Dear All Saints Families, 

Hopefully, everyone has power and has had an opportunity for some rest and family time this past weekend.  Thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback for opening the school quickly.  It would appear most private schools in the area opened on Thursday, if they had power. It was amazing to watch the transformation of our children through the week.  They came to school on Wednesday tired and overwhelmed and evolved into happy and engaged children.  Their smiles were infectious as they entered the building on Friday.  I want to particularly thank our faculty and staff who returned, several without power, with an enthusiasm to help their children in any way possible. At this time it is unclear whether we will have to make up the time missed.  Schools are awaiting to hear from Governor Scott and ratification of the 180 day state requirement.  However, we did go back earlier than the public schools and may finish earlier.  More information will follow when we hear from our state legislature.

Now that we hopefully have our first full week of school, academics will be in high gear.  We did not complete all of our MAP testing in the window of time supplied by the testing company, NWEA.  However, they have extended that window because of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma until the end of September.  We did not want to test any student last week considering everyone's state of mind. We will complete this testing this week and hopefully make up for any absenteeism.  Further, we ask that families do not remove children from school for vacations as learning will be the focus of every class and make up work will now become more difficult.  Please know that teachers are unable to drop everything and get work organized for a sudden notification of a vacation.  Our teachers work full days just to get the required standards mastered.  Thank you for your understanding.

Three eighth graders approached me last week to begin a collection of items for those in the Florida Keys.  I was hesitant knowing what we have just gone through.  However, I was reminded by several that we are so fortunate compared to many others in the Caribbean, Texas, and other parts of Florida.  We do have unused supplies that could be donated.  I do not wish to inconvenience you, but if you are able, the donations of the items, listed above, would be greatly appreciated.  This group of students has connected with Mr. Jose Herrera of Islamorada Beer Company, founded in the Keys.  Mr. Herrera has been on numerous radio stations in the area gathering supplies and finding unique ways to get them delivered to the Keys where they are most needed.  It is so ironic that I taught Mr. Herrera middle school science at St. Vincent Ferrer School in Delray Beach.  He then went on to attend Pope John Paul II Academy in Boca Raton and then Florida Atlantic University (F.A.U.).  He has always been very involved in service from Special Olympics and scholarship drives at F.A.U.  He often attributes his desire to serve from his Catholic education and mentors.  I am so happy to partner with a wonderful gentleman from our area.