Saint Mary's Hall has a Campus Reopening Task Force to inform and guide our leadership in addressing the myriad of considerations related to reopening the campus and the ongoing operations of the school throughout the academic year, guided by recommendations of local, state, and federal authorities.

The Campus Reopening Task Force is comprised of SMH leadership, faculty, staff, trustees, parents, and community partners.  The task force is divided into four smaller Continuity Committees:

• Programmatic Continuity
• Health, Wellness, and Safety Continuity
• Financial, Operational, and Facilities Continuity
• Community and Events Continuity

See the full list of Campus Reopening Task Force members, located on our ONE|SMH Reopening Task Force web page.

Yes, SMH has a plan for reopening called ONE|SMH: The 2020-2021 School Year.  The plan acknowledges the important nature of the student experience, with an academic schedule and programming that offers in-person, hybrid, and online-only instruction.  It is a three-phased approach developed to help learning and connections thrive in any condition.  Each phase includes outlined schedules, policies, guidelines, and procedures that will allow us to move between phases to adjust to the current pandemic conditions.  The phases are: Virtual (Red) Phase, Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, and On Campus (Green) Phase.

Read more about our three-phased approach, located on our ONE|SMH web page.

To determine which phase the school will be throughout the school year, SMH has a comprehensive Health & Safety Matrix that outlines specific health and safety risk levels and protocols that must be met for each phase.  The matrix is designed to reduce the risk associated with spreading COVID-19, and will take into account the evolving standards of best practices outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Education Agency (TEA), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), our accrediting body the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), as well as community health regulations from our local government and the State of Texas.

Yes, families will have the option to continue to connect virtually from home with their teachers and classroom communities as we shift to the ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase. 

In a Parent Survey sent in late August, 71% of our families intend to send their students back to campus for in-person learning. 

SMH began the school year in the ONE|SMH Virtual (Red) phase, with virtual learning for all students with faculty teaching remotely from home on August 17.  We continue to carefully consider expert medical consultation and San Antonio Metro Health metrics, which assess community spread and are designed specifically to promote school safety and aid in our decision-making.

On August 24, the City of San Antonio School Risk Level changed to the Yellow (Moderate) category. This change enables us to make plans to return to campus in the ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, but with a distinct limitation on the number of students allowed in the classroom. Metro Health defines the maximum “cohort” size as six students in a fixed group.

The ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase began with Cohort Pilot Testing for Lower School students September 10-18, allowing for on-campus classes plus an option for continued virtual learning from home. Middle and Upper School students resumed their Virtual Phase schedule on September 9.

We aim to begin welcoming all students back for in-person engagement Monday, September 14 in fixed cohorts.  Plans in place today may change as our city deals with a fluid, shifting public health situation.

Learn more about the Hybrid Phase, located on our ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase web page.

For students and families who are getting ready to resume on-campus learning in the ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, we are pleased to submit our ONE|SMH: The Path to Reopening guide. This plan is the product of significant conversation, study, and expert guidance created to help us as we continue to navigate the changing pandemic. We have compiled what we believe to be a best-practice guide that outlines our reopening plan, health and safety measures, and Hybrid Phase details. Core to the The Path to Reopening guide is the belief that our return to campus and the delivery of our academic program must be balanced with health and safety practices that go well beyond the standard of care.

You can familiarize your family with the ONE|SMH: The Path to Reopening guide, located on the ONE|SMH: The Path to Reopening  web page.

Yes, Saint Mary’s Hall has robust health and safety protocols in place for students, faculty, and staff as we prepare to enter into the ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase.

Our Health & Safety Measures will dictate our on-campus interactions and provide clarity around expectations for students, faculty, and staff. They will also detail our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) practices, COVID-19 Response/Exposure Protocol, cleaning measures, facility safety upgrades, detailed contact tracing training, and more.

Learn more about our Health & Safety Measures, located on our ONE|SMH Hybrid Phase web page.

