22 October Letter from Mr. Kelly

Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Dear SJS Catholic School Community,

Let’s start with some COVID discussion, sorry.  So, cases at SJS have been on the increase, but we have been able to keep it at a manageable level.  A few lessons are becoming clear though.

1. If a parent becomes COVID positive, the student almost certainly will as well.  So, it is in your best interest to do whatever you can to keep yourself healthy and safe.
2. Outside activities can impact the positivity rate at school.  As such, it is always best to consider masking and vaccination status as you make plans for your kids over the weekend or after school.
3. If we can keep sick kids out of school, everyone benefits.  Therefore, if you suspect your student might be coming down with something, keep them home.  If your student has a fever, even low grade, they must be gone for at least one school day as you evaluate the situation.
4. Masks are strongly encouraged at school.  It is wise to send one with the student.

I know we all eagerly await the day when COVID will no longer be a topic.  In the meantime, we appreciate your help and support as we make our way through this unique year.  Our teachers have really been working hard, please send them a word of thanks as you see them at conferences next Thursday.

Report cards will be sent home today, and conferences are Thursday.  It is the expectation that every family will be represented at conferences.  This then becomes a time to gauge the progress of your student.  It is a time to reevaluate goals and procedures.  Has there been a dedication to homework?  Could more time be spent studying?  Are classroom behaviors hurting the averages?  I encourage you to visit with the teachers and develop strategies to help your student reach their potential.  I would also encourage you to be supportive of your school and teacher.  Parents and teachers working together can make a powerful team.  And a dangerous precedent is set if your student thinks they can do no wrong, or that a parent will defend their every transgression.

The teachers want to make the liturgy an important part of the week and meaningful to the students.  It is difficult to do so though when the students only attend Mass during the week.  I strongly encourage you to make the Mass (online options still exist) an important regular part of your weekend.

We are excited for our upcoming SOAR Dinner.  New items are rolling in every week.  Thanks so much to those who have donated.  We still are in need of gift cards and sponsors.  I think SOAR can be a learning tool for our students. They get to see Catholic values in action–parents who are dedicated to their Catholic school.  Those impressions you are making with the students are powerful and will help create the next generation of Catholic leaders.  We truly are blessed with a dedicated community.

Thanks for all you do.

Peace,
William Kelly
Principal