Week One Comes to an End!
Happy Friday, everyone! I hope at this point, you are winding down your day and heading into the weekend for rest and a well-deserved break from school work! Please remember that just as you are needing a break, so are the teachers. They have been working all hours of the day to ensure our new "norm" is going well and seamless as possible. That being said, they will be taking the weekend for themselves and their families and will return your emails on Monday morning. Thank you!
I have a few items that I wanted to be sure I communicated to you before the weekend...I know this is a lot, but PLEASE read through to the end!
In an earlier communication, I had thrown out the idea of taking Monday and maybe Tuesday off for teacher planning. I am going to instead ask that students continue working on Monday to keep on track with the lessons planned. That being said, I am going to have everyone take Friday, March 27 off instead. This day will be used by teachers to plan and develop lessons for the next few weeks.
Throughout next week, I will be communicating with you about any updates we will be receiving from the Department of Education regarding waiving pupil contact hours, as this could be a possibility for everyone. They have already announced that the hours will be lessened, but we have not heard exactly what that means. That being said, I want to be sure we stay on track with our current plans so we stay ahead of the game. I wanted to let you know that since we were able to roll out our distance learning immediately, we are in a very good position and as of right now, do not have to extend our school year. Some of the public schools that have taken "extended" spring breaks are now trying to develop their plans and could be as much as 3 WEEKS behind where we are right now! So, thank you for your patience, flexibility, and prayers! Next week, I will also be communicating and walking you through any new platforms we will be using going forward - so please keep reading my extremely long emails :)!
On Wednesday, March 25, we will be celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation! At 9:00AM via Facebook, we will be live streaming the Rosary and ask that all students and families take part in this. Not only should we be taking this time to honor Mary, but it is a wonderful time for personal reflection. The QR Code for the parish Facebook page to live stream is below.
St. Thomas More Catholic Parish Facebook Page
Also on Wednesday, I am asking that families that need to check out a device for your child's use at home OR have ANY remaining materials to pick up, do so starting at NOON. Teachers have been asked to contact you if there are materials you will be needing at home for the next few weeks. We will be doing this pick up "drive-thru" style, so please snake through the parking lot as you would carline and DO NOT get out of your car. Utilizing your carline name sign (yellow one) will be super helpful, so please have that handy! We will bring the materials to you and have you sign a waiver if you are needing to borrow a device. If you are needing a device, PLEASE send an email to Mrs. Baker at dianeb@stthomasmore.org immediately so we can have those ready for your pick up.
As I have said, I will keep you updated with the latest information as I receive it and inform you as to how various decisions will impact our school community. Please continue your prayers and a heartfelt thank you to you all who are praying specifically for me. I am so blessed.
Peace and blessings,
Mrs. DeWolfe