March 31, 2020

Dear SMCS Families,

I want to thank you for your patience and support as we navigate our new norm for school and learning. Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey about the first week of distance learning.  

One thing that we have learned is the importance of connection for all of us. We are listening to you and are working on strengthening our connection with you and your children. Teachers are working on posting videos and hosting virtual meetings. We understand that each of us has much to learn and that we are all at different places on that learning journey. Let's work together with empathy and humor to find a way to do what we have to do and let go of what we don't! See below for our complete list of academic updates.

Our goal is to provide lessons and activities and to continue to teach your children from a distance. We know that each family is different so we plan to give suggestions for routines and schedules, which will be flexible enough for you to choose what works for your family. Do what you can, but let go of what you can't and don't beat yourself up!

You have probably heard us say that SMCS is in the relationship business. Teachers build relationships with their students and with you. Through this challenging time, we must put relationships first, stay positive, and be supportive. Together we can, and we will learn and grow. Remember that we are SMCS-our building may be closed but our SMCS community remains alive, and we need to keep it strong, together, and connected!

Please keep sending your feedback as we continue to learn together. Your families will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe and well!

Blessings,
Dr. Cox


Academic Updates:
  • Based on parent feedback, we are working on a Google Site where all of the Distance Learning Assignments and Resources will be posted for all grade levels. (This site should be available later this week.)
    • Lower school assignments will be posted the night before by 7 p.m. to allow parents to have time to print out any information and have it ready for the next morning. 
    • Upper school assignments will continue to be emailed out each morning at 8 a.m. and then be posted on the Google Site and Renweb.
  • 4th Quarter Grading: All teachers will continue to assess students during the 4th Quarter. We received the guidelines below from the Catholic Schools' Office:
    • Teachers will assess student progress and proficiency and take grades on assignments.
    • During the 4th quarter, grades will not be weighted.
    • Grades will continue to be posted in Renweb.
    • Middle School students will not take end of year exams
    • Teachers will communicate any academic concerns to parents in a timely manner.
  • For the 2019-2020 , we will not administer the IOWA or ACRE standardized tests.
  • Video Interaction between teachers and students:
    • We received many requests for more video interaction between teachers and students in our survey.
    • Teachers will begin to offer these video interaction opportunities later this week.
    • All parents will be asked to give permission for their students to participate in the video meetings and will be given the option to "opt out." 
    • All live video meetings will have 2 adults present during the interaction.
A look ahead:
  • SMCS will roll out a Google Site for Distance Learning by Friday, April 3, 2020.
  • Right now, we are scheduled to be closed through Easter. We have received guidance from the Archdiocese that  we should make plans to be closed for a longer period of time. We should have more information about extended closure next week.
Who to ask for help:
  • Questions about specific assignments: 
    • Classroom Teacher
  • Difficulty with technology: 
  • Questions/Concerns with a class or a teacher:
  • Questions/Concerns about a student with learning differences:
  • Social/Emotional Concerns/Questions: