COVID-19 Updates

Greetings Fellow Servants, 

As we navigate what I have called an attempted assault on our hopefulness, a scripture Mrs. Murrell shared in a recent leadership meeting came to mind, Joshua 1, verse 9. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”.  

Undoubtably, we have demonstrated strength and courage along the way, while God has demonstrated His presence in getting us this far. You are all to be applauded for your patience, perseverance and pursuit of nimbleness in pivoting to bless those we serve and to support each other. On a good day, our jobs are challenging even before COVID-19.  

Blessings from on high to each of you. As we continue to navigate the sea of data, misinformation, politics, tragic occurrences, and trying times that have impacted us all, let’s continue to acknowledge our LORD’S presence and keep the courageous Faith. 

The adjustments in our COVID-19 protocol that will guide our coming weeks is outlined below. I emphasize the coming weeks rather than months, because we do not have certainty about what is next. And with an abundance of caution, we will remain responsive to the conditions and factors at hand, and as they unfold, and make decisions we deem to be in the best interest of ourselves and those we serve, as well as the vitality of St. Philip’s as a ministry. Admittedly, the guidelines below do not have precision of perfection, but they are not void of prayer.  

I ask that you remain vigilant in practice and in prayer; proactive in implementing our guidelines and in prayer for every servant and soul connected to our ministry. 

The CDC defines close contact as someone who was within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. (Please monitor your distance, handwashing, proximity timeframes, and wear your masks while on campus). The exposure window starts from two days before illness onset until the infected person is isolated.  Per Dallas County Health and Human Services, St. Philip’s will allow students and staff to continue to come to campus with no quarantine necessary. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 must stay home, notify us and contact their physician about arranging to take a PCR test for COVID-19. The students, staff and household members will quarantine for five days at a minimum, only to return with a negative PCR test result. As it stands, St. Philip’s plans to continue to require wearing masks perhaps to the end of this school year.   

In the case of an on-campus report of illness, our current procedures remain in place with a few exceptions:

An isolation room has opened in the Welcome Center. Mrs. Murrell and Nurse Christina will determine what notification will need to be sent. For accuracy and confidentiality, specifics and communications surrounding illness should not come from individual staff.   

In some instances of illness in the classrooms, faculty may be asked to vacate the room for 15 to 25 minutes to allow Operations to sanitize the space prior to re-occupancy.

All out of town academic excursions will require a negative PCR test result 48 to 72 hours prior to departure and proof of vaccination is strongly encouraged.

We will not automatically send home entire classes for COVID-19 exposures.  

Closure of full classrooms remain a possibility based on case-by-case conditions and circumstances, to be decided by Dr. Flowers and Mrs. Murrell.  

Your patience, thus far, has been truly appreciated. We have done our best in working to mitigate the spread of the virus, and we have clearly been confronted with challenges. We have literally watched our heroic Nurse Christina, engulfed with reporting, as contact tracing transformed into contact chasing with the overwhelming growth of the number of exposures. Let’s remain Faithful and Prayerful as many of us have been taxed physically, emotionally, economically, and unfortunately, spiritually.

Blessings, 

Dr. Terry J. Flowers

Perot Family Headmaster

Allow your Faith to be your Fuel.

Greetings St. Philip’s Family,

We pray that this message finds you well and healthy at home. I want to first start by saying THANK YOU to our parents for an exceptional expression of gratitude for Teacher Appreciation Week. We appreciate your support. Also, thank you again for your contributions towards upgrading technology. Plans to purchase technology are already underway.

We are in the home stretch and will finish strong. Please be sure to tune in to Principal Murrell’s message on Sunday for more details as the instructional week concludes on May 15th while special activities take place virtually the last week of school, May 18-22. We will provide an update for summer programming next week. Our top priority remains to be the health and safety of our students. 

As we complete this academic year we have already begun to plan ahead for re-opening strategies and scenarios in the fall. A Re-Opening Task Force team has started thinking about recommendations for the school related to COVID-19. Our plans will be developed based on CDC guidelines, local health, state and federal recommendations. We will send updates as we formalize plans in the coming months.

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Richard Wesley is joining the St. Philip’s family as CFO starting on Monday, May 11th. Dr. Wesley is relocating from the state of Illinois to the great state of Texas. Join me in thanking John Ralston for his service to the mission of St. Philip’s as he retires from the role of CFO.

**Note that we are seeking volunteers to assist in our campus aquaponics garden this Tuesday, May 12that 10:00 a.m. If you are available to volunteer, please come out and also click here to complete a volunteer form on our website.

Finally, please continue to follow health guidelines, wear masks, practice regular disinfecting, handwashing and social distancing if you must go out. Our Lord and Savior is still in control. Let us continue to lift up our community in prayer collectively.

May God bless you and keep you and your families in good health.
+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster

Greetings St. Philip’s Family,

As we conclude six weeks of Distance Learning and look forward to finishing strong over the next three weeks, I want to give many thanks to our wonderful faculty who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students continue to receive an unparalleled education during this time.

Additionally, we are very happy to announce that the St. Philip’s PSA has blessed our school with a year-end donation of $20,000. These funds will be utilized for technology upgrades. We are thankful to have technology available at the heart of our classroom experience.

As a reminder, our instructional day will conclude on May 15th with special virtual activities taking place the last week May 18-22. Please expect more details to come from Principal Murrell. We are also reviewing dates for the 6th grade graduation to occur upon our return to the building later in the summer. Please stay tuned for more information.

