released. We do anticipate that some level of face covering will be expected. We do not anticipate requiring specific colors, but we will adhere to the dress code pertaining to adornment, patterns or phrases. We will roll out specific rules for our school once we have a clearer picture.

Commencement Plans

This week our initial plans to celebrate the High School Class of 2020 were shared with our seniors and their families. You can see the video announcement here: Class of 2020 YouTube Video.

Details of portions which will be viewable to the general public are forthcoming.

We hope to celebrate with you in person as permitted, either in the late summer, or during the months ahead when our alumni are back in the area. These gatherings, when allowable, will be scheduled at a later date.

District Busing Forms for the 2020-2021 School Year

*Update - Norristown Area School District has notified us that they DO NOT require this form.

Year-End Transportation Forms (Act 372) - Some of our busing districts require their families to submit busing forms at the end of each school year. Please contact the district's Transportation Departments directly to obtain the corresponding forms.
View RA Busing Districts Transportation Dept. Contacts 

**These forms are to be returned directly to the busing district. Please be sure to pay particular attention to the listed deadline to ensure your student has appropriate transportation when we return to school in August.

Moving?

If you have moved or are moving, please be sure to fill out a Change of Address Form. Transportation cannot be changed until the required paperwork is submitted. Please note that changes in transportation can take 3 to 5 business days and transportation in two different districts may not be granted by the district for two separate households.

From the Counseling Department...

Are You In Need Of A Creative Outlet For Your Child This Summer?  The counseling department would like to share another resource with you. Please know that the program is not affiliated with Renaissance Academy but we thought it would be a good resource to look into.

Barnstone Art for Kids is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Phoenixville, PA that uses the Power of Art to foster resilience in children facing adversity. They will be providing free virtual studio workshops this summer. If you have a child that could use a creative outlet this summer then please contact Barnstone Art for Kids. More information about this opportunity is attached. 

Don’t forget that you can always reach out to us if you have questions/concerns! Please view our Extended Closure Family Counseling & Support Page for COVID-19 student, family, and community resources. This page is updated as new resources are identified.

Thinking of you all,

Mrs. Fleck (9th-12th grade counselor), [email protected]
Mrs. Murtagh (5-8th grade counselor), [email protected]
Mrs. Laurento (k-4th grade counselor), [email protected]

Repeat Information:

The following items were included as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

End of Year Dates for Planning:

  • May 29th - Last day for NEW instruction
  • June 3rd - Last day for make-up / late work to be turned in for grading
  • June 5th - Grades close in the grade book

Technology Support

From May 22nd Email (below):

  • Kindergarten Graduation / Move-up Shirt Ceremonies
  • Chromebooks
  • End of Year Clean Out – Grades K-11
  • Prom

From May 15th Email (below):

  • Summer Updates
    • Extended School Year (to be held virtually)
    • Camps / Enrichment (canceled for the summer)
  • End of Year Planning:
    • 8th Grade Promotion
    • Lower School Awards
  • Yearbooks
  • Junior Class Rings

From 4/14/20 email below:

  • Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account
  • PBIS Points

May 22, 2020 at 3:01 PM EDT

Good Afternoon Families of Renaissance:

As a reminder, please be sure to fill out the sign-up forms below to plan for ‘end of year’ cleanout. This will be the expected time for ALL students to turn in school-owned material and pick up personal items. There are still quite a few slots left!

A bit of information is repeated this week for two reasons - It is important, and it hasn’t changed… which is a pleasant twist. I think we will all be happy with a little ‘nothing new’ right about now! New information for this week is listed under “New & Updated Information”. Please be sure to review what is not new, as there has been a lot of information shared and it is easy to miss things.

I am again, asking that families fill out a brief survey to help in our planning and to assist as we look to the future. The current pandemic has certainly led to some adjustments and challenges for all of us. We are seeking our community input on issues related to the health and wellness of their children and families; safety in the school setting and needs for which we need to account. The survey is anonymous at this time as we only wish to collect general data. We will likely follow-up during the summer with a collection of specific family needs as we have a clearer picture of what the restrictions and safety measures in the school setting will be for the 2020-2021 School Year. Family Feedback Online Survey - Expired.  For anyone who has indicated they would like follow-up, we will get to you in the coming weeks! Thank you!

Wishing you and your loved ones a restful, relaxing extended weekend as we remember those for whom the day is meant to honor! Enjoy your Memorial Day.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. Your school leadership is working daily to prepare and provide for your students.

All the Best,
Dr. Guarino Buli

New and Updated Information

Chromebooks

EVERY student who has a Chromebook in their possession will need to have it with them, for inventory purposes, when they arrive at their ‘clean-out’ time.

Students currently in grades 4th-12th will have the option to opt into the school’s ‘one: one’ insurance program and keep the Chromebook over the summer and into the next school year. This is the program that was previously in place for all 7th-12th grade students. Instructions for this were sent out earlier this week. Please review that email for full detail. 

Kindergarten Graduation / Move-up Shirt Ceremonies

These important milestones will be scheduled for the start of the school year as permitted. Tentative plans are being set for August 19, 2020. If permitted the following schedule will be followed*:

  • 9:00 am ~ Kindergarten graduation ceremony
  • 10:30 am ~ Red Shirt ceremony
  • 11:30 am ~ Light blue/Dark blue Shirt ceremony

*Tentative reception between all ceremonies in the cafeteria.

We hope that August 19th will also be a day that Lower School families can come in to see where their child's classroom is for the school year. More information on that is forthcoming pending allowances. 

High School Prom:

At this time it is apparent, due to the ‘Red’ status of our counties that we will not be able to hold the prom, as scheduled, this weekend. We have a tentative date reserved with the venue, for mid-July 19, 2020. We will not be able to decide if this date can be used until the DOH / CDC provides guidance on rules regarding gatherings this summer. We hope to make a decision by the 1st of June, if it appears we are able to use the venues per their regulations and safety mandates, for the back-up date.

Fall Athletics:

Per the PIAA there will remain a requirement to complete a new physical for any student participating in the sports program. Details regarding this and other registration requirements are forthcoming.

From the Counseling Department….

We are coming to the end of May which also marks the last week of Mental Health Awareness Month. We hope that you all have been taking care of your minds during this time! Just because the end of May is here, it doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to try some of the activities we suggested.

While searching for resources this week, we found a link to some free online, kid-friendly webinars. Renaissance Academy is not affiliated with any of the programs but we thought it would be good to share with families. Please take a look at the programs before sharing them with your children to ensure that they are appropriate for your child: Event Brite: The Best Online Events for Kids While Parents Work From Home. If you are looking for some kindness projects over the summer for your children then you may want to visit Pillars of Light and Love. They host a monthly kindness project. They also have additional resources on their website that may be helpful to you and/or your family.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend and enjoy Memorial Day! Don’t forget that you can always reach out to us if you have questions/concerns!

Please view our Extended Closure Family Counseling & Support Page for COVID-19 student, family, and community resources. This page is updated as new resources are identified.

Thinking of you all,
Mrs. Fleck (9th-12th grade counselor), [email protected]
Mrs. Murtagh (5-8th grade counselor), [email protected]
Mrs. Laurento (k-4th grade counselor), [email protected]

Reminders:

End of Year Clean Out 

K-11th Grade - In preparation for the end of year we will have several days of structured time for clean out. Please follow this link to select a day / time for your family.

Online Sign Up for K-11th Grade Clean Out - Link Expired

*We ask that all children in the household make attempts to sign-up for ONE Family Slot and come at the same time.

Seniors Only** - We are planning to have recognition materials and regalia on hand during your Clean Out window. Please select a slot for your Senior to come to the school. Specific instructions are included on the sign-up.

Senior Online Sign Up for Clean Out and Sign Out - Link Expired

**Younger siblings will NOT be able to clean out during Senior time slots.

District Busing Forms for the 2020-2021 School Year

Year End Transportation Forms (Act 372) - Some of our busing districts require their families to submit a busing form at the end of each school year. Please contact the district's Transportation Departments directly to obtain the corresponding forms**. View District Transportation Department Contacts

**These forms must be returned directly to the busing district. Please be sure to pay particular attention to the listed deadline to ensure your student has appropriate transportation when we return to school in August.

Repeat Information:

The following items were included as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

  • End of Year Dates for Planning
    • May 29th - Last day for NEW instruction
    • June 3rd - Last day for make-up / late work to be turned in for grading
    • June 5th - Grades close in the grade book
    • *Note: Seniors will receive slightly different dates
  • Technology Support Visit Tech Support Info Page
  • From May 15th Email (below):
    • Summer Updates
      • Extended School Year
      • Camps / Enrichment
    • End of Year Planning:
      • Commencement Plans
      • 8th Grade Promotion
      • Lower School Awards
    • Yearbooks
    • Junior Class Rings
  • From 4/14/20 email below:
    • Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account
    • PBIS Points

May 15th, 2020 at 3:03 PM EDT

Good Afternoon Families of Renaissance:

As a reminder please be sure to fill out the sign-up forms below to plan for ‘end of year’ clean out. This will be the expected time for ALL students to turn in school-owned material and pick up personal items.

I am asking that families fill out a brief survey to help in our planning and to assist as we look to the future. The current pandemic has certainly led to some adjustments and challenges for all of us.

We are seeking our community input on issues related to health and wellness of their children and families; safety in the school setting and needs for which we need to account. The survey is anonymous at this time as we only wish to collect general data. We will likely follow-up during the summer with a collection of specific family needs as we have a clearer picture of what the restrictions and safety measures in the school setting will be for the 2020-2021 School Year. Family Feedback Survey - Link Expired

Thank you for your cooperation and support. Your school leadership is working daily to prepare and provide for your students.

All the Best,
Dr. Guarino Buli

Get Ready for some End of Year Fun! 

  • May 18th - May 22nd - Join the RA PE Department for Virtual Field Day - all week long! RA Virtual Field Day 2020.pdf
  • June 1st - 5th  - Don't miss out on RA's Got Talent! Check out the plans here and make sure your family is ready to join in the fun! RA's Got Talent virtual talents. RA Virtual Talent Show 2020.pdf

Updates & News:

Yearbooks

Due to plant closures we do not have a firm date of when yearbooks will be available for pick-up. If you purchased an Upper School or Lower School Yearbook you will receive communication regarding these updates.

If you DID NOT purchase a yearbook but would like to, good news! Jostens has allowed us to extend the deadline to May 31st.  Please place your orders at www.jostens.com.

Any questions please email [email protected] (lower school) or [email protected] (upper school)

Junior Class Rings

Students who ordered class rings should have received ‘balance due’ and login information directly from Jostens. The Josten’s Representative plans to have rings shipped directly to students as soon as their operations are open and able to process orders. Please make payments as due. If your ring is paid it for will be shipped to your home.

Chromebooks

Every student who has a chromebook in their possession will need to have it with them, for inventory purposes, when they arrive at their ‘clean out’ time (K-11th Grade Clean Out).

