March 18, 2020 - Anchored in His Love
Integrity - St. Patrick & St. Bridget
Dear St. Isidore School Families,
 
Lead with Love
Due to the COVID-19 virus sweeping the globe, we find ourselves in unprecedented and uncertain times. It is in these times that I feel extreme gratitude for family, friends, and community. There is comfort in knowing that you are loved and supported by many. I have stated in the past how proud I am that SIS truly operates like a family and that together we celebrate each other’s moments of joy and sorrow. This notion of the family also rings true in moments of crisis. Leading with love while supporting students, staff, parents, and administration is critical to our success. I am grateful and proud of how SIS has navigated these uncertain waters thus far and am confident that we are moving in the right direction. Please feel free to reach out to me directly if I can assist with any support. God bless you and your family!
 
Online Learning
As of today, distance learning is up and running for every grade level! Teachers are using Schoology as a mode to communicate with parents and students. If you have not yet signed up for Schoology and need assistance, please contact Melissa Durkee at mdurkee@stisidore.org . Our TK–4 students will be using Schoology updates in each parent group for new lessons and messages and will be working at their own pace. Students in grades 4–5 will be using Schoology and Google Classroom for new lessons and messages and will be working at their own pace. Grade 5’s lessons and messages will mostly be in each of the student’s courses in Schoology. Students in grades 6–8 will be using Schoology, Google Classroom, Google Meets, and Google Hangouts. Students will be following their “Friday” schedule on a “live” basis. The “live” sessions are for students to meet with teachers at specific times to have questions answered. Lessons and messages will mostly be in each of the student’s courses in Schoology. As with any new occurrence, there may be moments of challenge. I appreciate your support and understanding during this transition as well as the staff’s flexibility in providing continued education to the students.
 
Registration update: I am working to extend the registration deadlines listed below. I will notify you of any changes.
Online registration was sent via email on Friday, March 13. Thank you to the many who have already completed and submitted your online registration. If you did not receive it or have any questions, please promptly reach out to Melissa Durkee at mdurkee@stisidore.org . Please remember that the current deadline to register is Friday, March 27.
 
2020–2021 Facts Tuition Forms (salmon-colored forms) were sent home through the Family Envelope on Wednesday, March 11, and are expected to be returned upon school resuming. If you have any questions regarding this form, please contact Melanie Fake at mfake@stisidore.org .
 
PEP Hours Update
Please note that there will be flexibility with PEP hours this school year. I understand that the canceling of several events and time away from campus has taken away the opportunity to volunteer. I appreciate all you have done previously for our school and will do moving forward!
 
We are all in this together
Back in August, when Mr. Keane declared “We are all in this together,” I don’t think anyone anticipated the situation we find ourselves in today. Navigating these unchartered waters is complicated, and many find ourselves simply just doing the best we can. In the newsletter below, I have passed on some helpful tips in the hope of making life just a little bit easier for you.
 
I understand that these can be isolating times for many and encourage you to connect with friends and loved ones via text, phone or email. Saying a quick hello or offering words of comfort can make a big difference in someone’s day. Please know that I will continue to communicate any updates or changes as they unfold, and I speak on behalf of the faculty and staff when I say that we miss you and look forward to seeing you soon.
 
God bless,
Maria Ward, Principal
Prayers
Please pray for all those who are suffering or in need of our thoughts and prayers, especially Will Pringle and Mrs. Koskowich's sister who are both ill. Please pray for the grandmother of the Chatman Family who is recovering from surgery and all those affected by the Coronavirus across the globe. May God keep them in His tender, loving care.
Helpful tips for parents
  • Check out Common Sense Media's tips on how to explain the news to our kids. Click here to view.
  • See tips on how best to discuss the Coronavirus with children. Click here to view.
  • See tips on parenting during the Coronavirus. Click here to view.
  • See tips on homeschooling Tweens and Teens during the Coronavirus. Click here.
SIS Family Highlight
Need a night off from cooking? Head to Norm's and Clementine's for takeout. Supporting school family businesses during this time is critical to their success. Thank you!
Message from the Bookkeeper
St. Isidore School Tuition Assistance Applications: Tuition Assistance applications for students in Grades 1 through 8, for the 2020-21 school year, are now available on the school website, click here . Please complete and return to the bookkeeper no later than Monday April 20, 2020. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Melanie Fake at mfake@stisidore.org .
Sponsorship
If you are interested in becoming a School Sponsor for the 2019-2020 school year, please reach out to the sponsorship team at sponsorship@stisidore.org . Click here to view Sponsorship Opportunities. Click here for the Sponsorship Commitment Form.
Random Acts of Kindness
Random acts of kindness are deliberate attempts to brighten another person's day by doing something thoughtful, nice, and caring. Go out and spread kindness, SIS! Please let the office know if you do or witness a RAOK.
Thank you for your donations! A big thank you to everyone who donated, or attempted to donate hand wipes and other supplies to school. We appreciate your support in helping us keep or campus clean and safe for all who visit.
Do a RAOK! Call a friend or family member to tell them you are thinking about them or reach out to an elderly neighbor to confirm they have plenty of food and supplies.
Sponsor Families Needed
Join Newcomers! Would you like to help welcome our new SIS families while earning PEP hours? Become a Sponsor family for the 2020/21 school year! Please email Brooke at newcomers@stisidore.org if interested.
Faith Camp Sign-Ups
ALL ABOARD the SIS Summer Faith Camp! Don't miss the Rocky Railway 2020 where Jesus’ Power pulls us through! Click here for more information. Please note teen volunteer sign-ups will open after Easter.
Challenge Success Tip of the Week
Let kids (and adults) be bored. It’s easy to fill every spare moment with a device. Model for your kids that it’s okay to be bored and encourage them to seek non-digital ways to occupy those down moments.
Scrip
Scrip News will resume once school is officially back in session. Thank you for your understanding.
Volunteer Opportunities- Week B
School Sponsorships
DIAMOND
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
COPPER
IN KIND