In regard to summer camp, we will not be offering camp on week 1 June 8-12 or week 2 June 15-19. Anyone who registered for these weeks has been issued a full refund. We are tentatively planning to start summer camp on June 22nd and will keep you informed of any changes. Unfortunately, given the uncertainties of the pandemic we will need to remain fluid in our decisions. Our top priority remains to be the health and safety of our students. 

We understand that Governor Abbott’s latest executive order allows some businesses to open at limited capacity, however, please continue to follow CDC health guidelines: wear masks and practice social distancing if you must go out. We will continue to gauge our ability and timing to return to normal operations weekly based on the guidance of state, federal, and Dallas County Health and Human Services recommendations.

Please continue to PRAY for the Satterfield-Barjon family and our community at large. We are here to help, contact LaSheryl Walker at lwalker@stphilips.com for a list of detailed financial and social service resources if you are in need of assistance. Continue to proactively reach out to us with your updates to give us the best opportunity to provide you with support. We ask that you self-report positive cases to Principal Murrell at kmurrell@stphilips.com or myself at tflowers@stphilips.com.

May God bless you and keep you and your families in good health.
+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster
 

Greetings St. Philip's Family,

In thinking about our update this week, we open with a moment of silence as our community mourns the loss of our dear faculty member, mother, sister and friend Gwendolyn Barjon. Mrs. Barjon’s leadership, grace, brilliant mind, kind heart, creativity, beauty and loving spirit will be missed but never forgotten. We pray that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy during these difficult times. 

We have provided a list of grief support resources that are located on our website at https://www.stphilips1600.org/parents/. Parents are encouraged to review before sharing with their child. St. Philip’s does not endorse the recommended sources but share for you to identify what is best for you and your family.

**If you would like to share fond memories, the Satterfield-Barjon family has created a memorial page. Click here for the page on Facebook or search In Honor of Mrs.Gwendolyn Satterfield-Barjon and you will find the page.

As noted in last week’s update we will continue Distance Learning for the remainder of the school year. Our instructional day will conclude on May 15th with special virtual year-end activities taking place the week of May 18. Please expect details in the coming weeks from Principal Murrell with these details as well as information regarding discounted Summer at St. Philip’s for re-enrolled families. 

We will continue to gauge our ability and timing to return to normal operations weekly based on the guidance federal, state, and Dallas County Health and Human Services recommendations. We are committed to keeping you informed as soon as we have updates. Our service to the surrounding South Dallas neighbors continues.

We appreciate and regret that several families are facing a daunting financial situation due to the drastic reduction in North Texas business and jobs required by the health crisis and corresponding governmental orders. For such families, we can suggest certain financial and social service resources that may help you through these difficult times. Please contact LaSheryl Walker at lwalker@stphilips.com for a list of referral resources.

**If you or a family member is in need of work, one of our partners is seeking an extra hand at their warehouse. Please email lwalker@stphilips.com for contact information.

Please continue to PRAY, follow the health guidelines, stay home, and practice social distancing. Continue to proactively reach out to us with your updates to give us the best opportunity to provide you with support. We ask that you self-report positive cases to Principal Murrell at kmurrell@stphilips.com or myself at tflowers@stphilips.com.

May God bless you and keep you and your families in good health.
+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster

Greetings St. Philip's Family,

It is our hope that this week’s update finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy during these difficult times. Today, Governor Abbott announced a plan to re-open the state in stages to limit the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the Executive Order states that “all schools in the state must remain closed for the remainder of the school year.” 

For us, school is not closed. A day without learning is a day wasted. St Philip’s presses on in innovation, engagement, and inclusivity. This period in the history of humanity is causing St Philip’s to further enhance our range of instructional delivery. Our services to the surrounding community are carrying on without wavering and our mission is being affirmed through these trying times. 

We will continue to gauge our ability and timing to return to normal operations weekly based on the guidance of state, federal, and Dallas County Health and Human Services recommendations. We are committed to keeping you informed as soon as we have updates.

St. Philip's School and Community Center’s administration and staff continue to make plans for next school year, and space is still available. If you missed the priority re-enrollment period, we have another opportunity for you! Round two of the Re-Enrollment Period will begin April 20th (at 10:00am) and the deadline is April 24th (at 4:00pm). 

**Special Note for Kinder & 1st Grade: Please note that re-enrollment is first come, first served. Specifically, for our 2020-2021 kinder & 1st grade classes, seats are limited. Therefore, once a class becomes full, you will be eligible to be placed in our "wait pool."**

SPSCC is also working on ways to help you this summer! Please be on the lookout for information regarding discounted Summer at St. Philip’s rates for re-enrolled families.

We appreciate and regret that several families are facing a daunting financial situation due to the drastic reduction in North Texas business and jobs required by the health crisis and corresponding governmental orders. For such families, we can suggest certain financial and social service resources that may help you through these difficult times. Please contact LaSheryl Walker at lwalker@stphilips.com for a list of referral resources.

Finally, we realize this is a difficult time for all of us, but we are in this together. Please continue to PRAY, follow the health guidelines, stay home, and practice social distancing.  Continue to proactively reach out to us with your updates to gives us the best opportunity to provide you with support. Please continue to self-report positive cases to Principal Murrell at kmurrell@stphilips.com or myself at  tflowers@stphilips.com.