Students currently in grades 4th-12th will have the option to opt into the school’s ‘one:one’ insurance program and keep the chromebook over the summer and into next school year. This is the program which was previously in place for all 7th-12th grade students. Please look for specific instructions regarding this option, which will be sent out via email early next week.

End of Year Clean Out - Grades K - 11th Only* 

In preparation for the end of year we will have several days of structured time for clean out. Please follow this link to select a day / time for your family.

Online Sign Up for K-11th Grade Clean Out - Link Expired

*We ask that all children in the household make attempts to sign-up for ONE Family Slot and come at the same time.

If You Have A Senior - see below for their specific sign-up. Specific instructions for the process are included on the sign-up page.

For our Seniors

End of Year Clean Out - Seniors Only** - We are planning to have recognition materials and regalia on hand during your Clean Out window. Please select a slot for your Senior to come to the school. Specific instructions are included on the sign-up.

Senior Online Sign Up for Clean Out and Sign Out - Link Expired

**Younger siblings will NOT be able to clean out during Senior time slots.

Summer Updates:

  • Extended School Year - All eligible students will receive instruction virtually this summer. There will not be an onsite program.
  • Camps / Enrichment - All onsite camps, enrichments, programs have been cancelled for this summer. We hope to resume with even greater offerings in the summer of 2021~

End of Year Planning:

  • Commencement Plans - This week our initial plans to Celebrate the High School Class of 2020 were shared with our seniors and their families. View YouTube Video Announcement from Dr. Guarino Buli & Ms. Boyd.  We hope to celebrate with you in person as permitted, either in the late summer, or during the months ahead when our alumni are back in the area. These gatherings, when allowable, will be scheduled at a later date.
  • 8th Grade Promotion - The Michelangelo Team is working to prepare some special surprises for their 8th graders as they prepare for high school. Be on the lookout when you come to clean out your locker! We will also plan a celebration when we are able to return to school.
  • Lower School Awards - Lower School Teams will be presenting some end of year awards virtually on June 8th. Your child’s teacher(s) will communicate with each class regarding timing for these awards.
  • Kindergarten Graduation / Move-up Shirt Ceremonies - These important milestones will be scheduled for the start of the school year as permitted. More details regarding times, locations and allowable gatherings will be shared during the summer months.
  • High School Prom - At this time it is apparent, due to the ‘Red’ status of our counties that we will not be able to hold the prom, as scheduled, in May. We have a tentative date reserved with the venue, for mid-July. We will not be able to decide if this date can be used until the government provides guidance on rules regarding gatherings this summer. We hope to make a decision by the 1st of June, if it appears we are able to use the venues per their regulations and safety mandates, for the back-up date.
  • Shirt Ceremonies, Move-up Days, Meet the Teacher - Our teams are planning to make these important events meaningful and special in different ways. Some of these milestones will be part of our ‘welcome back’ schedule in August. Details and expectations for these events will be announced as they are planned and information becomes available.

From Our RA Counselors

Please view our Extended Closure Family Counseling & Support Page for COVID-19 student, family, and community resources. This page is updated as new resources are identified.

New this week:
  • Community Counseling Resources: 
    • The Center for Loss and Bereavement is offering COVID19- Mental Health Therapy and Support Groups. They provide a wide variety of grief services for children through adulthood. Unique to our current situation, they are providing specialty services for those touched by COVID-19. (From their website) individuals they are able to provide support to:
      • those who have been critically ill with COVID19 and confronted their own dying, and may have recovered with subsequent health losses and/or traumatic memories/stress.
      • the loved ones and companions who will have experienced another’s illness, either in-home or from afar, and been confronted with another’s life-threatening conditions and isolating factors of quarantine, in addition to the potential loss of life.
      • those having confronted cumulative losses and risk to personal safety with exposure to the front lines of the healthcare system – for medical staff and first responders who may carry experiences and memories confronting death and dying that are traumatic and overwhelming”
    • Additional Food Pantries & Community Meals:
      • St. Ann’s Church - 502 Main Street, Phoenixville
      • Every 3rd Saturday-Food Distribution starting at 1 p.m.
      • Royersford Pantry - located at 410 Washington Street, Royersford
      • Camp Son-Shine - distributing food at 381 Beech Street (Tabernacle Pentecostal Church)
    May is Mental Health Awareness Month:

    Keep those pictures coming on Facebook! We love getting to see our RA families and how they are taking such good care of themselves (and others) during this difficult time.

    District Busing Forms for the 2020-2021 School Year

    Year End Transportation Forms (Act 372) - Some of our busing districts require their families to submit a busing form at the end of each school year. Please contact the district's Transportation Departments directly to obtain the corresponding forms**. View District Transportation Department Contacts

    **These forms must be returned directly to the busing district. Please be sure to pay particular attention to the listed deadline to ensure your student has appropriate transportation when we return to school in August .

    Moving?

    If you have moved or are moving, please be sure to fill out a Change of Address pack (visit page below) and return it to school as soon as possible. Transportation cannot be changed until required paperwork is submitted.

    Please note that changes in transportation can take 3 to 5 business days and transportation in two different districts may not be granted by the district for two separate households.

    Repeat Information:

    The following items were included as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

    • End of Year Dates for Planning
      • May 29th - Last day for NEW instruction
      • June 3rd - Last day for make-up / late work to be turned in for grading
      • June 5th - Grades close in the grade book
      • *Note: Seniors will receive slightly different dates
    • Technology Support Visit Tech Support Info Page
    • Fall Athletics: At this point no formal decisions can be made regarding fall athletics or required physicals. We are expecting guidance on this issue by the end of May and will communicate any updates or required next steps as they become available.
    • From 4/14/20 email below:
      • Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account
      • High School Prom
      • PBIS Points 

    May 8, 2020 at 3:48 PM EDT

    Good Afternoon Families of Renaissance:

    This week’s email contains some anticipated updates regarding the end of year clean-out for our students. Please see the specifics below and note that there is one link to sign up for students in K-11th Grade and another link for Seniors only.

    I wish to thank the community members who participated in celebrating our teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week! While we could not be together all week, it was wonderful to see the showering of positive words on social media, though emails and such! The administration hosted a special ‘Treat Drive-up’ on Friday and while the rain trickled down it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces… from a good distance, of course. Special thanks to our FSO for supporting and contributing to this special day!

    Thank you again, for your continued support and positivity through this challenging time.

    All the Best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    Updates & News:

    End of Year Clean Out - Grades K - 11th Only* 

    In preparation for the end of year we will have several days of structured time for clean out. Please follow this link to select a day / time for your family.

    Online Sign Up for K-11th Grade Clean Out -Link Expired

    *We ask that all children in the household make attempts to sign-up for ONE Family Slot and come at the same time.

    If You Have A Senior - see below for their specific sign-up. Specific instructions for the process are included on the sign-up page.

    For our Seniors

    End of Year Clean Out - Seniors Only** - We are planning to have recognition materials and regalia on hand during your Clean Out window. Please select a slot for your Senior to come to the school. Specific instructions are included on the sign-up.

    Senior Online Sign Up for Clean Out and Sign Out - Link Expired

    **Younger siblings will NOT be able to clean out during Senior time slots.

    Commencement Plans are underway and the staff is working hard to solidify details! We expect to make an official announcement sometime next week regarding dates, times, and the exciting plans we are putting in place to help celebrate this milestone year!

    From our Counselors:

    Is there a child in your life or in your student’s life for whom you have a concern? If you are wondering how you can get safe, supportive help but don’t know who to call? Consider reviewing the Safe2Say resources. Our students in grades 6-12 are familiar with this tool; which can be used by anyone.

    Visit Safe2Say Information Page

    Mental Health Awareness Month

    Thank you for celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month virtually with us! We believe it to be such an important topic every day. Families' lives have changed over the last several weeks, which can cause an increase in anxiety, stress, and depression. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The good news is that we are really in this together and, at some point, we will be back to our regular schedules. 

    We wanted to share a new resource with you! Please be aware that it is not a program hosted by Renaissance Academy but we thought it was a good topic and a great community resource.

    Online opportunity:  Barnstone Art for Kids Presents: Parenting During the Quarantine on Wednesday May 13th from 7-8pm.

    An online conversation about children's behavior, the impact of COVID-19, and strategies for how to make this work. To make your online reservation/gain access to the Zoom link, please email: [email protected]

    Don’t forget to Be Kind to Your Mind!

    Below is a list of a few ways you can take care of yourself and family members during this time.

    • Take a break from all the news stories and social media
    • Take deep breaths
    • Stretch
    • Exercise
    • Meditate
    • Eat healthy
    • Get plenty of sleep
    • Keep a routine/schedule
    • Connect with others
    • Create your own support group with other friends and/or family members
    • Try to participate in healthy activities that you enjoy
    • Give yourself time to unwind

    Support the Renaissance Aevidum Club by sharing your activities with us on Facebook using the hashtags: #BeKindToYourMind, #YouMatter

    Repeat Information:

    The following items were included as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

    • End of Year Dates for Planning
      • May 29th - Last day for NEW instruction
      • June 3rd - Last day for make-up / late work to be turned in for grading
      • June 5th - Grades close in the grade book
      • *Note: Seniors will receive slightly different dates
    • Technology Support Visit Tech Support Info Page
    • Fall Athletics: At this point no formal decisions can be made regarding fall athletics or required physicals. We are expecting guidance on this issue by the end of May and will communicate any updates or required next steps as they become available.
    • From 4/14/20 email below:
      • Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account
      • High School Prom
      • 8th Grade Promotion & Kindergarten Graduation
      • Shirt Ceremonies, Move-up Days, Meet the Teacher
      • PBIS Points 

    May 6th, 2020 at 9:14 AM EDT

    Board of Trustees Voting Meeting Agenda

    5/7/20 RA Board Meeting via Zoom:

    • Open May 7th Online Zoom Meeting - Link Expired

    May 4th, 2020 at 2:01 PM EDT

    This month's Board of Trustee Meeting will be held virtually on May 7, 2020, 6:30 pm.

    To Join 5/7/20 RA Board Zoom Meeting

    • Open May 7th Online Zoom Meeting - Link Expired

    May 1, 2020 4:45 PM EDT

    Weekly News / COVID 19 Update

    Good Afternoon Families of Renaissance:

    As we enter a new month, we wish you and your families a sense of hopeful positivity. May the new beginnings of the spring season transfer into some bright thoughts and days ahead for you and your students. This time of year, while in school, is punctuated by celebrations, anticipation and joy. As the look and feel of these times has changed for us, we are committed to doing our best to maintain the overarching goal of commemorating all that has been accomplished!

    Finally, It would be negligent if I did not also acknowledge that though mere statistics and stories we know families here at RA are being touched in various ways by the illness and pandemic which has brought us to this stage of the year. If your family or circle of loved ones has suffered a loss, due to the COVID-19 Virus, please accept my deepest sympathies. While we do not expect everyone to share these personal stories I wish for you to know that the staff of RA is here to support you and your child should you need anything from you. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you feel inclined.

