As we finish up the third week of online learning and start planning for our two weeks of rest during spring break, I want to commend everyone for the hard work that has been happening the last three weeks.
I hope you all participated in the PTO Spirit week and take/took lots of pictures. I am looking forward to Pajama Day tomorrow! I especially like the picture of the chalk rainbow and the message "God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good." What a great reminder in this strange time.
SCHOOL CLOSURE EXTENDED:
Governor DeWine has extended the school closure through May 1st, which means our target to return to the classroom is now May 4th. That gives us two more weeks of online learning when we return from spring break. I know the teachers are learning all kinds of new skills, as I am sure you parents are, too. Teachers have been busy learning how to record and upload documents and lessons for students and parents to view and use. Know that during this time the teachers are available to answer questions and even meet one-on-one with students through Zoom or Teams if there is a need to do so.
Behind the scenes teachers are busy sharing what they are learning with each other so all teachers, students and parents can better adapt to learning online. We are also making use of various online learning options that are now free to us during the pandemic. Even with all this online learning happening, there are certain grade levels that still feel the need to provide packets of work for students.
Teachers are now busy gathering work for the packets and we will be delivering these packets to the homes of students. By delivering the packets we are hoping to keep all the students and families as safe as possible. We will be dropping off items to your front porches/mailboxes. Our target date will be next week on either Wednesday or Thursday. Each teacher will be in contact with her class to let you know if they are expecting worked to be turned in or not. I ask that no interactions happen between the teachers, students, and parents in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Of course, waving and smiles are always welcome.
The packets may be larger than you expect, because I have asked the teachers to plan for the remainder of the year in case Governor DeWine extends the school closure even longer. Please stick to the plan the teacher outlines for you. Do not try to do all the work at once. If we do get back together before the end of the year, have the students bring any unfinished material back to the classroom. No, I do not have any insider knowledge about school closures, we are just trying to be proactive.
JESUS DAY and FIRST COMMUNION:
Since our first scheduled First Communion date is in late April, it has been postponed following the Governor's guidelines. Depending on the Covid19 pandemic and how it progresses, it, and perhaps the remaining First Communion dates, will need to be rescheduled.
Based on this we are also holding back on sending Jesus Day activities home. Once the dates for First Communion are re-finalized, we will be in touch concerning Jesus Day and activities you can do to help your child be prepared.
CELEBRATING HOLY WEEK AND EASTER:
Unfortunately, we will not be able to gather for the most important Holy Week and Day of the church calendar. However, you can still celebrate at home. Here is a link to prayer services for Palm Sunday and Holy Week and lots of activities and videos to bring the message home to children of all ages.
Click Here to view.
You can also check out the St. Veronica Parish website for other ways to celebrate the Holy Days coming up.
CLEANING THE SCHOOL:
Our cleaning crew is busy at work, going classroom by classroom disinfecting and wiping every surface they can find so that when we do return to school, we can all remain as healthy as possible. A big thank you goes out to our entire crew for their hard work and dedication!