May God bless you and keep you and your families in good health.
+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster

Greetings St. Philip's Family,

It is our hope that this week’s update finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy during these difficult times. The uncertainty that the COVID-19 health crisis brings is impacting all our families, but this Easter holiday weekend (April 10 –13) brings a reassurance that we serve a risen savior who is still in control. Take the break to enjoy a little downtime, relax, rejuvenate, and recharge with your families and loved ones. 

As this is a holiday weekend for St. Philip’s, be reminded that there will be no distance learning during this Easter break. However, based on Governor Abbott’s Executive Order issued on March 31, 2020, which stated that “schools shall remain temporarily closed to in-person classroom attendance and shall not recommence before May 4, 2020” our campus will remain closed until at least May 3rd. We will continue to gauge our ability and timing to return to normal operations weekly based on the guidance of state, federal, and Dallas County Health and Human Services recommendations. We are committed to keeping you informed as soon as we have updates.

We appreciate and regret that several families are facing a daunting financial situation due to the drastic reduction in North Texas business and jobs required by the health crisis and corresponding governmental orders. For such families, we can suggest certain financial and social service resources that may help you through these difficult times. Please contact LaSheryl Walker at lwalker@stphilips.com for a list of referral resources.

Finally, we realize this is a difficult time for all of us, but we are in this together. Please continue to PRAY, follow the health guidelines, stay home, and practice social distancing.  Continue to proactively reach out to us with your updates to gives us the best opportunity to provide you with support. Please continue to self-report positive cases to Principal Murrell at kmurrell@stphilips.com or myself at  tflowers@stphilips.com.

May God bless you and keep you and your families in good health.
+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster

Greetings St. Philip’s Family,

As promised, please review updates and information below as we continue to adjust to our current operations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate your patience and support as we all endure a time of unprecedented uncertainty. I am thankful for our dedicated faculty and staff who work tirelessly to ensure that our students continue to have a robust learning experience.

Distance Learning
In alignment with Governor Abbott’s shelter-in-place order, we will extend our distance learning until May 4. All sports and community center activities are cancelled until further notice, however, we will continue to operate Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry under modified low-touch operations to continue to serve the food insecure in our South Dallas neighborhood. We will continue to gauge our ability and timing to return to normal operations weekly based on the guidance of state, federal and Dallas County Health and Human Services recommendations. Please note that it is highly likely that we may not be able to return to normal operations before the school year ends.

St. Philip’s Approach to Refund Requests
Some questions have arisen as to whether St. Philip’s families can obtain refunds of their tuition or certain fees, in light of this public health issue in Dallas County requiring the closing of our campus. Although the manner of providing learning has changed from in-person attendance in school classrooms to distance learning, we plan to continue our learning process for students.

The St. Philip’s faculty regularly reaches out to all of our students providing a good educational framework during the current health crisis. Our faculty and staff remain at work, though not from campus, providing teaching and educational support for your students and your families. Because educational provisions remain in place, St. Philip’s does not plan to refund tuition for our students.

Some families have paid for certain additional services which may no longer be available during our forced distance learning operation. These services include on-campus lunches, and before and after school care. St. Philip’s will credit fees paid for April, for on-campus lunches and before and after school care towards next year’s tuition and fees. Upon approval of the Board of Trustees, families who are not returning may petition for a prorated refund of these fees. 

We appreciate and regret that several families are facing a daunting financial situation due to the drastic reduction in North Texas business and jobs required by the health crisis and corresponding governmental orders. For such families, we can suggest certain financial and social service resources that may help you through these difficult times. Please contact LaSheryl Walker at lwalker@stphilips.com for a list of referral resources.

Again, proactively reaching out to us with your updates gives us the best opportunity to provide you with support. Please continue to self-report positive cases to Principal Murrell at kmurrell@stphilips.com or myself at  tflowers@stphilips.com.

May God bless you and keep you and your families in good health.
+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster

Greetings Friends,
 
As you are aware, we - along with countless other nonprofits - are daily assessing and managing the impact of COVID-19 on our critical services. Aunt Bette's Community Pantry is one of the few pantries still operating during this coronavirus pandemic.
 
In an effort to safeguard our staff, volunteers and clients, we have modified our operations in accordance with current social distancing guidelines. Our pantry has migrated to a "low touch" assembly and distribution model where we are providing pre-packaged boxes of staple foods for curbside distribution to our clients. This new temporary model enables us to reduce the number of individuals needed to serve our clients on a daily basis and to utilize a consistent daily workforce in lieu of our traditional volunteer model.  

The efficiency of the process allows us to condense our client appointments to Mondays and Tuesdays beginning the week of April 6th, while still enabling us to serve an increasing number of neighbors in need.  If you are able to commit to serve as part of this consistent workforce every Monday from 8am-12pm or every Tuesday from 1pm-5pm through this time of crisis, please email Angelyn Page at apage@stphilips.com.

Additionally, we have a need for volunteers to help pick-up alternate sourced food from several locations of Snap Kitchen and the Super Target located at Skillman/Abrams. These sources provide many dozens of fresh meals for St. Philip's to distribute to our regular food pantry clients, to our elderly and to those needing emergency food.  To utilize this great generosity from these food suppliers, we need volunteers seven days per week to pick up food from each of these sources and transport the food to Aunt Bette's Community Pantry.  If you can transport packaged meals from these locations to the food pantry (no pantry client contact), please contact Dee Velvin at deevelvin@gmail.com.