    Thank you again, for your continued support and positivity through this challenging time.

    All the Best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    Updates & News:

    Teacher / Staff Appreciation Week

    Next week, May 4th-8th is a National Celebration of Teacher and Staff Appreciation. Please consider taking an extra moment to write a friendly email or note to someone who plays an important role in your child’s school life. The small time commitment will surely be greatly appreciated by the staff!

    You are also invited to submit a fun video message to anyone on our staff via this FlipGrid link. The final product will be shared with the RA Team at the end of the week!

    You will click on the GREEN plus sign… and record your video message. Thank you!

    From our Counselors:

    Is there a child in your life or in your student’s life for whom you have a concern? If you are wondering how you can get safe, supportive help but don’t know who to call? Consider reviewing the Safe2Say resources. Our students in grades 6-12 are familiar with this tool; which can be used by anyone. See attached:

    Mental Health Awareness Month
    It’s time to be kind to your mind! May is mental health awareness month. At school we usually take this time to increase awareness about mental health and focus on healthy coping mechanisms. We would like to encourage families and students to still participate in raising awareness regarding this important cause. No matter your age, focusing on your mental well-being is just as important as your physical well-being.

    Are You concerned about explaining mental health to your younger ones? We understand that it may be difficult to find the appropriate words to use to talk to younger kids about mental illnesses. However, starting the conversation earlier may be healthier for them. You just need to make sure to use age appropriate words and remember you know what’s best for your child. For example, talking to younger ones about Mental Health Awareness Month and why they are doing the below activities may sound like this month we are focusing on taking care of our brains.

    Just like we exercise to keep our bodies physically healthy, we also should make time to take care of our minds. Remember, it’s important to be kind to your mind!
    Each day of the week has a theme to it. Every Monday will be Mental Health Monday. This will be a spirit theme day that focuses on mental health. Together Tuesday will remind us that social distancing can’t keep us from being there for one another. Well-being Wednesday is all about taking care of yourself. Thoughtful Thursday will focus on the importance of being kind to ourselves and others.

    We will finish up the week with Fearless Friday by participating in a challenge.
    Support the Renaissance Aevidum Club by sharing your activities with us on Facebook using the hashtags #BeKindToYourMind, #YouMatter

    Student Final Grades 2019-2020:

    Earlier this week the updated grading procedures were shared via email. They are attached here for your reference. Renaissance Academy COVID-19 Grading Update (pdf)

    Lower School Awards Assemblies:

    The Lower School Leadership Team is preparing plans to recognize students through virtual Awards Assemblies for June 8th. Please anticipate emails and specifics from your child’s home base teacher and teaching team in regard to scheduling.

    8th Grade Promotion / Recognition:

    Plans are being explored for the last week of school in June. Please wait for additional information coming from the teaching teams.

    Fall Athletics:

    At this point no formal decisions can be made regarding fall athletics or required physicals. We are expecting guidance on this issue by the end of May and will communicate any updates or required next steps as they become available.

    Repeat Information:

    The following items were included as Repeated Information from previous emails (as a reference):

    • End of Year Dates for Planning
      • May 29th - Last day for NEW instruction
      • June 3rd - Last day for make-up / late work to be turned in for grading
      • June 5th - Grades close in the grade book
      • *Note: Seniors will receive slightly different dates
    • Technology Support Visit Tech Support Info Page
    • From 4/14/20 email below:
      • Google Hangouts/Meets
      • Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account
      • High School Prom
      • High School Commencement
      • 8th Grade Promotion (updated above) & Kindergarten Graduation
      • Shirt Ceremonies, Move-up Days, Meet the Teacher
      • PBIS Points 

    April 29, 2020 at 2:38 PM EDT

    Subject: Grading Calculation Update - COVID-19 Closure

    Good Afternoon

    This update is regarding grade calculations for the Third Trimester of the current school year due to the mandatory school closure.In recognition of the current obstacles being faced globally, we wish to be sensitive and supportive of our families and their diverse needs. Renaissance Academy takes great pride in the establishment of relationships and the individualized support we give our students. As our staff is striving to maintain these standards at this time, we must acknowledge that the recently imposed roadblocks of distance do exist.

    Our commitment is to continue to provide the World Class Education you family chose when enrolling your child at our school. In order to do this, we know, we must first ensure that your child  safe, and able to learn. We are providing an adjusted calculation for the third trimester which we feel will help to achieve this commitment while easing some of the stress or anxiety your child may be facing. The adjustments will provide breathing room for students and families who are struggling with the current expectations; while providing a place for those who wish to push themselves.

    The below document provides the rationale and process which will be used. The table at the bottom of the document provides a clear matrix for grading. Please feel free to share this with your child as you see valuable

    If you have questions or seek additional clarification please contact your principal. 

    All the best, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    April 24, 2020 at 4:07 PM EDT

    Good Afternoon Families of Renaissance:

    I hope the message finds you well and healthy in your home or place of work. Each day I hear from families that are managing the changing times and balancing the new challenges that the past several weeks have given us. I continue to be thankful for all of you in this community; as you provide the motivation and the support to keep my staff striving to do what is best and what they love to do - be there for your kids!

    The following dates were shared with our staff this week for planning purposes. I hope it is helpful for you as you continue to guide and support your students while at home.

    • May 29th - Last day for NEW instruction
    • June 3rd - Last day for make-up / late work to be turned in for grading
    • June 5th - Grades close in the grade book

    *Note: Seniors will receive slightly different dates

    After these dates we will allow for enrichment, team building and time for locker / classroom/ possession clean out. The specific details of this process will be rolled out as we solidify plans and receive guidance from Health Officials. There will be adequate time for families to sign-up to take care of end of year obligations and collect any personal items from the school.

    The last official day of school remains unchanged on our academic calendar.

    Families will receive additional information, by the end of April, regarding grading policies for the 3rd Trimester as they relate to the instructional changes and many adjustments your students have had to make. We are working to establish what we feel will be a fair, reasonable manner in which to evaluate learning without penalizing our students for the factors that they could not control during this time.

    As a reminder if your student is experiencing any issues regarding technology please encourage them to let us know. They can always reach out to a teacher first, but if the issue cannot be resolved please contact our IT Team. The more details you can provide the better we can make sure you get the support of help that is needed. We do have processes in place for emergent needs submit a ticket for Tech help if needed. TECH HELP DESK

    It has also been a pleasure to see the families who are able to participate in the social media activities led by our Counseling Team and Fine Arts Teams. Please be sure to check out the weekly suggestions and get in on the fun!

    Thank you again, for your continued support and positivity through this challenging time.

    All the Best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    Updates & News:

    Are you wondering about using PBIS Rewards with your kids at home? Here are some great tips that might help you!

    From our Counselors:

     

    Is there a child in your life or in your student’s life for whom you have a concern? If you are wondering how you can get safe, supportive help but don’t know who to call? Consider reviewing the Safe2Say resources. Our students in grades 6-12 are familiar with this tool; which can be used by anyone. See attached: S2SS Parent Brochure.pdf

    Some great community resources for you and your family during this time:  RA Resources for Extended Closure Webpage

    Don't forget to share your posts about your Acts of Kindness:

    Also in this email:

    *Repeat Information* from the April 17th & April 14th RA emails (below), including:

    • Book Fair starts next week on Monday and runs through May 3rd. Orders over $25 (books only) will ship for free to your home. (see order brochures below in the April 17th email)
    • Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account
    • Student Final Grades 2019-2020
    • High School Prom
    • High School Commencement
    • 8th Grade Promotion & Kindergarten Graduation
    • Shirt Ceremonies, Move-up Days, Meet the Teacher
    • PBIS Points 

    April 20, 2020 at 11:37 AM EDT

    Subject: Working Eligible Students

    If you have a child who is of working eligible age please be advised that there have been some updates on PDE's website related to obtaining Working Papers due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    You can find that information on the PA Dept. of Ed's COVID-19 Working Papers Page.


    April 17, 2020 at 5:22 PM EDT

    Good Afternoon Families of Renaissance:

    As we wrap another week I hope this message finds you healthy and doing well with your families. For those that are working outside the home each day, we thank you for the part you are playing to keep our critical systems running and risking your own safety to keep all of us healthy and safe!

    It was nice to see some of our families today during pick-ups at the school. We do not have another date set for this to occur again but will plan a final clean-out and item-return day, in June at the end of the school year. We do have processes in place for emergent needs and ask that you communicate with your principal or submit a ticket for Tech help if needed. Tech Support Page

    It has also been a pleasure to see the families who are able to participate in the social media activities led by our Counseling Team and Fine Arts Teams. It has been a true lift of spirits to see that some of our students are finding fun, and creative ways to spend their days while at home. I look forward to what we will see each day!

    Thank you again, for your continued support and positivity through this challenging time.

    All the Best, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    Updates & News:

    Yearbooks

    Several families have asked about the possibility of purchasing yearbooks at this time. You are still able to do this via Josten's website. You will search for our school ‘Renaissance Academy’ and be sure to pick the Phoenixville, PA location. You will be promoted to select a Lower School or Upper School Yearbook and complete the purchase on the Josten's Website.

    Book Fair - Yes, it still is! 

    Happy Book Fair Week! Because we cannot have a live book fair, we are bringing the book fair home to you! It will start next week on Monday and run through May 3rd. Orders over $25 (books only) will ship for free to your home.

    • Elementary Scholastic Online Flyer (expired-deadline passed)
    • K-8 Scholastic Online Book Fair Flyer (expired-deadline passed)
    • Scholastic Preview Videos (expired-deadline passed)
    • Shop Scholastic Online (expired-deadline passed)

    Lindsey Engler
    School Library Media Specialist

    From our Counselors: 

    Some great community resources for you and your family during this time!

    • Resources for Extended Closure webpage
    • A Time To Be Kind - People during a crisis may feel like they don’t have control over things but there are still things that you do have control over. Being kind to people can have a positive effect on others and yourself. Kindness can improve relationships and make us feel loved and happy. Let's celebrate the last days of April with Random Acts of Kindness. Attached are recommended activities from your counselors and support services. Don't limit yourself, feel free to add your own.

    Thinking of you all and thankful that you are all a part of the Renaissance Academy Community!

    - Love, your counselors and support services

    Also in this email:

    *Repeat Information* from the April 14th RA email (below), including:

    • Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account
    • Student Final Grades 2019-2020
    • High School Prom
    • High School Commencement
    • 8th Grade Promotion & Kindergarten Graduation
    • Shirt Ceremonies, Move-up Days, Meet the Teacher
    • PBIS Points 

    April 14, 2020 at 5:50 PM EDT

    Good Afternoon Families of Renaissance:

    I hope this message finds you doing well and taking good care of yourselves during this time. During the ‘Spring Break’ week, many of our students worked hard to catch up on work and are showing such promise and effort to be a success during this challenge! I thank you for your support of them and of our teaching staff.

