It's Monday morning and The De La Salle students are awaking and preparing for a new school week. They rise, get dressed, have breakfast and instead of heading out the door to catch their school bus, they move to a quiet spot in their apartment with their Chromebook and log into class. For many of our students finding that quiet place is difficult or just not possible. On the other side of the screen joyously waiting them is their teacher along with their fellow classmates eager to get the school day going. The teachers have been working all weekend preparing lessons and grading assignments. Likewise, the students have spent part of their weekend completing their homework and assignments. Mirroring a day in school, class begins with a prayer followed by announcements reminding students how to submit assignments online and when AIS (Additional Instruction Support Services) is available. Yes, this is the "new normal" - how each week has begun since Monday, 16 March. It is also the way The De La Salle School will continue for the rest of the year as Governor Cuomo has extended school building closures for the remainder of the academic calendar.
The young men of The De La Salle School have adapted well under the circumstances. Many have had to deal with family members who have been infected with COVID-19 and have loved ones who succumbed to the virus. Some have been infected themselves and have battled through the disease. Some households have experienced all members being ill at the same time and have relied on the school and local community to provide them with food and necessities needed to sustain them through their quarantine. In spite of all these challenges, attendance at class averages between 90-99% daily with those not able to attend checking in or being checked on by our administration daily.
The Coronavirus is not the first or only challenge our families have faced. They are a faith filled people who trust and believe in the power of God's love and mercy. It is that faith and HOPE that led them to The De La Salle School. Our mission provides HOPE under challenging circumstances. During this pandemic we continue to provide HOPE to our students and their families through our online educational lessons and the outreach that we provide to our students and their extended families. #WE ARE LASALLIAN
We continue to hold all of you in our prayers and ask that you to continue to pray for the success of our school and our students. Please help us continue in our mission to serve these fine young men by clicking the link below to make a donation. Your support during this pandemic is more critical than ever as circumstance required us to cancel our Annual Gala. Please know that your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle - Pray for us!
Live Jesus in our hearts...Forever!
William L. Gault
Executive Director
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Thank You!!!!
Many thanks to our donors who supported us on #GivingTuesdayNow