We prayerfully look forward to resuming our client choice shopping model and seeing you, our faithful volunteers once we return to normal operations. 

May God bless you and keep you and your families in good health.

+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster
 

Greetings St. Philip’s Family,

We hope this message finds your family well and safe in the midst of uncharted territory. We wanted to share a few updates as we adjust to our current operations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Distance Learning
We thank every parent, student, faculty and staff member for your patience, cooperation and hard work as we implemented our first 4 days of Distance Learning. We hope that students found the lessons our teachers provided to be productive and engaging. It is our goal to continue to provide an unparalleled experience through our distance learning program while doing our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our city.

After discussions this week with local ISAS Heads of peer schools and following the advice of our Dallas County Health and Human Services, we are extending campus closure through April 13th.  Please note that there will be no distance learning on Friday, April 10th (Good Friday) or Monday, April 13th. Teaching will resume on Tuesday, April 14th.

Our plan is to gauge decisions weekly. We will base decisions on the guidance of Dallas County Health and Human Services as to whether we can safely resume normal operations or continue with distance learning on Tuesday, April 14th. 

Please expect a weekly communication with an update.

COVID-19 Self-Reporting
Since the campus closure we have received several reports from members in our community who are being tested for COVID-19. This week the grandparent of a lower school student passed and tested positive for COVID-19. The family is taking necessary precautions per the Dallas County Health and Human Services. Please join us in prayer for the family.

Thank you for proactively reaching out to us with your updates as it gives us the best opportunity to provide you with support. Please continue to self-report positive cases to Principal Murrell at kmurrell@stphilips.com. 

How We Are Serving Our Community
As previously, communicated, the Meals on Wheels and Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry will continue to operate so that we may continue to serve the food insecure in our South Dallas neighborhood.  The Baylor Scott and White pediatric clinic located on our campus remains open with modified service hours. Beautiful Beginnings daycare on our campus has closed for the interim following Dallas County Health and Human Services guidelines.
Finally, we realize this is a difficult time for all of us, but we are in this together. Please continue to PRAY, follow the health guidelines, stay home, and practice social distancing.  

As always, if you have any questions and/or feedback, please email Principal Murrell at kmurrell@stphilips.com  or myself at tflowers@stphilips.com.

Grace and Blessings,
+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster

Greetings Saints,

Due to the evolving conditions for COVID-19 in Dallas County, St. Philip’s School and Community Center will cancel soccer and lacrosse activities this season. Additionally, baseball and track activities are postponed until further notice. While we understand how disappointing this is for everyone, the health of our community is our top priority. The Dallas County Health Department recommends that citizens limit their social contact. Our commitment is to take proactive measures to help mitigate the potential impact of the virus.

All paid registration fees will be refunded for the canceled sports. An administrator will make contact with you to confirm the amount of your refund.

Thank you for your partnership as we strive to maintain a healthy community.

Blessings,

Athletics Director
Coach Eddie Fletcher

In this email, you will find a list of resources available as of today, March 23, regarding finances and COVID-19 topics such as unemployment, paying rent and mortgages, student loans, utilities, food assistance, resources for businesses and more. This will remain a living document, and we will send you regular updates with new resources added. Grocery stores, pharmacies, daycare centers, banks, and hardware stores remain open. 
 
Please feel free to share them with your friends, family, coworkers, community, or anyone else who could use it.
 
Additionally, VisitDallas has compiled a list to feature Dallas restaurants who are still operating and offering home delivery. You can email any additions to restaurantupdates@visitdallas.com. Please promote #TakeOutTuesday in your neighborhoods and networks. Encourage people to order take out or delivery from local restaurants every Tuesday! Follow their Facebook @TakeOutTues
 
We continue to provide information at the City’s dedicated website here. Dallas County also has valuable information here.
 
Orders and Regulations
Dallas County. 3.23.2020
“… this Order requires all individuals anywhere in Dallas County to shelter in place – that is, stay at home – except for certain essential activities and work to provide essential business and government services or perform essential public infrastructure construction, including housing. This Order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. on March 23, 2020 and will continue through 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020, subject to the limited exceptions and under the terms and conditions more particularly set forth below.”
 
Testing Locations
Starting at noon on Monday, March 23, the two COVID-19 testing sites in Dallas are updating criteria and lifting the age restriction to test more North Texans. Criteria for testing sites is as follows: 
* Shortness of breath
* Cough
* Must show a temperature of 99.6 or higher
 
The sites operate daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are located at:
* American Airlines Center, Parking Lot E, 2500 Victory Plaza
* Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S Polk St.
 
Mental Health Resources
* The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has extensive resources available for mental health support, including those facing a mental health crisis.
* The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line is available during our normal business hours Monday through Friday for those Dallas County residents experiencing high anxiety or depression during these turbulent times. Metrocare’s professionals will assist individuals in accessing our mental health services and provide referrals for other services that may be needed. The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line for Dallas County is 214-743-1215.
 
Domestic Violence Survivor Resources
* Futures Without Violence has compiled useful references, including for community-based advocates and health providers.
* The work of the National Domestic Violence Hotline is crucial in times like these, and has 24/7 online chat in addition to their hotline number and excellent safety planning resources.
* We are in close communication with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
* VAWnet, a project of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, has special collections on topics like disaster and emergency preparedness and response.
* NNEDV’s own WomensLaw.org offers an online legal hotline in addition to plain-language information for victims of abuse.
 