    Please know that my empathy is with you as you work with your many responsibilities as parents, caregivers, supporters and hard-working members of our community. While this is not an easy time for many, it warms my heart to see and hear the stories of support and outreach that come from our communities. Take care to cherish the moments of positivity and sunshine that we have been gifted with, along with the storms that inevitably fill our hearts and minds - both in the dark skies as well as the daily media.

    Wishing you all the best for health and safety,
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    News and Updates:

    The following summaries cover some of the most frequently sought information at this time.

    Does your child need items from the school?

    On Friday, April 17th, we will have scheduled times to pick up items from lockers, classrooms, the school nurse, etc. You may also drop off a library book or other items if needed.

    This is NOT a time to clean out for the ‘end of year’ as that will be scheduled for ALL Students to turn in books & school property, in June. You do not have to come this week, this is optional.

    We are limiting the number of people in the building at one time. We will be practicing Social Distancing and expect anyone who comes into the building to follow the Governor's requirement to wear masks in public.

    Please sign up below for a time to come to the school Please indicate on the sign-up if you need tech support as well!

    • Sign Up Genius to Visit RA Building - Link Expired

    Google Hangouts/Meets:

    As announced previously began with a slow, controlled rollout of this platform in K-3 Classrooms and for Student Services. We are now opening the option up to all teachers/staff to use at their discretion. Please see the linked ‘Opt-Out’ form below. You will only need to fill this out if you DO NOT want your child to participate in Live Online Sessions.

    Please complete this form by Friday, April 17th if you plan to do so.

    • RA Consent for Student Online Sessions (Link Expired)

    Beginning Monday, April 20th your student may begin receiving email invites to these sessions. They will be delivered via the school email accounts only.

    As a reminder, they are optional sessions. It is NOT a requirement for staff to use this format to teach lessons, and students will not be penalized if they are not able to participate at certain times.

    Teachers, club advisors, coaches, etc. may begin using this format under the already established guidelines.

    *Note if your child is in grades K-2 you have already viewed this form - you do not need to do this again.

    Balances and Credits on your child’s portal/lunch account:
    The School Business Office is in the process of removing portal fees for trips or events that have been canceled. We are working with vendors to receive refunds or deferments for future events/trips etc.

    If you have made a payment for an activity that will not be taking place this school year, your student’s account will be credited and funds will be used to off-set balances or allocated toward future fees. Please allow a few weeks for all accounts to be updated as this is a somewhat manual process.

    Student Final Grades 2019-2020:

    It must be noted that the majority of our students are doing an excellent job of maintaining their school work. However, we do recognize that circumstances are not typical and learning is not easily transferable for all students, in all circumstances.

    We wish to acknowledge the hard work of those who are achieving while not penalizing those who are unable to maintain their former level of study.

    The administration will be making a decision to adjust 3rd Trimester Grades. A final determination of what this looks like has not yet been made. An announcement regarding the calculations of the 3rd Trimester will be made by the end of April and will be communicated to all families

    High School Prom:

    In an effort to maintain some normalcy and allow our kids to ‘be kids’ we are working to create a plan before taking steps to eliminate this year’s Prom. While the current date is at the end of May, we have a second date, tentatively scheduled, for mid-July. We will not be able to decide if this date can be used until the government provides guidance on rules regarding gatherings this summer. A decision will be made and announced a few weeks prior to the May date first, and by the 1st of June, if it appears we are able to use the venues per their regulations and safety mandates, for the back-up date.

    High School Commencement:

    Recognition materials and diplomas will be on hand and plans for a ceremony will be developed dependent upon guidance and safety mandates in the coming weeks. We are exploring options for flexibility in planning this event. At this time we have not made changes to the date; however, we are aware that will need to be addressed in the coming weeks. If a new date is to be established it will be announced by the end of May with any other information that is available at that time.

    8th Grade Promotion & Kindergarten Graduation:

    While options are being reviewed these events taking place will be largely dependent on the allowable use of spaces in June. If these ‘commemorations’ are to take place at the start of the new school year, a decision and announcement will be made by the end of May. Plans and format will be determined at a later date.

    Shirt Ceremonies, Move-up Days, Meet the Teacher: 

    Our teams are planning to make these important events meaningful and special in different ways. Some of these milestones will be part of our ‘welcome back’ schedule in August. Details and expectations for these events will be announced as they are planned and information becomes available.

    PBIS Points:

    Good News! They are not to be lost!
    If your child was ‘stockpiling’ or planning to go on a spending spree at the end of the year - fear not. Please encourage them to keep earning! We will salvage all points from this year and roll them into the student accounts for the start of the new year. Whew! One win for us :)

    (Points will appear in account balances during the First Trimester of the 2020-2021 School Year as they need to be manually entered; do not look for them on the first day.


    April 9, 2020 at 2:33 PM EDT
    Subject: COVID-19 4/9/2020

    Good Afternoon,

    As many of you are now aware we learned today that the official directive from Governor Wolf’s office is for K-12 Schools to remain closed for business through the end of the 2019-2020 School Year.

    While this announcement came earlier than we may have expected it is not an outcome that has not been discussed or imagined over the past few weeks. This announcement has caused some worry, and some sadness, which only punctuates the critical nature of our adherence to recommendations and the need to keep everyone in our school community safe. This announcement does allow us to have a definitive idea of what the next months of our school year will look like, and most importantly allows us to plan with more concrete timelines.

    Regarding Teaching and Learning:

    The Renaissance Academy will move forward with the Continuity of Education plan and expectations for student learning, as outlined in the email sent on Friday, April 3, 2020. The assignments, activities and teaching expectations will commence on April 13, 2020, as noted previously. Plans for Learning (updated 4/3/20)

    Regarding Everything Else:
    I know that you now have many questions. The emails and messages I have received are evidence of your concern, your worry and your anticipation of what will happen in regard to your child’s schooling, beyond the educational piece. I am acutely sensitive to the many different viewpoints and areas of personal concern.

    I will be working with the Administrative Team, our School Leadership and our Trustees to ensure we validate all of these concerns and honor the traditions and milestones that come with the passing of each school year. Whether your child was about to experience their first prom, walk across the stage at High School Graduation, move from a ‘green to red’ shirt or celebrate any of the MANY, equally important ‘rites of passage’

    I hear your concern. In the next several days and week we will share plans to acknowledge and address all of these needs, and many more. You will be made aware of opportunities to support and be involved should you wish to be a part of the plans that may start to take shape.

    I appreciate your patience, support, and encouragement during this time, and always.

    I hope that you and your families are safe, healthy and well, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    COVID-19 School Update - April 3

    In compliance with the most recent announcement from the Governor's office, Renaissance Academy will remain closed until further notice. Per the announcement we are not yet able to ensure when we will reopen, as further periods of closure may be mandated.

    Parents and Guardians: 
    This email message comes to you for a variety of reasons. I wish to acknowledge where we are in the current climate of COVID-19, as a school; I wish to give some updates on the progress we have made, and I wish to provide a framework for the weeks to come.

    Some of the information below may seem repetitive. This is somewhat necessary as there is A LOT of information from our school as well as many other organizations with which you interact. Everyone is receiving MANY emails and I want to ensure you have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.

    First and foremost, I want to acknowledge where we are. In the big picture we, as a school community have made some great strides in the past three weeks. We are at a 99% contact rate with our students in the online environment. THANK YOU to the staff and families who have worked to coordinate this new environment into their living rooms, kitchens, and everywhere else a child is comfortable to learn. From door-step deliveries of needed items to endless phone calls for support, everyone has pitched in!

    Are we where we want to be? No! Teachers are planners and empathizers. Teachers are emotional and they are attached to their students. The LAST thing any of us wants is to be separated from our students and wishing we could put our eyes on them, and ensure they are doing ok! BUT, we are here… and we are all doing the best that we can.

    The administration has had countless conversations about the issues, complexities, and questions that come to us daily. We are steadfast in the desire to provide the best possible plan that we can create at this time. We are in FULL agreement that nothing at this point should negatively impact your child’s grades or mindset and we are working to create a formula to avoid that at all costs. While ‘teaching and learning’ is our business, safety and mental health are our current priorities for both our families and our staff.

    What you see below are the answers to some questions - some we have received, others we have imagined you may have. I hope these answers provide some peace of mind. You will also find a FRAMEwork for learning. This is detailed for both the Upper School and the Lower School. After three weeks of balancing the many needs of our students and our staff, we feel we are able to clearly articulate what the next stage will look like… regardless of how long that stage should go on.

    Some Questions to Help You Get Answers:

    • Q: What if I know of a family that still does not have the internet?
      • A: PLEASE contact the principal of your school. We have worked to make contact with all families, so if someone has been missed we want to know - we can help!
    • Q: How do I get Tech Support?
      • A: In most cases, your child’s teacher can answer questions about assignments and platforms. If you need more technical help, please contact IT via this GOOGLE FORM: IT HELP DESK
    • Q: Why are some classes using Google Classroom, and others are not?
      • A: The students in grades 3rd-12th are using Google Classroom. The primary grades, K-2nd do not feel this is the best format for their students and have not moved to this platform.
    • Q: How do I get updates or see what is in Google Classroom?
      • A. If you are a parent or guardian of grades 3rd-12th, you can receive daily updates directly from Google (one email for all classes!) If you are NOT receiving these, please email one of your children’s teachers and ask them to INVITE you as a Parent/Guardian. Once you accept the invitation, you will get updates for all classes.
    • Q: Why are some teachers using Google Hangouts/Meets, but others are not?
      • A: As announced earlier this week, we have begun rolling this platform out slowly. It began with students receiving special services or therapies and is now being moved into regular education classes of grades K-2nd. We are introducing this platform slowly with the acknowledgment of parents for consent. We have chosen to act prudently in an environment that is new to us so that our teachers could feel confident and prepared. We hope to expand to more grades in the coming weeks.
    • Q: Will teachers begin teaching lessons online / live?
      • A: As a school, we will NOT be requiring live instruction. We have provided several means for recorded lessons to be provided, and the above mentioned Google Hangouts/Meets will eventually be an OPTION for staff.
    • Q: What will the Google Hangouts/Meets be used for?
      • A: This is at the discretion of the teachers/tutors. Some may choose to ‘meet’ groups for Q&A or for a review of a concept. Others may use this forum to check-in on tasks and organization. It may also be used for community and team building.
    • Q: Why are you not requiring teachers to provide instruction LIVE?
      • A: It is not our intention to become a provider of online lessons. Our school and our systems are not designed for that format and we do not feel it is best for the overall community to demand staff or students be ‘present’ at a certain time or on a certain day. We are sensitive to the fact that EVERYONE has many new demands on them at this time and requiring ‘live’ participation is not something that we will be endorsing.
    • Q: Will our teachers still be paid, how will we be sure they aren’t going to ‘disappear’?
      • A: Governor Wolf has provided guidance that requires School Districts to continue payments to Charter Schools. Renaissance has continued to pay the salaries, benefits, etc. of all staff during the closure and has no intention of ceasing to do so.
    • Q: How do you know the staff is working? How are they receiving training?
      • A: All of our teams have continued to meet since the first day of our closure. Meetings happen via Google Hangouts and members of the support teams and administration also attend many of these meetings. Staff will earn Act 48 Credit for the continued planning and preparation work they are doing during the closure.
    • Q: Why are you still having ‘Spring Break’?
      • A: In a word - TIRED!

