March 30 Email from Mr. Kelly

Dear SJS Catholic School Community,

I hope you all are doing well and staying safe in these strange days.  I continue to be impressed with our teachers as they work to continue the lessons and learning in the 4th quarter.  No part of educator training prepares a teacher for this scenario, but I have seen great effort and creativity.  Way to go, teachers!  I also want to thank you parents as well.  This is a challenge and new for all of you too.  I appreciate the time and effort you are putting into the school lessons.  I know you are all doing your best.  Way to go, SJS!  We aren’t trying to re-create the school day for the kids, just working to make sure the lessons and skills are continuing.  Many parents have found a daily schedule to be a helpful tool, you can find various ones online, here is one possibility-

But, we don’t want anyone to feel overwhelmed by this situation, and we know everyone has different circumstances and abilities.  So, please be in contact with the teachers if you are struggling with a concept or the work.  You will find us to be understanding, flexible, and helpful.  As a school we also are encouraging your students to spend time daily reading.  So much can be gained by simply reading a good book.  Your teachers can help you establish reading goals.  Perhaps becoming an Eagle Reader, or reaching the Million Word Challenge, could be goals to work on.

We are asking for much to get accomplished online.  It still would be wise for parents to monitor their student’s online activity.  There are a variety of online tools parents can download which can keep a record of the activities engaged in.  Those online tools, combined with consistent monitoring, will help kids make good choices.  Several teachers are also using the video program Zoom.  If you would rather your student not participate in those sessions just let the teacher know.

Easter break will go on as originally planned.  That would be April 8th through the 14.  I hope this is a time of many blessings for you and yours.