Unemployment and Workers’ Comp
* Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) may apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Info on that here.
* Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
* If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Texas’ Employment Security Department provides support services as well.
 
Financial Assistance
* The IRS has deferred the federal tax filing deadline to July 15th. Find more information on Coronavirus tax relief here.
* The U.S. Department of Treasury has a list of financial resources for consumers.
* Residents can call 211 and give their zip code for a list of local financial and in-kind resources available in their area.
* Texans who believe they have encountered price gouging or disaster scams should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit our disaster scams website. 
 
Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage
The Texas Supreme Court issued an order suspending all evictions until April 19, 2020:  www.txcourts.gov/media/1446203/209045.pdf 
 
The Dallas County Justices of the Peace also issued an order suspending all evictions for sixty days. 
* In summary, per guidance from a Dallas County Justice of the Peace:
* ALL Eviction cases are currently postponed and continued for 60 days
o Residential or Commercial;
o Currently pending or filed within the 60 day period
* ALL Writs of Possession are currently postponed and continued for 60 days
o Residential or Commercial;
o Previously requested or requested within the 60 day period
* Lockouts are not addressed in any current emergency order  – Texas Property Code, Chapters 92 and 93, control
o Residential lockout tenants must be provided a key upon request whether rent is brought current or not;
o Commercial lockout tenants must only be provided a key when the rent is NOT delinquent– provided that all other requirements of the lockout were in accordance with the Texas Property Code
* Writs of Re-Entry are not addressed in any current order – Texas Property Code, Chapters 92 and 93, control Residential or Commercial tenants that are illegally locked out may seek relief from the Justice of the Peace in the precinct in which the property is located
o Residential landlords may be ordered to provide the tenant a key and the Court has authority to enforce its order;
o Commercial landlords may only be ordered provide a tenant with a key when the rent is NOT delinquent – provided that all other requirements of the lockout were in accordance with the Texas Property Code
 
The federal government announced they are suspending all HUD foreclosures and evictions for 60 days. 
 
If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:
* If you are a Dallas Housing Authority client, please immediately report any loss of income in order to reduce your portion of rent and inspections will be restricted to health and safety only.
* Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
* Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection or call 800-621-0508
* Texas Health and Human Services Commission has resources available. There may be vouchers to assist those in need with paying their rent. Also get government assistance with other needs, including lease application fees, information on low income housing and security deposits. Dial 1-877-541-7905 to find additional ways to get rent help.
* Texas offers programs that can help you with paying your mortgage and also avoid foreclosure. Local resources, including government and non-profit assistance, can help qualified homeowners
* Homeowners have other resources too. Also, click here for a listing of Texas HUD counseling agencies that provide free foreclosure counseling.
 
Childcare Resources
* The Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized childcare program is making changes to their requirements in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Please check their website regularly for announcements coming soon.
* Due to COVID-19, YMCA branches are currently closed; however, they continue to offer limited childcare programming on a daily basis, supporting the childcare needs of first responders, medical professionals, government officials, and those that must continue their work in this challenging time. This care will be offered until further notice, at 11 YMCA branches across the Dallas Metroplex, in accordance to state guidelines. 
 
Student Loans Deferment
* On March 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced that all borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days. In addition, each of these borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. This will allow borrowers to temporarily stop their payments without worrying about accruing interest.
* If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the US Department of Education.
 
For Businesses
* The City of Dallas Office of Economic Development has created a web page with information for small businesses.
* The State of Texas has officially declared a state of emergency. Businesses are encouraged to fill out Economic Injury worksheets to prepare for distribution of disaster relief funds.
* A loan program has been established by the Small Business Administration, specifically for those impacted by the coronavirus.
* Facebook also has a $100 million Small Grants Program accessible here.
* The Texas Comptroller’s Office has resources available.
 
Paying Utilities
* If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately. 
* Exelon brands (Constellation, Atlantic City Energy, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO) have suspended service disconnections and will waive late payment charges until at least May 1. Exelron has also committed to donating $1.15 million to local and national COVID-19 relief efforts.
* Vistra Energy brands (TXU, Ambit, Tri-Eagle) is waiving late fees, extending payment due dates with no down payment required, and reducing down payments and deferring balances over five equal installments. TXU customers can also receive additional bill-payment assistance through its TXU Energy AidSM program.
* NRG brands (Reliant, Green Mountain, Cirro, Stream, XOOM, Discount Power) is suspending disconnections for non-payment until April 3.
* Atmos and Dallas Water Utilities have suspended disconnections at this time.
* Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for new K-12 and College Student households. Residents should call: 1-844-488-8395. Charter is also working with school districts to ensure that communication is provided about the free wi-fi; Charter continues to offer Spectrum Assist for households without school-aged children; Charter is also opening its Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.
 
Food Assistance and Donation
* Here is also a list of open food pantries inclusive of hours.
* North Texas Food Bank has shifted to box distribution model with partner agencies. Food4Kids and School Pantry programs remain fully functional, and they are partnering with the City to deliver snack/hydration kits to the homeless.
* Dallas County Health and Human Services Older Adult Services Program is currently providing meals delivered to homebound seniors. There is a drive-thru for hot meal pick-up service set up at each senior center location. Seniors needing these resources can call 214-819-1860 to enroll.
* Meals will be provided to all children at most district middle and high schools and will be distributed twice a week, on Monday and Thursday between 10 AM and 1 PM. On Monday you will receive Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday will have Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for the rest of the week, including Saturday. For pick up locations and menus, visit this link.
 