    Many of you as parents and many of our teachers have been working TWICE as hard over the past three weeks. In most cases, we are now working long days at one job and managing our kids, homes, etc. without skipping a beat. Many of our families have one or more parents working outside the home, still having to manage their child’s school day on a computer. We are taking this week ‘off’ to allow everyone to catch up. Students can complete any assignments they haven’t had a chance to do, teachers can catch up on planning or grading… and hopefully, everyone can take a little time off!

    I sincerely hope the above information is helpful. As always, I continue to welcome your feedback. The principals and I are earnestly trying to take all recommendations into consideration and make decisions that benefit the school as a whole. We are here to help. The positive emails are as welcome as constructive.

    All the best for a safe, healthy week ahead. Blessings to any who will be celebrating Easter or Passover in the week to come.

    Dr. Guarino Buli

    Plans for Learning (updated 4/3/20)  Reminder - During the week of April 6th - 10th no NEW work will be assigned as we expect all of our students to use this time to take a breath, get caught up on outstanding assignments and prepare for the next stage of this journey, whatever that may be. Staff will not be expected to communicate during this week; however, some will be available at their own choosing


    April 1, 2020 at 10:18 am EDT
    Subject: COVID-19 School Update

    Parents and Guardians:

    As the days move along we are seeing more consistent interaction and work completion from many students. Please continue to support your students and remind them to do their best!  We are not expecting the current situation to be the ‘same’ as a regular school, and our goal is to bridge the gaps and encourage connections and learning.

    We have begun offering Google-Meets for a live format option in the cases of students who need specific services. We will begin using this tool as an option in Primary Grades. Families in K-2 should expect to see a consent form via email in the next 24 hours. This option will be made available to more grade levels, at teacher discretion, in the coming weeks.  

    Reminder - During the week of April 6th - 10th no NEW work will be assigned as we expect all of our students to use this time to take a breath, get caught up on outstanding assignments and prepare for the next stage of this journey, whatever that may be. Staff will not be expected to communicate during this week; however, some will be available at their own choosing.  

    Renaissance is proud to be working in alignment with the guidance provided by the US DOE and PDE. We feel our approach to providing a continuity of learning to your child is being executed with fidelity and to the best of our abilities. Additional measures are being rolled out in the next several days which will further enhance your child's support and expected services.  

    All the Best and Be Well, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    In compliance with  the most recent announcements from the Governor's office Renaissance Academy will remain closed until further notice. Per the announcement we are not yet able to ensure when we will reopen, as further periods of closure may be mandated.  

    Current Status In our Buildings:

    • Daily classes - Canceled through April 30th pending re-assessment
    • Parent Volunteers / Visitors - Canceled through April 30th pending re-assessment
    • After School activities involving present students - Canceled April 30th pending re-assessment
    • After School events/education / outside vendors - Canceled April 30th, beyond April 30th on a case by case basis 
    • Field Trips - Canceled through April 30th
    • Staff Professional Development / Travel - Canceled through April 30th *online PD Allowed
    • New programs / Visitors - Canceled until April 30th, beyond April 30th on a case by case basis 
    • Outside community tournaments and competitions  - At CEO Discretion on case by case basis 
    • SLC Conferences - Canceled

    Plans for Learning:

    Student Continuity of Learning will continue as we enter the long-term anticipation of school closure. We are confident that having this plan in place will better prepare us should the closures continue beyond this initially declared point.

    Staff will be assessed during the upcoming week if adjustments should be made and if other provisions are needed.  At the end of this week, the Upper School and Lower School will be providing a revised plan for learning which will take effect after Spring Break.

    After three weeks of working with families, making adjustments and reflecting on progress the staff feels most able to move forward with a structure that can provide the continuity of learning regardless of the timeframe ahead of us.

    The following repeated information was also included in this communication email to parents. It can be found in the previous emails listed below. These include:


    March 30, 2020 at 11:15 am

    Good Morning -
    I was made aware this morning that Renaissance Academy has one confirmed positive case of COVID-19 among our staff. While I will not share specifics out of respect for privacy, I do feel it is important for our community to have full transparency on the diagnosis.

    The staff member has been isolated from school since we closed the buildings on March 13, 2020, and was not present at either of our two designated pick-up days.
    Please make your best personal decisions regarding your health if you have any concerns for yourself or your students.

    The staff member is feeling well, remains at home and has very mild symptoms. I know all of our school community joins me in wishing them a swift recovery.

    If you have information to share that you feel will benefit our school community, please reach out to me directly.

    Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    March 27, 2020 at 4:05 PM EDT

    Parents and Guardians: 
    We are now nearing the end of our second week of at-home continuity of learning. We are very proud of the work and determination that our students and staff have put into keeping up good learning practices, managing the new expectations and reaching out for help as needed.

    We are directing teachers to be sure that grades for work completed are now being entered consistently. Any missing assignments will continue to be marked as 'missing' and will not yet be changed to 'zeros' Overall grades will begin to reflect, more accurately, the work being done.

    Beginning next week, Upper School students will begin to see 'zeros' for work not completed as of March 27th. Staff are instructed to allow for late work, and be flexible as some students are just getting 'connected' but the place holders will begin to hold all of our community accountable. Along with this, the volume of work is being scaled back slightly to allow all students to get caught up and comfortable with past assignments. We understand that some are working smoothly, while others are acclimating to the routines.

    In some instances (primarily in the Lower School) students are being given grades for participation and completion to help them adjust to the new routines. In all grade levels, formal assessments will begin to receive final grades and should be a reflection of the student's independent work.

    If a specific situation arises and your child needs support, assistance or additional time to complete the assignment, please reach out to their teachers.

    During the week of April 6th - 10th no NEW work will be assigned as we expect all of our students to use this time to take a breath, get caught up on outstanding assignments and prepare for the next stage of this journey, whatever that may be. Staff will not be expected to communicate during this week; however, some will be available at their own choosing.

    Renaissance is proud to be working in alignment with the guidance provided by the US DOE and PDE. We feel our approach to providing a continuity of learning to your child is being executed with fidelity and to the best of our abilities. Additional measures are being rolled out in the next several days which will further enhance your child's support and expected services.

    All the Best and Be Well, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    COVID-19 School Updates - March 27, 2020

    Reminder:   In compliance with this week’s announcement from the Governor's office Renaissance Academy will remain closed through April 6, 2020. Per the announcement, we are not yet able to ensure when we will reopen, as further periods of closure may be mandated.

    Current Status In our Buildings:

    • Canceled through April 6th pending re-assessment:
      • Daily Classes
      • Parent Volunteers / Visitors
      • Field Trips
      • After School activities involving present students
      • After School events/education / outside vendors - beyond April 6th on a case by case basis
      • New programs / Visitors - beyond April 6th on a case by case basis
      • Staff Professional Development / Travel - *online PD Allowed
    • Princeton Review- Course will be moved to an online format. Students / Families have been contacted directly by the instructor.
    • Outside community tournaments and competitions- At CEO Discretion on case by case basis

    Plans for Learning (Updated):

    Student Continuity of Learning will continue as we enter Week Three of the Closure. We are confident that having this plan in place will better prepare us should the closures continue beyond this initially declared point.

    Staff will be assessed during the upcoming week if adjustments should be made and if other provisions are needed.

    Upper School Student Expectations* 

    Grading:  Beginning March 30th all assignments due between March 23rd-March 27th will receive a ‘zero’ if they are missing

    Moving forward students will receive zeros for work not turned in by the due date; students should reach out to teachers regarding issues meeting due dates and late work may incur a penalty at teacher discretion

    Week of March 30th only:

    • In order to help students who are behind, the workload will be cut for this week
    • Core content teachers should only plan to assign 1-2 hours of work, maximum. This is up to the teacher’s best judgment. FA continues with one assignment per week.
    • The overall workload will be reassessed for the week after Spring Break as we learn more about our closure.
    • NO work is to be assigned or due over the Spring Break (4.6.20-4.13.20)

    Makeup Work:  Work due from 3/16-4/3 can be made up with NO penalty and turned in by April 13th 

    See above grading policies for work assigned and due after April 13th

    Lower School Student Expectations*
    • 1 assignment daily, per core subject
    • 1 assignment, minimum, per week, per Fine Art classes
      • Beginning March 30th, Fine Art Assignments will be streamlined into ONE document for easy organization.
    • Assignments not turned in will be marked ‘missing’ with no ‘zero’ to account for students who may become ill and are unable to complete work. Based on the full extent of the closure, reasonable accommodations will be made to allow for make-up work.

    Teachers and staff will be expected to reply to emails within the already established 24 hour period, on workdays. Emails sent outside of regular school day hours will be responded to on the next business day.

    *All students in grades 3rd - 12th are being provided assignments via Google Classroom.

    From our Counselors:


    Mar 25, 2020 at 1:45 PM EDT

    Subject: School Pick-up Friday, March 27th, 10am - 1pm

    Good Afternoon -
    For families who are in need of access to items at school, we will have an opportunity to pick up this Friday, March 27, 2020. Students are NOT required to accompany you to the building to make this pick-up.

    Parent Pick up of Chromebooks

    This will be in the Main Lobby of the Upper School Building from 10 am - 1 pm. This will be for ANYONE who needs to pick up a Chromebook. ALL grade levels, all students are eligible to come and pick up. Please feel free to spread the word so that we capture as many families as possible!

    We ask for your patience in allowing our staff to pass these out in small groups and with adequate space to maintain the expectation of Social Distancing for everyone’s safety.

    Parent Pick up of Medication

    If you left medication at school, in anticipation of your child’s return, but have now determined you need it at home please plan to pick up on Friday, March 27, 2020, from 10 am- 1 pm. You may enter through the Upper School main entrance and go to the Upper School Nurse’s office. A staff member will be present to help you.

    Thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation,
    Dr. Guarino Buli


    March 24th, 2020 10:30 AM EDT

    Subject:  RA Board of Trustees Meeting 3/26/20

    Good Day, Renaissance Families and staff,

    As we embark on our second week of our new endeavor, I truly hope that each of your families are safe and healthy. I am sure that the stress of the new normal is still hanging on, but I am continually uplifted by seeing the happy posts on Facebook. I know we are all longing for the day that we can return to life as we knew it but each of us are making the best of every day we have!

