WEEKLY BROADCAST FEATURED NEWS Our sixth grade students continue to study global cultures through distance learning. This week, using Zoom video conferencing, students presented their research on the country of Morocco. Then, they integrated the music of Morocco with their studies in Music class -- the result -- handmade musical instruments -- the Moroccoan sintir and more!
SCHOOL NEWS Alleluia! He is Risen! This week we had a materials drop off/pick up for certain grades that will take us through the May 4th 'Stay at Home' order. We were able to collect raffle tickets and money (and supply more raffle tickets for those who are asking for them). Our plan is to have the raffle drawing on Friday, May 1st at 6:30 pm. Watch for more information on ticket drop off plans next week. We thank everyone for their continued support and remind folks to turn in all of their raffle tickets (sold and unsold) by 5:30 pm on May 1st. We long for the day we can come together again, in person, to resume face to face learning and celebrate our end of year. Teaching contracts were mailed to our staff this week. We plan for two sections of each grade next year K-8, except for grade 3, which remains a single section. Teaching assignments remain the same, with Mrs. Thompson going back to grade 2. We say farewell to the following teachers, who will not be returning next year: Mrs. Karen Swatosh (retiring), and Mrs. Leslie Davila (relocating). We wish them well in the next leg of their life journeys. Respectfully, This week you may have received an adjusted schedule from your child's teacher for Distance Learning. We are hearing about the challenges in your homes, especially with multiple children, to stay organized and on top of all the lessons, Zoom meetings, work and communication. As such, teachers are building in a day each week that they will be available to assist students with work, re-teach concepts, review previously assigned material and clear up any questions. This day would still have a Religion lesson and perhaps art, Spanish, PE or Music, but there would be no new material for Math, Reading, Social Studies or Science. (there may be review or practice work assigned!) Each grade level is responding to the feedback they have received from you...please let your child's teachers know how they can assist you. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to me (bplenge@rcsmn.org). I am available to help as well. Our second grade teacher, Mrs. Quinn-Kusek will be starting her parental leave soon. We would like to welcome Mrs. Kathy Gaines, who will finish the year with our second graders. Mrs. Gaines is a former Holy Spirit teacher, has substituted in our building in the past, and is prepared to take over for Mrs. Quinn Kusek in person or through Distance Learning. Prizes are still coming in for our Raffle drawing which will take place on May 1st. Check out the list here. Thank you to all who have donated prizes! Our grand prize this year is a Hot Air Balloon Ride for two! Before the pandemic, we had agreed to hosting a student teacher and intern in our Spanish classes. The intern, Madeline Maxwell, will work with Senora Lara from April 27th - May 8th. The student teacher, Emily Strezishar, will fulfill her course requirements beginning next week through May 8th. Both of these candidates are students at St. Mary’s University and completing abbreviated assignments for their Spanish license endorsement. We welcome them! If you took your initial Virtus training in 2015 it’s time for an online recertification. If the training is required for you, you should have received an email from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. Please take a few minutes to complete the training. Once you have completed the training can you please email Deb Hatzenbihler, Secretary at dhatzenbihler@rcsmn.org and we will update our school records. Thanks for your help! As we start preparing for the summer and next year, we always like to have our volunteer chair people in place. We have several needs for the 2020-2021 school year. Please contact stfhsa@rcsmn.org if you are willing to serve or if you have any questions about the following openings:
SYSTEM NEWS The Rochester Nonprofit Consortium - comprised of leadership from the City, County, businesses, and nonprofits - has compiled a list of vetted resources in Olmsted County to address the needs of residents during the time of COVID-19. Please click here to read more. Rochester Catholic Schools offers Extended Day AM and PM Supervision Programs at Holy Spirit Catholic School for K-5, St. Francis of Assisi School for K-8; and St. Pius X School for K-5. Extended Day AM runs from 6:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. and Extended Day PM begins after school until 6:00 p.m. Now is the time to sign up if you will need this service for the 2020 -2021 school year. You will have the option to utilize the service everyday, specific days per week, or on a drop-in basis. The fee for the Extended Day AM Supervision program is $10.00 per day/per student, and the fee for the Extended Day PM Supervision is $10.00 per day/per student. There will be a $10.00 late fee for every five minutes that students are in the Extended Day PM program after 6:00 p.m. Staffing is determined by the number of students signed up by May 20, 2020. Please click here to sign up by May 20, 2020. RCS 8th-9th Grade Loyalty Grant Parents of 8th grade students entering Lourdes High School (LHS) for the 2020-2021 school year, don't forget to apply for your child's RCS 8th-9th Grade Loyalty Grant. This grant will reduce your child's tuition by $1,000 for their first year at LHS and $500 their second year at LHS. To apply, click here. Rochester Catholic Parish Tuition Grant To our Catholic families, you may be eligible for the Rochester Catholic Parish Tuition Grant. This grant is available through our six Rochester Catholic parishes, as well as St. Bridget and St. Bernards. Each student from Kindergarten through Grade 12 may apply. Once approved by your pastor, each student's tuition could be lowered by $1,450. To complete your family's application, click here. Financial Aid While the deadline to apply for financial aid has passed, there have been many changes worldwide that may have directly impacted your family or you may be concerned about the future impact of COVID-19. We encourage you to still apply for financial aid through FAIR (Financial Aid Independent Review), a third party, objective service. Please complete your application by April 30, 2020. To apply online, please visit fairapp.com. You will need your 2019 tax information, school id = 150, password = rcs150. If you have applied through FAIR previously, you can login with your previous login credentials. If you have any questions, please contact admissions@rcsmn.org. The Catholic Foundation of Southern MN is pleased to again offer financial support from the Seeds of Faith Catholic School Tuition Assistance Endowment for the 2020-2021 school year. The Seeds of Faith scholarships are need-based, and these funds are available to families who wish to have their students attend Catholic schools but have limited income and work opportunities. This is not an academic scholarship fund. The application deadline is May 15, 2020.
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