Employment Resources
* Frito-Lay Job Postings: https://fritolayemployment.com/
* Pepsi Jobs: https://pepsifrontlinecareers.com/
* If you have additions, please let us know.
 
Insurance Issues
The Texas Department of Insurance has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.
 
Other Resources
* Paid Sick Leave information: City of Dallas employers must provide employees with paid sick leave to care for themselves or a family member. An employee may use paid sick leave for the employee’s or their family member’s illness, injury, healthcare, and reasons related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. For more information or to file a complaint, call 214-670-FAIR (3246) or visit www.dallascityhall.com/paid-sick-leave.  
* The Texas State Department of Public Safety has suspended expired IDs: driver’s licenses, IDs, commercial driver’s licenses, and election identification certificates expiration dates will be extended.
* In response to the COVID-19 crisis, The Dallas County Clerk’s Office will be closing its Vital Records and Recording Divisions to the public. All transactions will be done either by mail, document drop off, or by appointment only. The public closure will take effect starting Monday, March 23, 2020 through May 1, 2020, but may be extended based on COVID-19 status.
 
 
#OneDallas
 
With kindness,
 
  Carrie Rogers 
  Director 
  Mayor and City Council Office  
  City of Dallas | DallasCityNews.net
  1500 Marilla, 5FN
  Dallas, TX 75201
  O: 214.670.5682 | C: 972.998.7576
  carrie.prysock@dallascityhall.com

View the video message from Dr. Flowers here.

Dear Friends, 

We pray this message finds you and your family well. We write to thank you for your service to this ministry and to give you an update about operations at our pantry. As you are aware, we - along with countless other nonprofits - are daily assessing and managing the impact of COVID-19 on our critical services. Aunt Bette's Community Pantry is one of the few pantries still operating during this coronavirus pandemic. 

In an effort to safeguard our volunteers and clients, we have modified our operations in accordance with current social distancing guidelines. Our pantry has instituted a drive-through process by which our clients drive up, remain in their car, and their pre-packed groceries are loaded in the car for them.

This effort to limit contact and create a safer process for all involved creates a more labor-intensive process, and we are in need of additional volunteers to help with the physical requirements of this new process.  We need assistance packing boxes, stacking boxes, and loading them into the cars. An estimated 12 volunteers are needed for each shift to work in multiple areas inside and outside of the pantry. It is very important to our operations that we fill the available 12 slots per shift and that we are informed timely of any cancellations. 

If your health allows, please consider an extra shift in the pantry. To ensure a clean and safe service environment we have taken the following measures:
 - Cleaned and sanitized all hard and soft surfaces,
 - Provided enough sanitizing supplies for on-going cleaning

Please share this volunteer opportunity with family and friends who may also be able to assist. Service with dignity in times of crisis is needed more than ever. We still need you!  Thank you for your support. Blessings and grace to you! 
 
Should you have any questions, you can reach Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry at 214-753-5600, or via email to Angela Page.

Sign up for a shift at the pantry here.
 

Good morning Dr. Flowers, 

Thank you for taking the time to visit with me this morning. I know as a leader of both a school and community center you have much on your mind at this time. As one of your leadership team members, I want to start by thanking you for your assured and faithful leadership as we move forward. So let’s begin:

Your faith has always been a constant for you, how are you leaning into it now for St. Philip’s?

God has got it. I never waver from knowing that God is in control. As I think about our past, the present and the future, I am confident He will bring us through. So with that as my focus, I am trusting Him to guide me, our leadership, and our family of partners to making the best decisions for now and the days to come.

While you are thinking through the next few weeks, what are your most prevailing priorities for St. Philip’s and the community of children and families we serve?

Our foremost priorities must be those we serve, both our internal and external audiences. With that in mind our priorities right now will be focused on:

Distance Learning - Keeping instruction and support for our families with distance learning will require more technology than we currently use. Specifically, for our families without ready access to WiFi or extended data plans. As well, this is our first time testing our ability to provide adequate distance learning at this level. So we are looking at how we can support those families in need of technology to weather this time for their students. 

Food Insecurity - Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry, Meals on Wheels, our transportation for seniors, and our Kid’s Cafe programs are critical to providing nutrition to over 1,000 children and families monthly. We will have to modify our service delivery to those most vulnerable. Kid’s Cafe and senior transportation will be temporarily suspended but if suspension is beyond a month, we may need to resume, possibly through the pantry. This will require additional supplies and service times.

People - St. Philip’s has seen great gains over the last 10 years, and much of that is due to our talent. Non-salaried faculty and staff, Teaching Assistants, After-school Care staff, Operation Staff, Food Service vendors and Athletic staff, are critical to programming. Once we resume, we will need them to ensure proper implementation of school and core programming.

Are there any areas under each of these that cause you additional concern or need an innovative approach to support your families?

Well, my concern is that while we will certainly provide distance learning for students, those with learning differences will need additional support that parents in a home-school environment simply can’t provide. This accounts for 30% of our student body. We will look to how we can use our learning specialists and teaching assistants for additional support. "HOW?" is the question we face.

What about the families who use the community center? 

(Pause) They need us. So let’s pause. How can we do that? I want us to spend some time thinking through that in an obedient, safe, and helpful way to those who need technology, sanitizing stations, and other aspects of service.

Okay, we will come back to that.  