    As noted in my communication, last week, the Renaissance Academy Board has decided to host our monthly Board Meeting virtually, through Zoom. This Thursday, March 26th, at 6:30 PM, I invite you to join us.

    Instructions on how to join this meeting:

    • Board Meeting 3/26/20 via Zoom Page - Link Expired

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything or have any questions.

    All the Best, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli


    March 23, 2020 6:17 PM EDT

    Greetings Parents and Guardians,

    As this Monday draws to a close we know a few more facts about where we stand as a Commonwealth. We, at RA, are reacting to the newest information to the best of our ability and I will try to answer some of the questions I have received; as well as a few that I anticipate receiving shortly.

    While we know that your child’s education is important and we are doing all we can to smoothly continue teaching and learning, I want to emphasize that the health and safety of ALL of our Knights is our PRIMARY concern. We will not act in any way that we feel might endanger the well-being of our students or staff and appreciate your patience through all of these days away from school.

    As a reminder, NO Student will be penalized for work not yet done, or not done on time. As noted in the first message on Friday, March 13th, teachers will use place holders for assignments to keep track of items, but NOTHING will receive a ‘zero’. If you have a question about this please contact the teacher directly.

    All the Best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    COVID-19 School Update - March 23, 2020

    In compliance with today’s announcement from the Governor's office, Renaissance Academy will remain closed through April 6, 2020. Per the announcement, we are not yet able to ensure when we will reopen, as further periods of closure may be mandated.

    Some questions related to the above, and our state of affairs:

    Q. Will you eliminate all or some of Spring Break?
    A. That decision cannot yet be made for several reasons. We will need the Governor's office to provide a notice when we are allowed to open. As our school is dependent on district bussing, we would need to negotiate for these days, not currently on our calendar. It is most unlikely that we would hold school on the currently scheduled Spring Break Days.

    Q. Will you eliminate all or some of the SLC days in late April?
    A. Again, decisions cannot yet be made for several reasons. We will need the Governor's office to provide a notice when we are allowed to open. If we are open at that time our school is dependent on district bussing, we would need to negotiate for these days, not currently on our calendar. We will explore this option if it appears we will be able to open.

    Q. Will you administer any of the State Standardized Tests?
    A. No, these tests (PSSA, PASA & Keystone) were canceled per PDE late last week. The days for these tests, if the school is open, will be regular instruction days.

    Q. Will you administer AP (Advanced Placement) Exams?
    A. Communication regarding AP Exams was sent to High School Families. Additional follow-up and options for your student, if enrolled in these courses, will be coming out this evening as well.

    Q. My child still needs to pick up a Chrome book?
    A. We will have an opportunity to pick up additional Chromebooks. That date/time has not yet been released as we hope to condense any need to access the building and alleviate unnecessary contact among staff, families, etc. during this time.

    Q. What is the school’s ‘Goal for Learning’ during this time?
    A. Now that we know we will be managing this system for longer than the original two-weeks, you will see some changes. During Week Two (Week of March 23) things will remain much the same as last week, with some reasonable adaptations. In the upcoming weeks, you will see more new learning and more concrete expectations; with adjustments as reasonable. Our goal is to keep learning GOING, but also to focus on critical information. We know this will not be the same for everyone, for many reasons, and are maintaining our expectation that everyone DO THEIR BEST!

    Q. What will happen to funds we paid toward field trips, activities, etc. that have been postponed or may not happen?
    A. All payments to the portal will remain on your child’s account. If the event or activity is rescheduled, the payment will apply to the new date. If the event or activity is canceled we will work to credit your account for future payments. If a refund is needed this will be managed as time allows. No action will be taken on student accounts during the time of the closure.


    March 20, 2020 at 4:10 PM EDT

    Greetings Parents and Guardians,

    Happy FRIDAY!
    We are close to wrapping up Week One of this new adventure. Thank you so very much for your patience, cooperation, and feedback during this time. Our staff is truly working hard to make decisions as new information is flowing in every day. Our primary goal right now is to ensure that all of our kids are having continuity of education with some teacher contact, feeling supported and getting comfortable with new and changing expectations.

    We do believe we have worked out a few kinks this week, and with your feedback, are in the process of taking care of more. As of today, over 250 of you have checked out Chromebooks for home use; that is in addition to the nearly 500 Upper School Students who have their Chromebooks home each day. I am so proud that we are able to provide this resource to our students!

    We are aware that some of our families are still not able to access the internet. By the end of the day, today, the principals will be doing an audit of any students who have not yet ‘checked in’ with a teacher. We will begin reaching out to those families more aggressively to establish the cause. If you are in need of assistance to access an internet connection we will do our very best to help you out. *If you are aware of a family that does not have internet or is possibly missing these communications, please email me directly!*

    As a reminder, NO STUDENT will be penalized for work not yet done, or not done on time. As noted in the first message on Friday, March 13th, teachers will use place holders for assignments to keep track of items, but NOTHING will receive a ‘zero’. If you have a question about this please contact the teacher directly.

    I am sure many of you heard the news yesterday, related to the cancellation of standardized testing for some students. As I said earlier this week, Renaissance is not in this for the matter of minimums, or checking off a box. We want your child to continue to feel excited and engaged in school and to love learning. The fact that these tests will be removed for this year, does not change my staff’s excitement about teaching and or wanting to continue their best efforts for your child.

    All the Best, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    COVID-19 School Update - March 20, 202

    In compliance with the stat-wide school closures, Renaissance Academy will remain closed for 10 school days. The re-opening is planned for March 30, 2020. This will be re-assessed periodically and updates will be provided.


    Getting Support for Technology:

    While staff and students are working at home, we recognize they will have issues and needs related to their technologies. Our IT Team is here to support everyone to the extent that they are able. These employees will NOT be on-site at the school but are able to access resources if needed, to support your technology needs.

    There will be service desk hours will be from 8 am-2 pm on weekdays. If, due to parent obligations and work schedules you are not able to access service during that time, appointments will be created for all stakeholders.

    For Tech help with class expectations and content, your FIRST action should be to contact the classroom teacher from whom the assignment came. In most instances, they will be able to direct and assist you. If the matter is beyond the teacher’s ability to help, you should contact our IT Team.

    Please contact IT via this Technology Service Google Form

    If your device is damaged and you are not able to access the Google Form, you can call via phone for support. The support line is 610-415-4279. You will not get a live voice. Please leave a detailed description of your problem and a means to contact you. An IT Team Member will fill out a form on your behalf.

    With either method of contact, an IT Team Member will contact you within 24 Business Hours of receiving your request

    From our Counselors:

    Check Out RA Virtual Spirit Week! Your School Counseling Team misses you! Join in for a Week of School Spirit, from wherever you are! We hope you will share photos on our school, FB Page! RA Virtual Spirit Week - March 23 - March 27.pdf

    Also in this RA Communication Email

    The following repeated information was also included in this communication email to parents. It can be found in the previous emails listed below. These include:
    • Access to Meals/Food Assistance (Email Dated March 13th at 12:04 PM EDT)
    • Access to the Internet (Email Dated March 13th at 12:04 PM EDT)
    • Current Status In our Buildings (Email Dated March 13th at 12:04 PM EDT)
    • Plans for Learning (Email Dated March 16, 2020 at 8:00 AM EDT)
      • All students in grades 3rd - 12th are being provided assignments via Google Classroom.
    • Resource for Children - Call for Kids Compassion, Weekly relaxation calls available for kids and teens (Email Dated March 17th at 2:45 PM EDT)

    March 17, 2020 at 2:45 PM EDT

    COVID-19 School Update

    Greetings Parents and Guardians,

    As we embark on figuring out this ‘new normal’ I want to commend you and your students.  We are only just beginning this method of working with our families and we are well aware that what we put in place on day one will look very different by day three, day five, day ten, and dare I say…… 

    The feedback we are receiving is both appreciative and constructive, and I thank you for your honesty.  If you are already feeling stressed by the school learning expectations I ask you to please, take pause! Some of our students have not yet picked up Chromebooks, others are still seeking help with internet connections. NO STUDENT will be penalized for work not yet done, or not done on time. As noted in the first message on Friday, March 13th, teachers will use place holders for assignments to keep track of items, but NOTHING will receive a ‘zero’. 

    If you, as a parent, feel that the work is too much or taking your child too long….. STOP, let them take a break, send the teacher a note just as you would if homework were too much any other day of the year. The teacher will do their best to work with you, support and accommodate. Please be reasonable with allowing them to respond to you. 

    Also, I see many of you are sharing resources, online game sites, learning platforms that are free, digital field trips… this is all great, however, don’t pressure yourself to add MORE. Stick to what the teaching staff is using, and what your child is familiar with. As time goes by if you feel ready and wanting to add more to your routine that is your choice but this is NOT a competition. Everyone is expected only to do their best. 

    I do feel it needs to be said that Renaissance is not interested in meeting minimums, or checking off a box. We do not need anyone to tell us what quality education looks like.  We want your child to continue to feel excited and engaged in school and to love learning. My staff’s excitement for the challenge will help to provide a smooth transition into whatever is in the future. The effort now may seem huge but it will provide a bridge to whatever comes next. We are Building Life Long Learners in partnership with each of you. 

    All the Best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    *If we deem it necessary to activate further closure that decision will be communicated via Skylert email and phone messages. Please make sure your current contact information is up to date and that none of the school generated messages are going to your SPAM folders.

    Note:  This 3/17/20 email also included  the information which was contained in the March 13th update below. 

    Updates to that email:

    Resource for Children:

    This has been provided by our Aetna, RA’s health insurance provider. It is open to all children in our region. Please feel free to use this resource.

    • Call for Kids Compassion - Weekly relaxation calls available for kids and teens Over the next several weeks, we would like to provide an opportunity for kids and teens to join these virtual listen-in sessions (15-20 minutes in length), which will include positive readings, guided meditation, grounding practices and healthy hygiene tips.  Feel free to join as few or as many sessions as you would like.
      • Kids Calls:
        • Wednesday, March 18th, 11:30am EST
        • Thursday, March 19th, 2:30pm EST
        • Tuesday, March 24th, 2:00pm EST
        • Thursday, March 26th, 2:30pm EST
        • Monday, March 30th, 2:00pm EST
        • Wednesday, April 1st, 1:00pm EST
        • Friday, April 3rd, 11:00am EST
      • Teen Calls:
        • Wednesday, March 18th, 12:30pm EST
        • Thursday, March 19th, 3:30pm EST
        • Tuesday, March 24th, 2:30pm EST
        • Thursday, March 26th, 3:00pm EST
        • Monday, March 30th, 2:30pm EST
        • Wednesday, April 1st, 1:30pm EST
        • Friday, April 3rd, 11:30am EST
      • Call-in line for all sessions: 844-712-3250; Access code 716 720 596 Sessions are open to all and hosted by Anjali Sharma, Public Sector Wellness Consultant and Mindfulness Advocate for Aetna.

