WEEKLY BROADCAST FEATURED NEWS A Message from the Principal
We have recently heard from our Governor that Minnesota schools will be closed until May 4th. This is heartbreaking news for each of us as we are very much missing our students. Our minds shift to longer range planning for curriculum delivery. This morning, our primary teachers and some support staff worked to provide packets of learning materials through April 17th. Teachers that need parents to pick up packets will send an email with the information today. We have all been working on some professional development each day. (mainly technology and information on Distance Learning!) I continue to explore ways to grow as a leader. One of the voices in the school leadership scene is Robyn Jackson. She talks about our roles as being that of "Builder". I think she asks some questions that can be 're-imagined' for this change in life as we once knew it! 1. What do we need to build so 100% of our kids achieve the remainder of this school year? 2. Do we believe we can build a system where this happens?
The RCS staff says "Yes!" We have appreciated your support the past two weeks as we have attempted some new technology and implemented some different styles of teaching and learning. RCS has conducted grade level meetings this past week to gather feedback and develop expectations for lesson delivery at every grade level - preschool through grade 12. When we resume Distance Learning, there may be some changes to what you have experienced the past two weeks. Ms. Jackson suggests transformation needs time. We are literally transforming the way we teach and learn. It isn't what we want, it is not what we signed up for - but it is what it is. In the midst of all the uncertainty and chaos, we know these truths: 1. All kids can learn. 2. It is our vocation to teach. 3. We partner with parents. 4. We trust in God's divine intervention and the gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide our work. 5. Routine and structure will help all of us through this pandemic! The format of a school day remains the same. Options for face to face interactions will be recorded so families unable to participate during that scheduled time may engage at a time convenient for them. Teachers will continue to communicate specific expectations for the students, but all RCS students are expected to complete the work assigned and participate to the best of their ability. We are stronger when we work together, so please continue to share your thoughts, feelings, concerns, successes and frustrations with us. We will persevere. In the meantime, LENT takes on a new meaning. The recent "stay at home" order provides many of us with a desert-like experience. May we continue to grow through our prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The school staff continues to pray each day for an end to this pandemic, for our school children to return safely, for leaders making decisions to protect the common good, and for America to come together as a country in this time of challenge. May we remember to thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us and find JOY in the everyday experiences with our families. Respectfully,
SCHOOL NEWS Monsignor Cook shared the following, “Now is a good time to read our children and grandchildren the stories about how Henry VIII forbid all public Masses in England in the 1500's, and how Mass was suppressed by the government in Mexico in the 1920's. Catholics prayed secretly from their homes and kept the Faith. This terrible pandemic is an opportunity to impress upon our children and grandchildren what our "older brothers and sisters" suffered to keep the Faith. We don't ever want to take going to Mass or receiving Holy Communion for granted.” While we are not forbidden to celebrate the Mass, viewing it via live stream or taped recordings is not quite the same, is it? Be sure to let our children know the importance of uniting in solidarity with our historical church, but also with the good and faithful who do not have access to technology and may only be able to celebrate Mass when a visiting priest comes to their village. Students may find this research fascinating. Distance Learning is currently our method of delivering education. We expect all students to be participating to the best of their ability. Please communicate with your child’s teachers if you have concerns or are experiencing difficulty in completing the daily work. Raffle tickets were sent home before the shut-down. We will have the raffle, regardless of whether or not we are back in session. Plans will be communicated about how to turn in money and sold and unsold raffle tickets. We will work out a way for you to receive more raffle tickets to sell. Prizes continue to come in. We look forward to communicating more as information becomes available. We had to shut down the ordering for our Memory Books so we could get the order placed to assure production and delivery before the end of the school year. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes. We ordered a minimal number of ‘extras’ that will be sold on a first come-first served basis once they arrive. Please remember to sign up and scan your receipts for Box Tops for Education. Please click here for a YouTube video to get the instructions!. If you have trouble please let us know and we will try to help out!
SYSTEM NEWS Our school community continues to adapt, learn, stay connected, and support each other through this new experience of distance learning that began throughout Rochester Catholic Schools on March 18 in response to COVID-19. We are very proud of the dedication and commitment by our students, teachers, and parents in making the launch of distance learning for preschool-grade 12 a great success and being an amazing source of strength and inspiration during this time. For information related to RCS distance learning, visit our COVID-19 Response webpage at www.rcsmn.org/covidresponse. ACTIVITIES NEWS UPCOMING EVENTS
St. Francis of Assisi School |