Dear Parents:
I hope this message finds you healthy and safe, during these uncertain times. Please know you and your families have been remembered in my daily prayers.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey sent out yesterday, regarding the return to school preferences. 97% of our families participated, and all results were forwarded to the Archdiocese of Miami for their consideration. In our school community alone, our families were closely divided between in-person and virtual instruction, with supporters of each citing very valid arguments for their preference.
I just received word from our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kim Pryzbylski, that all schools of the Archdiocese will begin the school year, on Aug. 19, with virtual instruction, until at least Sept. 18, when the situation will be reassessed. This decision was reached out of an abundance of caution, following recommendations from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Catholic Conference, local health officials and feedback received directly from parents, like you. (To read the official letter, please click HERE.)
We can all agree this situation is less than ideal, but our team has dedicated these summer months to preparing for different outcomes, virtual instruction being one of them. From an academic perspective, we are confident our teaching and learning processes will be minimally affected. Opportunities for continued faith formation, social connection, community building and extracurricular involvement have also been developed, as to preserve and sustain the Lourdes Academy experience, despite the distance.
Believe me, I can't wait until the day I can welcome the girls on campus, and, yet, I understand the risks posed by the increase in cases in our local community. I know I can count on your cooperation and support of the Archdiocese's decision, and I trust each of you will do your part to control the spread, so we can return to normalcy soon.
Please continue to stay positive. We will get through this together, and we will be a stronger, more resilient community because of it.