    Reminder, Tomorrow -Wednesday, March 18, 2020, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

    • We plan to have essential staff on-site to allow families to pick-up Chromebooks, pick-up medications that may have been left with our nurses, retrieve band instruments or retrieve items students may NEED from their classrooms or lockers.
      • Students DO NOT need to be present to pick up any of these items, parents, and guardians may do this for them.
      • Please only come to the building on this day if you have one of the above needs.
      • Teaching staff will not be present to answer questions or provide instruction.
      • *If this pick-up day should change we will communicate via this email system.* 
    • Also, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, we will have bags of food items for distribution.
      • These are items that were in our stock and will not be useful at the end of this closure. We are happy to give these items away in the hopes that you and your family may use them.
      • This will be ‘first come first serve’ until items are gone. This IS NOT a ‘meal’ pick-up. 

    March 16, 2020 at 8:00 AM EDT - School Update 3/16/2020

    Good Morning

    First and foremost, I wish to once again thank our ENTIRE community for their patience and cooperation during this truly unusual time. I am proud to report that during the day, Friday, March 13Th, amazing things happened at your school.

    Your teachers, support staff and counselors jumped to the challenge presented to them. They spent the day, planning and researching how to keep your child safe, educated and supported.

    Your Tech Team quickly went into action and distributed over 160 computers in a matter of a few hours. These tasks, some of which we could never have anticipated, were done with grace, professionalism and the sheer attitude that ‘things had to get done’ 

    EVERY staff member found a way to be helpful and involved in the efforts. The outcomes of this work will be seen and felt in the weeks to come! Some expectations of your student will look and feel quite different and we will need patience and flexibility, however, I do believe that all of us are up to the challenge. While the next steps are still complicated, and we will surely hit some bumps in the road ahead, I am confident that over the next few weeks your child experiences the desired World-Class Education that RA Promises you in our Mission.  

    I am also happy to report some exciting news in this time of uncertainty. Yesterday afternoon, during a special meeting of the PASD Board of Directors, the RA Charter received its five-year renewal. This Charter Renewal will run from July 1, 2020 - June 25, 2025. This approval is an important step for our school’s growth and stability.

    I wish to extend my gratitude to our entire community that helped us to have a successful 20 years of development and who will soar into the next chapter with us. I would also like to thank Dr. Fegely and the PASD School Board for their support and quality recommendations which we will take into consideration as we plan for our future success. 

    All the best - and stay well, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli  

    Below are some reminders and updates related to our school closure. I will not continue to send daily updates unless new information has become available or if the current situation changes.


    March 13, 2020 @ 12:04 PM EDT

    Good afternoon - As the week has progressed we have seen school districts, government agencies, and others taking steps to attempt to safeguard our communities from what is now known as a pandemic outbreak. We too have made every effort to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our staff and students. As yesterday’s escalation of events has shown us, we can longer conduct ‘business as usual’.  Over 60% of our students reside in Montgomery County School Districts and therefore our whole school community must react accordingly.

    Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, Renaissance Academy will be closed for 10 school days. The re-opening is planned for March 30, 2020. This will be reassessed periodically and updates will be provided.

    On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, we plan to have essential staff on-site to allow families to pick-up Chrome Books, pick-up medications that may have been left with our nurses, retrieve band instruments or retrieve items students may NEED from their classrooms or lockers. Please only come to the building on this day if you have one of the above needs. Teaching staff will not be present to answer questions or provide instruction. *If this pick-up day should change we will communicate via this email system.* 

    Access to meals/food assistance: 

    Montgomery County School Districts have been tasked with providing services and meals to those in need. Please reach out to your local School Districts for information on how to access these resources. Chester County School Districts have not yet been activated in this manner. We will update you if we hear otherwise.  There are resources that you may be able to use immediately. Please see more information here:  Counseling and Support Resources for Families

    Access to the Internet: 

    Please see the following resources - they are non-RA Affiliated tools, but may be helpful for you:

    Current Status In our Buildings: 

    • Daily classes - Canceled through March 27th pending re-assessment
    • Parent Volunteers / Visitors - Canceled through March 27th pending re-assessment
    • After school activities involving present students - Canceled through March 27th pending re-assessment
    • After school events/education / outside vendors - Canceled until March 27th, beyond March 27th on a case by case basis 
    • Field Trips - Canceled until April 3rd  
    • Staff Professional Development / Travel - Canceled until March 27th *online PD Allowed
    • New programs / Visitors - Canceled until March 27th, beyond March 27th on a case by case basis 
    • Princeton Review - Course will be moved to online format. Students / Families will be contacted directly by the instructor at some point today.  
    • Outside community tournaments and competitions  - At CEO Discretion on case by case basis 
    • Non-RA Mandated:
      • Chester County Reading Olympics Competition has been canceled
      • Chester County Science Fair has been canceled
      • Destination Imagination Tournament has been canceled  

    If we deem it necessary to activate further closure that decision will be communicated via Skylert email and phone messages. Please make sure your current contact information is up to date and that none of the school generated messages are going to your SPAM folders.

    You can find all of our previous and updated communications regarding the COVD-19 here (below).

    RA Communications Plans for Learning:

    Student Learning will continue to the extent that we are able to provide materials and guidance. You will continue to receive further, more specific communications from your student’s teachers.

    Teachers and staff will be expected to reply to emails within the already established 24 hour period, on workdays. Emails sent outside of regular school day hours will be responded to on the next business day.

    Any previously scheduled IEP Meetings and parent meetings will be held via Google Hangouts. The staff member who initiated the meeting will be in contact to confirm and ensure parents are able to access it. Please allow flexibility in making these plans.

    Upper School Student Expectations

    • 3 assignments, minimum, per week, per core subject
    • 1 assignment, minimum, per week, per Fine Art classes

    Assignments not turned in will be marked ‘missing’ with no ‘zero’ to account for students who may become ill and are unable to complete work.

    Based on the full extent of the closure, reasonable accommodations will be made to allow for make-up work. 

    Online classes should be continued as they are currently running. 

    Dual Enrollment Classes will continue at the discretion and guidance of the instructor who will provide instruction

    Lower School Student Expectations

    • 1 assignment daily, per core subject 
    • 1 assignment, minimum, per week, per Fine Art classes 

    Assignments not turned in will be marked ‘missing’ with no ‘zero’ to account for students who may become ill and are unable to complete work.

    Based on the full extent of the closure, reasonable accommodations will be made to allow for make-up work.   

    Best, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    March 12, 2020 at 5:31 PM EDT

    Subject: Follow-up to today's email

    Good Afternoon,
     I am following up to a few points that were raised regarding this afternoon's email update.

    If your child takes medication at school and you need to retrieve this medication due to our closure and the possibility of a long-term closure, you may do so tomorrow, March 13, 2020 between the hours of 9:00 am -12 noon. Please come to the school office and you will be directed to the nurse's office to make this pick-up. If you are unable to pick up medications at that time please email the school nurse so that arraignments can be made. [email protected]

    In response to questions regarding specific events, activities etc. in the coming weeks: At this time we have closed school for classes on Friday, March 13, 2020. Decisions beyond that date will be made tomorrow as we work and plan based on the information we have. You can expect an update by the early afternoon tomorrow, Friday March 13, 2020 which will speak to our future plans.

    Many families have responded to our requests for information. This response has been extremely helpful. As a reminder, if our child does not have a school-issued Chromebook (Grades 7-12 only) and you will require one in the case of prolonged closures we will have the available for pick up on March 13, 2020 beginning at 9:00am until noon. We will work to make other pick-up times available as needed. If your family does not have internet access in their home but would like to make provisions for this there are some wonderful resources to make this affordable. One such resource is: https://www.internetessentials.com/

    We have also received word that families that currently participate in our weekend 'back pack' program for support will be able to continue participation regardless of the plans that may be in place. Your pick-up location will be at PACS in Phoenixville. We will provide more information to those in need, as it becomes available.

    Lastly, I wish to thank our community for your cooperation and support. The understanding and patience from families, as we navigate this unprecedented situation, is both reassuring and helpful. Our ultimate goal is to protect and safeguard the well-being of everyone. We are working to understand and manage the flow of information as quickly as it is coming to us and as it is changing. We are aware that decisions we make have consequences for our families and we are making every effort to mitigate the risk to safety and the impact on your situations.

    Have a safe and pleasant evening,
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    Mar 12, 2020 at 2:40 PM EDT - COVID-19 Update March 12, 2020

    Good afternoon

    As developments continue in the COVID-19 outbreak the administration continues to evaluate options and weigh best practices for the safety of all in our community. In an effort to proactively avoid unnecessary exposures, stress, and cost on our parents we will be canceling some upcoming events and outings.

    Please see the list below for details of these decisions. Renaissance Academy will be using our previously scheduled early dismissal day for staff planning and training.

    STUDENTS will NOT report for classes tomorrow, 3/13/20.

    Please do not send your students to school on Friday, March 13, 2020. We will follow-up by the end of the school day, Friday, March 13, 2020, with the next steps and plans future for the coming weeks.

    Chromebook Use at Home:

    If your family requires a Chromebook for use at home, in the anticipation of a prolonged absence, we are making a check-out time available to you on Friday, March 13, 2020. You may come to the school library from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm to check out a Chromebook for this use. We will add additional times to allow for pick up if necessary.

    Current Status In our Buildings:

    • Parent Volunteers / Visitors - Allowed
    • Student Teachers / Visitors already engaged - Allowed
    • After school activities involving already present students - Allowed
    • Field Trips - canceled until March 27th, beyond March 27th on a case by case basis
    • After school events/education / outside vendors - canceled until March 27th, beyond March 27th on a case by case basis
    • Staff Professional Development / Travel - canceled until March 27th
      • *online and in-house PD Allowed
    • New programs / Visitors - At CEO Discretion on case by case basis
    • Outside community tournaments and competitions - At CEO Discretion on case by case basis
    • Non-RA Mandated:
      • Chester County Reading Olympics Competition has been canceled
      • Chester County Science Fair has been canceled
      • Destination Imagination Tournament - No notice as of yet

    We are preparing for the possibility of a short-term or extended closure.

    Details regarding methods, expectations, and options in either of these events are being prepared and will be communicated as they become available.

    If we deem it necessary to activate a closure that decision will be communicated via Skylert email and phone messages. Please make sure your current contact information is up to date and that none of the school generated messages are going to your SPAM folders. In acknowledgment of our school’s unique blending of many communities, we are sensitively responding to the geopathic implications of this situation.

    We understand that the very essence of our population increases the risk of ‘cross-country spread’ We also acknowledge that this increases the need to manage resources from a variety of school districts and social services. We have begun communications with agencies that we hope can partner with you in the event of needing meal assistance, transportation, and medical resources, should your child be home from school for a prolonged period of time.

    Information Collection:

    As we look to planning for the next several days and weeks we are seeking some information from our families. Please take a moment to fill out the following form if you have not already done so. This will help us to collect important information and inform our planning.

