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Dear Families,
I hope you had a Valentine's Day full of love! In some of my conversations with people this week it seems there may be some misconceptions or at least some questions about how decisions are made regarding days off. To clarify, I would like to share a few calendar items with you and the processes we take to ensure academic success for our students.
School Calendar 2023-2024:
I have attached the 23-24 Calendar that I sent last November, so you have early notice regarding the school schedule. As a reminder, this is a tentative calendar. We may see a few possible changes such as:
● The Archdiocese suggested we not be in session October 9 for a Professional Conference they want us to attend. As soon as that is confirmed, I will look at that month and try to switch PD or Conference days so it isn't an additional day.
● School of Faith has not yet confirmed the 2024 February professional Development Day. It will either be February 12 or 16th.
How are Scheduled Days off planned?
In addition to national holidays, we are required by the Diocese to have one day off each month for School of Faith Professional Days. The goal for the 2023-2024 school year was to consolidate some of our days off to make them more logical for our calendar.
How are Snow Days determined?
Currently the Diocese does not allow late starts for weather related days. COA hosted the Johnson County Principals meeting yesterday and we all discussed having that restriction removed from the handbook. Once I find out the response to our inquiry, we will look into that option. I believe that both snow days this year could have been prevented if we had the ability to do a late start.
● Johnson County Catholic Diocesan Schools all make the decision on snow days together.
● There are a few principals from high schools and elementary JOCO catholic schools that drive the roads and then meet as a group to make the decision for all of us.
● I am not on that committee. But as soon as I get the notice I send it out as quickly as possible.
Are we in school as much as other schools?
Yes! The State of Kansas requires us to be in session 1116 hours. The diocese requires us to be in session 1186 hours.
● We had 1217.5 hours in our calendar this year.
● In 2023-24 we have 1,215.32 which includes 4 snow days built in.
Feedback:
Teachers, administration, and staff appreciate and ask for input and feedback. That being said with the large number of families here, decisions may or may not go your way. One thing I have learned from my poll is that our community is usually 30% strong opinion one way, 30% strong opinion the other way, and 40% that are amenable to either.
I would like to set expectations and boundaries on how feedback is given to me, to our admin team, or to any staff member:
1. As a community of Christ, please be kind. We can disagree on decisions made but please do so in a kind way with the assumption that everyone is doing their best. I know we live in the world of reviews, short, abrasive and sarcastic replies to strangers, but I ask that we remember who is on the other side of these criticisms. Please remember we all live in a community with our students at the center.
2. Please schedule a time to provide major feedback. If we are in our offices or classrooms, our doors are open for parent and student interactions, but I do ask you to respect our schedules. If you want to talk through several issues please make an appointment.
3. Seek answers from those who can solve the problem. Many of you have heard me say this before but spreading information and complaining to others who cannot solve the issue is just gossip.
We appreciate all you do to support our school’s mission, vision and success.
Natalie McDonough
Fr. Storey
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