How quickly things happen...in this global world we live in. Although St. Michael's Academy has had no personal experience with the COVID-19 virus yet, (other than a lot of talk and speculation)...we're still preparing for it, just the same.

First, please be assured that we continue to be vigilant about maintaining a rigorous and regular cleaning, disinfection and sanitizing program in the classrooms as well as throughout the rest of the school building and we continue to encourage good health habits with all of our students. We would ask that you continue to reinforce these good habits at home as well. Please click here for recommended actions.

Some parents have inquired as to whether or not we would ever close school. As it stands now, we are in session. Time will tell. Of course, we continue to be in communication with all the appropriate local officials and the Diocese of Springfield. If you will be traveling to high risk areas, please let me know. Good communication will benefit all students, faculty, staff and our communities.

I know as educators and parents our concern is for the child and how a school closure will affect learning, because, as we all know, learning must continue! As an elementary school, we have built our program on a face to face relationship with our students. If school should close, however, we will be forced to enter some uncharted territory... distance learning. So, while we work together to ensure our children continue to stay engaged in learning, parents and teachers will also be experiencing a big learning curve. It's going to be challenging, but if we work together for the benefit of the child, our objective of continuing the learning process will be realized.

So, here's the initial, basic plan. Homeroom teachers will be communicating directly with parents through e-mail and for the older students, through PRAXI as well. They will be assigning daily work. For PreK-Grade 2 this will be primarily review work. For Grades 3-8 it will be a mix of review and new work. Of course, depending on the length of a closure, as teachers, we'll have to continue to adjust the plan as needed. In the meantime, we ask parents to support the learning. We know you too will be coping with the impact of this virus to your usual routine, so do your best. That's all we can all do. Teachers will be available by e-mail for questions and concerns. They will do their best to respond to you in a timely fashion.

As we move forward, let's keep our eye on the ball; we want our children to keep learning. One of the most important lessons they will learn, will be from the way they see the adults handle challenges in their lives. Let's work together, let's support one another, and most importantly, let's pray for one another and pray especially for those suffering from this virus.