We began our nineteenth year with sixty students who were eager to return and reacquaint themselves with their classmates and to greet their teachers. This year's start was even more exciting as most of the upper grades had not seen one another since we shut down on 13 March due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our fifth-grade students were anxious to meet their new teachers and classmates, entering the building for the first time as De La Salle gentlemen. In order to comply with social distancing requirements, we all can not be in the building at the same time. Students are adjusting to their new hybrid schedule and are eager to be back in school with their classmates even if it is only two days per week. Although it was a great start, it certainly was a very unique and unusual way to begin the school year.
A component of the success of our school's model involves the active participation of parents in the education of their sons. Even when they are tired after a busy day they affirm the value of education and support their son's quest for academic achievement. Yes, they pay $80 monthly, their share of their son's tuition but they also come to parent-teacher conferences, as well as other meetings to keep informed about the important happenings within our school community. In addition, they are expected to attend at least one family oriented social event during the year. Under the current social restrictions, we suspect that many of these events this year will require that they be held virtually.
Our "Back to School Night" was held virtually on Wednesday, 23 September. All members of our teaching staff joined Mr. Gault and Mrs. Becker for our first ever virtual "Back to School Night." Parents had the opportunity to express their concerns regarding our hybrid teaching model that includes online learning with in class lessons. The evening was structured so that parents were able to hear from each of their son's teachers. Teachers outlined their class requirements for both in school lessons as well as their protocols when online. Parents were invited to greet each of their son's teachers and experience for themselves a virtual classroom. Here at The De La Salle School, we structure our instruction departmentally, therefore, in the course of a week each student interacts with all of the teaching staff. That has continued in our hybrid model. Collaboration between home and school is a valued aspect of a young man's education at The De La Salle School!
These are unusual times and many adjustments needed to be put in place in order to reopen this year. Our primary concern is to provide a sound and safe educational environment that affords the greatest opportunity for learning. Please be assured that when students are in the building all safety protocols and procedures are being followed.
Respectfully in our brother, Saint John Baptist de La Salle,
William L. Gault
Executive Director