    Thank you for your cooperation and patience and we manage the situation and work to ensure the best provisions for our school. Family Information Collection - Form Expired

    You can find all of our previous and updated communications regarding the COVD-19 here.

    Best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    March 11, 2020 at 9:14 PM EDT - Methacton SD Transportation

    Good Evening

    We have been made aware that Methacton SD will be closed  March 12, 2020 to provide their staff time for deep cleaning. We have not received any notice regarding transportation. Please follow the sending district guidelines regarding transportation to our school. If your child does not have transportation they will be marked excused absent.

    Have a good night, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    March 11, 2020 at 2:38 PM EDT

    School Status Health Concern Updates Parents and Guardians of Renaissance Academy:

    This message comes as an update to keep you informed and aware of the steps we have taken and measures that will continue to be in place as we weigh the spread and continued news updates in relation to the Coronavirus. In an effort to keep our entire population informed I will send updates periodically, regardless of new information; or immediately if pressing updates are required.

    Thank you, to the parents who have reached out to provide suggestions, ask questions and inform the school of their own concerns and health needs. We appreciate the communication and the assistance it provides in allowing us to gauge our community's concerns as well as the level of understanding

    Disinfecting Update:

    While our staff worked over the past weekend to disinfect the entire campus, it should be noted that this effort is now ongoing. While routine cleaning is always performed our facilities team has shifted their focus, for the time being, on heavily disinfecting all areas. This includes classrooms, hallways, lockers, gyms, restrooms, playground, cafeteria and offices, and workspaces. These efforts are being maintained throughout the school day as well as evening hours. This will continue until further notice.

    The substances used are those specifically recommended for the killing of this virus. The substance is safe and permitted for use in the school setting. It is distributed through a spray tool, and can also be used in liquid form to ‘wipe’ on surfaces. Our facilities team is trained and supervised in the use of these tools.

    If you would like more information the company that distributes this material is Diversy and the chemical is Virex II/256. The solution is ONLY being applied by our facilities staff and is not accessible to staff or students. It is being applied to areas during the school day where students are not present to allow proper drying time and effective use.

    Our Facilities team has also installed and equipped ‘Technology Sanitation Stations’ in the Upper School Flex spaces on the first and second floors. These areas provide our Upper School students and staff a safe, accessible manner in which to sanitize their laptops, phones, and tablets. They are encouraged to make use of this newly added resource.

    School Building Access:

    At this time the Renaissance Academy will remain open for classes. We have adjusted some after school building use so that activities do not create a hindrance to our facilities team’s ability to properly clean after hours.

    • At this time we are postponing the Title One Night, scheduled for March 12, 2020.
    • Weekend and evening rentals from outside vendors have been canceled through the weekend.
    • Sports practices and outdoor activities are NOT canceled.*
    • Princeton Review Class will be held as scheduled.*

    *Individual club advisors and coaches will communicate specifics with teams and groups as needed

    Student Absences:

    If your child is absent from school for short-term illness or precaution, the staff has been instructed to work with them to provide assignments to the extent they are able. Students will be afforded reasonable allowances for making up missed work per our attendance policy.

    If your child will remain out of school for a prolonged period of time, please communicate with the attendance line and your principal. Staff will again make reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

    If the coming days or weeks leading to a school-wide closure of an extended period we will communicate directly regarding plans, expectations, and provisions for learning to continue. This decision will be made, if necessary, as more information or recommendations become known.

    Information Collection:

    As we look to planning for the next several days and weeks we are seeking some information from our families. Please take a moment to fill out the following form, which will help us to collect important information and inform our planning. Thank you for your cooperation and patience and we manage the situation and work to ensure the best provisions for our school.

    • Family Information Collection Online Form - Expired

     You can find all of our previous communications regarding the Coronavirus here on our website Coronavirus (COVID-19) RA Communications page.

    Best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    March 11, 2020 at 7:57 AM EDT - PASD Transportation

    Good Afternoon - You may have received notice from PASD that they are planning an In-service Day for staff on Monday, March 16, 2020. They will not have classes at their schools and they will be doing the disinfection of their buildings. The Transportation Department has confirmed that they WILL transport RA Students from PASD on this day. Your child WILL have busing as of right now. If there are any changes to this status we will update you as information becomes available. They have also shared that their buses are being disinfected after AM Runs each morning.

    Best, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli 


    March 11, 2020 at 7:47 AM EDT - PVSD Closed

    Good Morning, Parents and Guardians of Perkiomen Valley School District - 

    I apologize for the late notice in this message. We have not received official messaging, however, we now understand that the PV School District is closed today for sanitation, as reflected on their Facebook Page. While we are trying to see where the communication break down occurred it appears that our families from PV were not notified by the School District as they typically are during a closure or other emergencies. Again, I apologize as I am certain this caused confusion and inconvenience in your morning routine. Your child will be marked absent/excused due to transportation if they do not come to school. If you choose to drive them to school please be aware that they will not have bus transportation home based on what we know at this time.

    Best, Dr. Guarino Buli 


    March 10th, 2020

    Good Afternoon - The following communication came from NASD Transportation this afternoon. If anything should change we will update families as soon as we are aware. 

    Best, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli

    "We are planning on opening tomorrow. All of our buses have been deep cleaned and disinfected today. FYI - We disinfect routinely after the AM & PM runs."
    From: Tim Orner, Transportation & Contracted Facility Services Supervisor
    Norristown Area School District"


    March 10, 2020 at 11:32:23 AM EDT - Alert Follow-up

    Good Morning

    I have received several emails with questions regarding the previously sent Health Alert. In an effort to provide all of our families with the same level of communication, I will answer the questions systematically. Individual emails will not be receiving a response. Thank you for your time in reading these communications and for your concern for the safety and well-being of our community.

    Q - What is the reporting requirement for our school?

    A - There is not currently a reportable circumstance at our school. The RA Administration chose to share the information with our families out of a desire to keep everyone informed. We are in communication with the Chester and Montgomery County Departments of Health.

    Q- When was the school made aware of the exposure?

    A - The administration was informed of the exposure at the start of the school day, today.

    Q- What grade is the exposed child in?

    A- We will not be sharing that information out of respect and privacy for the family involved. That information would not provide any guarantee that your child was or was not in contact with the exposed child as all of our students share many spaces on our campus.

    Q - Does the exposed child ride a school bus?

    A - The child does not ride a school bus.

    Q - Was the exposed child in school yesterday after the weekend sensitization was done?

    A - Yes, the family was notified of the exposure after attending school yesterday.

    Q - What will the continued cleaning and sanitizing plan be going forward?

    A - Our team will continue with their regular nightly cleaning with rotating rounds of more intense sanitizing. The areas of the school in which the exposed child would have been will be more diligently sanitized as well.

    Again, we hope to assuage any concerns by keeping you informed. We will continue to share information to the extent that it is available and believed to be helpful. We are not able to define which of our students may have come into contact with the exposed child as our students share many common areas such as the cafeteria, library, and restrooms. If you have concerns about your own child’s risk, you are free to act accordingly.

    As a reminder, the incubation period for this illness is approximately two weeks. We are aware that this child’s exposure took place approximately one week ago. They will be in isolation for one week from today. If any further symptoms develop or other families report exposure we will notify our community.

    All the best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli


    March 10, 2020 at 9:54:16 AM EDT - Health Alert

    Good Morning Parents and Guardians:

    I am sending the following update so that all of our school community can be informed and make the best personal decisions for their family.

    We are aware that one of our Lower School students was exposed to a person who is confirmed positive for having the Coronavirus. The student was exposed over a week ago and has not exhibited any symptoms. They are currently under instructed quarantine and will remain out of school until the necessary period of incubation has passed.

    If you feel your child is at risk for illness or is displaying symptoms of illness you should contact your own physician. It is always at each family’s discretion to make the most competent decision for their children. As a reminder, a child who is sick or requires fever-reducing medication should not come to school.

    If you elect to keep your child home from school, and your home district is open, please notify the attendance office of their absence. In the cases of prolonged absences, our staff will do their best to provide work that can be done at home. For those who are required to remain out of school for medical reasons, reasonable allowances will be made to support their learning, to the extent that we are able to do so.

    At this time Renaissance will continue to remain open for school. If your district is closed please verify with them directly regarding the status of transportation. If your district is closed your child will have an excused absence from school.

    If your child contacts you during the school day and feels ill, please communicate with our nursing staff so that we can be aware of the health and symptoms in our community.

    We will continue to update you as information becomes available. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

    Best,
    Dr. Guarino Buli


    March 9th at 5:23 PM EST - Transportation Updates for 3/10/20

    Good Afternoon - 

    We have been made aware that some districts may be closed tomorrow, March 10, 2020, to perform a deep cleaning of their buildings and buses. This is the work that Renaissance Facilities did over this past weekend, as noted in my previous email (THANK YOU to our awesome facilities team!!) Ongoing, regular cleaning and sanitizing efforts will continue as normal.

    Please note: *If your district is closed your child WILL NOT have transportation to, or home from, Renaissance. Please check your home district's status for updates.

    *If your district is closed and Renaissance is open, your child may still come to school via your provided transportation.

    *At this time, Renaissance does NOT plan to close our school. If we find that too many districts are closed and students are without transportation, we will update this decision if needed.

    Thank you, 
    Dr. Guarino Buli


    March 3, 2020 at 12:11:03 PM EST - Health Update

    Parents / Guardians of the Renaissance:

    You are likely aware of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, that has become prevalent in other countries around the world. As members of school leadership in PA we receive regular updates from PDE and the DOH regarding illnesses like this, and steps to be taken to mitigate risks to your child and our community. An update of what has been done to prepare, in the event an outbreak occurs in Pennsylvania, and where you can access additional information is below.

    Earlier this month, the state Department of Health (DOH) activated the Health Emergency Operations Center to streamline cross-sector coordination. DOH also continues to update factsheets and information about the virus on its website. You can find the most current information for schools by visiting DOH’s Coronavirus website or by connecting through PDE’s website (under the “Schools” tab). The Department of Education will continue to coordinate with DOH and others to ensure that Pennsylvania is prepared should there be an outbreak of COVID-19 here.

    The best way to prepare for an outbreak in Pennsylvania continues to be ensuring that our school community is practicing good hygiene, including washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping surfaces clean, and keeping students or staff home if they are sick.

    Our school’s existing REMS Plan includes steps to be taken in the case of an outbreak of illness or pandemic plan, and we work with local health and emergency officials to update those plans to address a potential virus outbreak in your community.

    Additional resources to aid in your planning can be found below (links available in original email).

    • Sample Checklist for Pandemic Influenza (PEMA)
    • Get Your School Ready for Pandemic Flu (CDC)
    • Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC)
    • Coronavirus Resource Website (DOH)
    • All-Hazards Toolkit (PEMA)

    Please note that our school nurses, who are under the jurisdiction of DOH, also receive school health information directly from DOH as it becomes available. This information is shared with school administrations as well.

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