Monitoring and tracking illnesses within our community will be a significant factor in SMH’s ability to remain open. Therefore, we are implementing daily screenings for every individual coming to campus. Every day students, faculty, and staff will answer a series of health questions via an online form. Anyone who does not pass the screening will not be allowed to enter campus until they meet the Return to Campus Criteria listed in the ONE|SMH: The Path to Reopening guide as well as in the Health & Safety Measures section on this web site.  Learn more about our Health & Safety Measures, located on our ONE|SMH Hybrid Phase web page. 

Nurturing students’ mental health and wellness is as important to their overall success as academic achievement. Both the coronavirus pandemic and a recent public focus on long-standing racial injustice have undoubtedly affected student well-being. Consequently, we will assess and support students socially, spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout the school year, whether learning is taking place on or off campus.

We plan to survey our Middle and Upper School students intermittently to better understand their emotional needs and will use that data to inform our wellness efforts. Lower School Counselor Susan Moore-Sickmann will have weekly guidance classes to support student well-being and will be available for individual consultations with students or parents. Middle and Upper School Counselors Leslie Palmer and Liz Clark will be available to students by appointment and will continue to lead advising efforts. Director of Wellness Sandra Lopez-Morales, Ph.D., will lead our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, and will continue working with a team to examine the school’s climate and implement change to address equity and inclusion on campus. She will also continue to spearhead wellness offerings for our school community, and will be available for consultation by appointment.

During this time of transition, school safety requires safety in other environments. SMH asks that all families pledge to follow the guidelines ONE|SMH sets forth, whether in school, at home, or elsewhere. Upholding SMH’s Core Values of Responsibility and Respect means maintaining healthy practices as well as adhering to all federal, state, and local health orders, wherever you are, to ensure our community’s collective safety. Just as the Honor Code, guides our conduct in and out of the classroom, our Pledge to My Community asks students to take responsibility for the entire SMH family.

W.A.T.C.H. is an acronym that will help us as a community, remember to employ five health and safety practices while on campus.  When used by everyone in a community, the five strategies of W.A.T.C.H. significantly decrease the risk of viral transmission. If we all work together to maintain these practices, campus is more likely to stay open, and our children will benefit from being able to continue their in-person SMH educational experience.

Learn the acronym and safety practices, located on our W.A.T.C.H. web page. 

We are working closely with SAGE Dining Services®, our dining services provider, on safe food preparation, distribution, and service.

Middle and Upper School students will eat lunch in cohorts in the Dining Hall using physical distancing guidelines. Each serving line will feature a hot lunch already plated, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. In addition, salads, desserts, and bottles of water, milk, and juice will be available at each line.

Lower School students will be served boxed lunches, which will include hot food, in the classroom.

Communicating about the ONE|SMH: The 2020-2021 School Year plan is very important to us.  Over the last couple of months, SMH has hosted a series of town hall meetings to allow families to engage, ask questions, and strengthen our planning during this academic year. Divisions and departments will also host informational sessions throughout the year and as we move into the different phases.  We will also send email updates on a regular basis.  In addition, this ONE|SMH section of our web site will be updated frequently. 

Yes, there will be a daily health screenings to access campus.  In order to keep our campus safe, all students, faculty, and staff must complete a daily online health screening form. To access the Saint Mary's Hall COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire, click here. You may also click this document for easy access to the link and QR code. Everyone must complete the SMH COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire and receive a “GO” message to enter campus. Random temperature checks will be taken at the security gate.

Yes, PPE will be required.  Cloth face coverings will be required on campus at all times for all students, faculty, and staff while they are indoors or cannot maintain a 6 ft. distance outside. To read more about our PPE guidelines, visit our Path to Reopening Guide (p.4).

Yes, Saint Mary’s Hall has a COVID-19 Response/Exposure Protocol.  We will follow CDC guidelines for any students, faculty, or staff who test positive for COVID-19. We also have an SMH COVID-19 Response/Exposure Protocol in place to include a SMH Campus Contact Tracing Team. To read more about our protocol, visit our Path to Reopening Guide (p. 4).