You mentioned obedience. In accordance with the recommendations from our government and city officials, you have made adjustments to the academic and community programming. What are you and the Board leadership doing to assess the financial impact to St. Philip’s?

We have considered multiple options for how we address our needs. So much depends on timing. Currently, we need $600,000 in contributions through school year end to meet the budgeted goal. We are scrubbing the budget expenditures as to how we can reduce that amount down to absolute need. We will have a better idea of that in the next couple of days.

Depending on the extent of the time-frame, we may be required to explore some of our real estate holdings to discuss acquisitions with our partners as needed for earned income to support our longer term needs.

As we did in late 2007 through 2008, we are asking the Foundation Board and our partner asset manager, JP Morgan Chase, to explore options in their distribution with possible exceptions to the policy schedule. 

These are important steps and will surely be appreciated by all of our partners. Just during our time on the phone you have gotten calls as to our need. What do you consider our most immediate needs?

There are really two priority areas for us in the next few weeks: First, our current families are being challenged economically, especially those in lower income brackets, which will demand a higher need for financial assistance relief for this year as well as a new families desiring enrollment. Secondly, we desire to avoid negatively impacting our people in long-term management and program implementation, so we are assessing how to best maintain their support through fiscal year-end. 

I am thankful for those who have already contacted us to support specific programs, especially our pantry. As our friends contact us about need, we ask they provide support in unrestricted gifts so we can allocate those gifts to our greatest need which right now changes daily. We want to be sure to continue our work with our families foremost.

Finally, we discussed innovation in service delivery and community support, how will you move forward with this thinking?

Well, crisis breeds creativity and innovation. I will consult with our principal and program leadership on how we best use technology, with limited campus access by our neighbors in areas possibly related to our WiFi and food service delivery. 

It’s a time for us to think with the end in mind more than ever. We will work to always remember that we are a pillar in this community. People are looking to us for leadership as to how they should engage. We will continue to rise to the occasion. 

I always call you the “Good Doctor” because truly you are always thinking of our kids and community first. As a leader, a father, and an educator, what do you want to leave with our volunteer leadership and key partners?

Pray. We start everyday at St. Philip’s with prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. We need it now more than ever and whether our chapel is full or not, we will pray daily over St. Philip’s, all we serve, and the world. We serve a God who can do all things, and we trust HIM in this time to do just that.

Thank you, good sir. 

Benaye Y. Rogers
Chief Philanthropy Officer & Campaign Director
St. Philip's School and Community Center
Phone: 214-421-5221, ext. 239

MAKE A DONATION TO ST. PHILIP'S

VOLUNTEER AT AUNT BETTE'S COMMUNITY PANTRY

March 17, 2020

Friends and Family, 

I pray this message finds you safe and healthy, in the midst of this unfolding crisis. 

Due to the evolving conditions of COVID-19 in Dallas County, St. Philip’s School and Community Center will be changing how we operate effective Monday, March 23. At this time, all events, activities and non-essential programming has been suspended. There will be no in-person classes or co-curricular activities during this time. The purpose of the emergency declaration and change in operations is to provide an opportunity for social distancing to mitigate the spread of the virus. The Dallas County Health Department recommends that citizens limit their social contact. Closing our campus for School is imperative to ensure the health and safety of our entire community, especially while building operations perform essential work on our community's behalf. 

Our Executive Leadership Team is assessing this crisis and our adjustments daily, along with the rest of the country. We will manage week be week assessments of all we are doing and its impact on students, external programming, and our surrounding neighborhood. However, please note that St. Philip’s is focused on the following PRIORITIES in the coming several weeks:

DISTANCE LEARNING: To ensure ongoing and proper instruction for our 230+ students

FOOD INSECURITY: Understanding we have a large community who depend on St. Philip’s for their daily nutrition, the Meals on Wheels and Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry will continue, however Kids Café has been temporarily suspended. 

OUR PEOPLE: To ensure St. Philip’s can maintain our current faculty and staff to support the transition and implementation of Distance Learning AND our core programs

COMMUNITY HEALTH: The Baylor Scott and White pediatric clinic located on our campus will remain open with modified schedules and service hours

As we have not forgotten about our Community, our leadership team is also thinking creatively and innovatively about how St. Philip’s might utilize our campus and resources to support other challenges faced by our vulnerable neighbors – i.e. access to technology or household resources. We will announce these additional services within the week. It is imperative and true to our mission that we continue to be a safe-haven and even a respite to our neighbors in these uncharted times. 

As you consider your own family needs, we ask you to consider OUR FAMILIES’ needs, as well. We welcome your continued support. For those who have asked what you can do to support St. Philip’s – PRAY, VOLUNTEER, and DONATE. Our needs and that of those we serve continue and grow daily. Please consider signing up to volunteer here OR make an online charitable donation here to support our families. 

We will continue to keep you up to date on our progress, needs, and challenges. 
Remember, we are one. 

We are strongest working together, in unity. 

Grace and Blessings,

+erry J. Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster

March 16, 2020

Dear St. Philip’s Community,

Due to the evolving conditions of COVID-19 in Dallas County, we will be changing how we operate as a school community effective Monday, March 23, through Sunday, March 29. Learning and teaching will resume starting March 23; however, there will be no in-person classes or co-curricular activities during this time. The purpose of the emergency declaration and change in operations is to provide an opportunity for social distancing to mitigate the spread of the virus. The Dallas County Health Department recommends that citizens limit their social contact. Closing our campus is imperative to ensure the health and safety of our entire community, especially while building operations perform essential work on our community's behalf. Building operations will complete a deep disinfection of our entire facility during this time.

