We are now in our seventh week of teaching our students remotely as a result of the mandates issued by Governor Cuomo and New York State Education Department. It has not been easy for our students. Several of them have family members whom they live with who have been stricken by this terrible virus. Their lives, already filled with challenges, took on a whole new dimension of uncertainty with the onslaught of this pandemic. I must say how proud I am at their determination to rise above these challenges.
Their new classroom is a crowded room, a pantry, kitchen or bedroom in their homes with a video link that connects them to their teachers and the rest of their class. Daily attendance is excellent, participation and enthusiasm are fantastic and creativity is amazing! They continue to meet and surpass the goals set for them by the extremely dedicated faculty and staff of The De La Salle School.
Every teacher at The De La Salle School brings to the classroom a sense of enthusiasm and love for their subject that captivates and motivates the students to follow their dreams. Although their way of teaching and the structure of their lesson has changed during this pandemic, their energy and love for their students has not. The faculty are focused on the strengths of the students whether it's being challenged to explore new lands and cultures in Ms. Buttigieg's Social Studies class, a focus on Literature and the Arts in Ms. Henao's ELA class, solving an equation in Mrs. Rakeman's Math class, or a virtual lab experiment in Mrs. Burns Science class. Health and fitness have also taken on a new dimension as Mr. Donodeo and Mr. Aristhene review with the students exercises and activities that they can use to stay fit while confined to their homes. Nutrition, healthy eating and hygiene are also stressed. Ms. Lodispoto has crafted some amazing Art projects to keep them busy and Mrs. Rainone has introduced them to a whole new way of looking at music. Most importantly they are still being encouraged to enhance their relationship with God in Religion Class.
We were blessed to share the valuable lesson of giving back to those less fortunate through a recent letter-writing initiative. Our students were tasked with writing letters to patients and medical staff at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital. Their letters demonstrated the lessons our students learn each day - having the love of God is a blessing to be shared. Our students were featured in a segment by Erica Byfield of NBC 4 NY on Tuesday, 21 April. Please enjoy the segment included in this newsletter below.
As we continue to provide for the educational and spiritual needs of our students and their families, the need for your support is more critical than ever. As you may already know, we have been forced to cancel this year's Annual Galadue to the pandemic. This event is a major source of revenue for our school. Letters were mailed out to all of our benefactors sharing the news of the cancellation and asking for your support. The mailing also included tickets for a $5,000 cash rafflethat will be drawn on 12 June 2020. We ask that you consider a purchase of raffle tickets or a donation in lieu of an event ticket by responding to the mailing. If you would like to purchase additional raffle tickets, please contact Petrina DiGangi at [email protected].
Please continue your prayers for the young men that God has entrusted to our care!