As part of our Health & Safety Protocol, in order to be allowed to return to campus, certain criteria must be met.  To learn more about our Return to Campus Criteria and additional guidelines, visit our Path to Reopening Guide (p. 5).

Saint Mary’s Hall has incorporated many cleaning measures to help keep our students, faculty, and staff safe.  These measures include designated times for hand washing, hand sanitizer stations, and increased sanitation procedures all classrooms and high-traffic areas. To read more about all of our cleaning measures, visit our Path to Reopening Guide (p. 5).

We have been working to implement many safety modifications to our facilities, including determining outdoor learning areas, creating/posting health and safety signage, and implementing the Rosner Model. To read more about all of our facilities safety measures, visit our Path to Reopening Guide (p. 5).

Yes, our faculty and staff have been trained (and continue to be trained) on health and safety protocols.  Faculty and staff are one of the first lines of defense in keeping our school safe. To read more about the training, visit our Path to Reopening Guide (p. 5).

When used by everyone in a community, the five strategies of W.A.T.C.H. significantly decrease the risk of viral transmission. If we all work together to maintain these practices, campus is more likely to stay open, and our children will benefit from being able to continue their in-person SMH educational experience.

SMH began the school year in the ONE|SMH Virtual (Red) phase, with virtual learning for all students with faculty teaching remotely from home on August 17.  We continue to carefully consider expert medical consultation and San Antonio Metro Health metrics, which assess community spread and are designed specifically to promote school safety and aid in our decision-making.

On August 24, the City of San Antonio School Risk Level changed to the Yellow (Moderate) category. This change enables us to make plans to return to campus in the ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, but with a distinct limitation on the number of students allowed in the classroom. Metro Health defines the maximum “cohort” size as six students in a fixed group.

The ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase began with Cohort Pilot Testing for Lower School students September 10-18, allowing for on-campus classes plus an option for continued virtual learning from home. Middle and Upper School students resumed their Virtual Phase schedule on September 9.

We aim to begin welcoming all students back for in-person engagement Monday, September 14 in fixed cohorts.  Plans in place today may change as our city deals with a fluid, shifting public health situation.

Learn more about the Hybrid Phase, located on our ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase web page.

We are committed to continuing programs that provide creative and physical outlets for our students. Both athletics and fine arts have resumed in the ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) phase, though with modifications for health and safety.

Learn more information about athletics in the ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, visit our ONE|SMH Hybrid Phase web page. 

For more information about fine arts in the ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, visit our ONE|SMH Hybrid Phase web page.

Our Virtual and Hybrid Phase schedules were built for flexibility and to allow us to enter on-campus learning intentionally. We will use the current Virtual Phase schedule structure with a blend of the Hybrid Phase that includes on-campus learning focused around small cohorts of six.

Lower School students resumed their regular Virtual Phase schedule on September 9. On September 10, we invited Lower School cohorts to learn on-campus, using their existing schedules. The Lower School schedule and small class sizes allow us to rotate Lower School students through on-campus learning during the week. We are quickly defining how these cohorts will work, and your teachers and Head of Lower School Khristi Bates will provide details as they become available.

Middle and Upper School students resumed their regular Virtual Phase schedule on September 9. We are working to find ways to engage Middle and Upper School students in on-campus learning. However, the small, fixed cohort guidelines have presented significant challenges. We believe we can find creative ways to invite these students back to campus for on-campus engagement. Our faculty advisory group is working to define various opportunities, and teachers and Division Heads will continue to communicate updates

We are using the two weeks from September 10-19, for piloting various student engagement opportunities and ideas, and to train students on our Hybrid Cohorting procedures.

In the Lower School, teachers for Forms 3-5, as well as fine arts/PE/world language teachers will rotate between classrooms rather than students changing rooms.  Classroom assignments have also been changed to minimize travel throughout the campus and to enhance physical distancing.