We have received no information of anyone with a tie to our community who has tested positive to COVID-19. We will communicate to the community any reports we receive identifying the person only by relationship designation (student, parent, other family members, employee or community member) and grade.
We urge our community members to continue to take reasonable precautions and preventive measures, including self-reporting.  To self-report, send an email to Principal Murrell with the following information:
•    First and Last name
•    Who is self-reporting (student, parent, employee, family member, community member)?

The Executive Leadership Team will evaluate conditions daily to determine the duration of this change in operation. Future change in operations decisions, if any, will be made on a week-by-week basis. Knowing that these changes impact your daily routines, we will let you know as early as we can should a change be imminent.

Here are important information points for the week of March 23:
•    Monday, March 23, will be a remote faculty workday. 
•    All faculty will post learning materials and assignments by 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at which time students may be expected to begin assignments.
•    Distance learning, including synchronous class meetings, will begin on Tuesday, March 24.
•    Please check emails frequently as classroom teachers, members of the Instructional Leadership Team, and I will email additional details and instructions. 
•    Expectations and the rhythm of our distance learning program will vary by division and grade levels. 

We strongly encourage all members of our community to remain informed of travel alerts and restrictions from the CDC and the State Department (see informative resources below). We ask community members to carefully consider their plans, taking into account the frequent changes in federal and state guidelines. 

Community can be strengthened by adversity. Thank you in advance for your patience during this transition to distance learning. Let’s continue to pray for our community and everyone around the world. 

Resources for You and Your Family:
•    CDC page on COVID-19
•    Johns Hopkins CSSE Map of Global Coronavirus Cases
•    Dallas County Health and Human Services
•    National Association of School Psychiatrists and National Association of School Nurses: Talking to Children About COVID-19, A Parent Resource
•    NPR (Feb 28, 2020) Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

Grace and Peace,
Kellee Murrell, Principal

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91
 

Time is the most precious gift.

We pray this message finds you and your family well. We write to thank you for your service to this ministry. As you are aware, we along with countless other nonprofits are daily assessing and managing the impact of COVID-19 on our critical services. Because of this, Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry, athletics and our out-of-school programs are focused on safety and continued services.  
 
We are understanding daily the growing concern for families and seniors who are vulnerable in a social distancing atmosphere. However, many of those we serve, especially in our pantry, must depend on our delivery of services. 
 
Our current focus for services that require volunteer engagement in the coming weeks is to ensure a clean and safe service environment. As such, we have taken the following measures:

 - Cleaned and sanitized all hard and soft surfaces,
 - Provided enough sanitizing supplies for on-going maintenance, and
 - Will monitor clients and other volunteers for any health concern as well as reduce or suspend some services and programming as needed. 

Service with dignity in times of crisis are needed more than ever. We still need you!
 
If your health allows, please consider an extra shift in the pantry, continued tutoring for students and donated goods to our most vulnerable neighbors. Our communications with you will keep you abreast of any interruptions of critical services. Please know we have taken every precaution to safeguard our campus and all who serve this ministry. 
 
Thank you for your support. The children and families we serve are on the road to thriving because of you. We ask you to pray with us and stand in the gap for our community in the days to come! 

Blessings and grace to you!
 
+erry Flowers
Perot Family Headmaster

March 13, 2020

In the midst of it all, today is a good day.
 
As you are aware, we along with countless others are daily assessing and managing the impact of COVID-19 on our world and local communities. St. Philip’s is fully engaged in ensuring the safety of our students and their families, our faculty and staff, and our neighborhood community of families. As well, we are preparing for the expected impact to our ongoing needs.
 
Our current focus is to manage critical program and service needs in the coming weeks as we brace for anticipated closures, program suspensions and event postponements or cancellations. 
 
We take this time to honor your priority in this climate to focus on your personal and professional lives. Our communications with you will keep you abreast of how we are thoughtfully and strategically operating to continue supporting our highest priorities as noted below:
 
 - Student education in possible remote locations,
 - Family assistance for the remainder of the school year, and
 - Our most critical community services, after-school care, summer programming, the food pantry and senior transportation.
(The Baylor Scott and White pediatric clinic and Meals on Wheels will continue their regular schedules.)

We are daily assessing our needs and future engagements across our family of partners. Please know we have taken every precaution to safeguard our campus and all who serve this ministry.
 
Thank you for how you have supported St. Philip’s over the years. We are better today in serving those who need us because of you. We stand with you in prayer and patience in these uncharted times.
 
Blessings and grace to you,
 
+erry J. Flowers and the St. Philip’s Family

Dear Friends,

We pray this message finds you well and safe during these uncertain times. After careful consideration, the Friends of St. Philip’s Bingo, BBQ, and Blues event is postponed to September 24, 2020. We stand with St. Philip’s decision to make this change in compliance with the request from our city, state, and government leadership. 

As a core partner with St. Philip’s, we are honored to support them as their leadership works to focus on critical programming. We sincerely appreciate your support of St. Philip’s through this inaugural event. Therefore, all sponsorships and tickets already purchased will be honored for the rescheduled event. (Event details can be found here.)

We look forward to celebrating this great organization and so much more in the coming months. Thank you very much for your understanding and support.

Warmest regards,

Paula Mitchell

President, Friends of St. Philip’s