Dear Parents,

What a joy it has been to have students back on campus! Regardless of the learning platform, we are steadfastly committed to providing your daughter with a superb high school experience, including being well-prepared academically, having leadership opportunities, participating in extracurricular activities, growing in wisdom and grace, and forming life-long friendships. We always appreciate your support of this but especially now as COVID-19 requires more of everyone. Rest assured, our goal is returning to the customary and treasured MDSA Sailor experience of 100% in-person learning as soon as we can safely do so!

While so much in our world remains uncertain, I believe frequent communication is helpful for our students and families. Therefore, we will host an October Parent Update Zoom meeting on Thursday, October 8, at 7 p.m. At that point, we will have transitioned on October 5 from the 25% to the 50% hybrid model. This update meeting will provide a forum to: briefly recap the first month of school; expand upon our plans for the 50% model; and offer an opportunity for questions and answers.

Our ability to achieve our goals for your daughter requires the vigilance of everyone in our MDSA community! As much as we want life to return to normal, we need the goodwill and cooperation of everyone: students, faculty, staff, and families. Parents, please help us with the following by encouraging:

  • Avoidance of large gatherings, including parties. Colleges and high schools have had to suspend in-person teaching because of COVID-19 spread at parties. Please help us by minimizing social events, including sleepovers.
  • Compliance with mask usage and social distancing recommendations.
  • Adherence to out of uniform standards (see handbook for out of uniform policy) for virtual learning, which will enable the continuation of this privilege. 
  • Consistency of attendance, punctuality, and preparedness for virtual learning (reference e-Learning waiver). These skills may be more challenging in a virtual environment but no less important. Helpful suggestions were included in the September 19 Academics Update email communication

In conclusion, I want to recognize our teachers who have gone above and beyond to make it possible for all, virtual and in-person learners, to have the best possible educational experience. I am excited that our MDSA teachers will be able to share their experiences and best practices with the broader educational community through the Middle States Sustaining Excellence Colloquium on October 7, when we present on the topic “Where did the Conversation Go? Encouraging Face-to-Face Interaction While Utilizing Classroom Technology”.

Thank you for your dedication, support, and participation these past months, which has made your daughter’s education here (and in a virtual environment) possible! We truly are all in this together, and we are certainly doing the best we can. God will surely bless our efforts as we ultimately try to do all that we do for His greater honor and glory.

Sincerely in Christ,

Sister Mary Raymond Thye, O.P.
Principal

P.S. Please return the following forms by Friday, 25, 2020, after which time demerits will be issued. These completed forms can be signed and sent in with your daughter, or emailed to our receptionist at reception@mountdesales.org.