To keep classroom numbers small, some classes have been subdivided into smaller sections, or cohorts of six students.  Students will either sit at individual desks 6 ft. apart or will be separated by clear partitions. Students will also have designated floor space in addition to desks as optional workspaces.

Once Middle and Upper School students return to campus in the Hybrid Phase, more details will be provided.

We are working closely with SAGE Dining Services®, our dining services provider, on safe food preparation, Distribution, and service.

Middle and Upper School students will eat lunch in cohorts in the Dining Hall using physical distancing guidelines. Each serving line will feature a hot lunch already plated, with vegetarianand gluten-free options available. In addition, salads, desserts, and bottles of water, milk, and juice will be available at each line.

No, students will not share supplies.  When classroom supplies are needed, students will use their own supplies.

This summer, our faculty and staff have dedicated themselves to professional development and adopting new pedagogical approaches and technology skills. They have studied the best approaches to hybrid teaching and learning: in-person instruction; synchronous instruction, for those who cannot be on campus but can engage the academic schedule remotely in real-time; and asynchronous instruction, for those who will need to engage learning remotely but will not be able to access the live classes synchronously.

Technology support will be provided on an as-needed basis to assist with educational app-related questions and device malfunctions. If you do not have the necessary technology at home for your student, please contact your division head or the Technology Department (support@smhall.org) to talk about your specific needs and concerns. 

Yes, students will continue to have PE and recess.  Physical education and recess will continue with new health and safety measures in place.  Students will conduct PE and recess outside, with the exception of inclement weather. Physical education coaches are excited and ready to welcome students back to campus. We will use outdoor spaces for PE activities as the weather allows. Limited equipment, if any, will be used; equipment will not be shared and will be cleaned and disinfected prior to its next use. The coaches will continue to share information with students to improve their overall health and wellness beyond just physical activity.

Unfortunately, all fall field trips have been canceled. Due to the current local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines, it would be unsafe for our students and faculty at this time.  As we move into our ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, we will continue to evaluate and reimagine the best way to safely offer field trips.

Unfortunately, all After-School Fall Session I classes have been cancelled.  Due to the current local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines, it would be unsafe for our students and faculty at this time.  As we move into our ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, we will continue to evaluate and reimagine the best way to safely offer After-School Enrichment classes.

For more information, visit the Enrichment page.

Yes, once we return to campus in the full time ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, Extended Care will be offered daily from 3:15pm – 5:30pm.  Information will be sent to families when we are able to safely offer Extended Care.

Unfortunately, due to current local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines, we are unable to host large indoor events and gatherings on campus. 

However, we are committed to one of the most vital portions of the SMH experience … our sense of community!  Many of our wonderful school traditions are still happening, just in a virtual and safe way.  For example, to officially kick off the school year, SMH held its first ever Baron Bazaar Brigade, a safe and fun version of our annual Baron Bazaar back-to-school event. Families were treated to curbside service where they received their textbooks and school supplies.  For our Blue Tie event, we hosted the Class of 2021 on campus for a drive-through Blue Tie Ceremony and the students (and their families) were sent a link to our virtual Blue Tie Ceremony. 

As we move into our ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, we will continue to evaluate and reimagine community events to ensure we are connecting with our students, parents, faculty, and staff, and with each other. We will keep you informed as to the status and details of upcoming events.

Unfortunately, all After-School Fall Session I classes have been cancelled.  Due to the current local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines, it would be unsafe for our students and faculty at this time.  As we move into our ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, we will continue to evaluate and reimagine the best way to safely offer After-School Enrichment classes.

For more information, visit the Enrichment page.

Yes, once we return to campus in the full time ONE|SMH Hybrid (Yellow) Phase, Extended Care will be offered daily from 3:15pm – 5:30pm.  Information will be sent to families when we are able to safely offer Extended Care.

Unfortunately, during the ONE|SMH Virtual (Red) and Hybrid (Yellow) Phases, parents, guests, and visitors will not be allowed on campus outside of their vehicles.  Due to current local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines, it would be unsafe at this time.