April 3, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted not only the functioning of St. Patrick School but all of our daily lives. The impact of this pandemic will be felt for months and years to come. As we have now shifted to eLearning until such time as the NJ executive order is lifted, Father Bob and I are committed to ensuring that these changes do not put severe economic strain on the loving and caring members of our school faculty and staff. The Diocese of Paterson has guaranteed that all employees are paid through April 4, 2020. However, to support our school faculty and staff members, we have committed to continue to pay all school employees for the remainder of the school year. We truly feel that this is a just, responsible and compassionate use of school resources during these uncertain times.

As I had stated last week, because we are uncertain how long we will be conducting eLearning, the administration and faculty are working hard to determine how best to meet the academic and emotional needs of our students. With that, starting Monday April 6th, Grades 4 & 5 will join the middle school in a block schedule format. All Grade 4 & 5 parents should have received a letter from me yesterday and will receive more information from the teachers today. This will allow for students to attend “live” classes online with their teachers, varying subjects daily. This not only will help relieve the demands on our teachers but provide the students with a more structured schedule with different subjects each day and more time to turn in assignments.

As we end Week 3, I hope everyone is able to take some time this weekend and prepare to celebrate the most important week of the year in the Catholic Church. Please see the parish website for the full schedule of Holy Week services and liturgies. I ask that you keep in your prayers all our families, students and faculty who are being impacted by COVID19.

I wish you a peaceful and restful weekend.

Blessings,

Dr. Ross

PS - Please know that the faculty will be signing off as of 2:30PM Friday. They will not answer emails or communications until Monday morning. They too need a few days to rest and recharge!

A special message from Father Bob & Father Arthur to our students. This was sent by email yesterday!

Today would have been our First Friday Food Drive. Even in this crisis, the need to feed the poor does not go away. The food pantry depends on our donations each month. In partnership with the parish ministry, this week we will send out a link for a virtual food drive. I know these times are uncertain and difficult for many, but any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Easter/Spring Break

We had 136 families participate in the recent survey regarding whether or not to keep our Easter/Spring Break the same or shorten it. Right at 80% of those who responded requested that the break be shortened. With that, we will have an abbreviated schedule next Wednesday, April 8, with teachers providing students with Lenten activities for the “noon dismissal” day. There are no office hours on Wednesday, April 8. Digital learning will resume on Thursday, April 16. Once we know more about our remaining April, May and June schedule, we will determine when and how best to use these days.

SPS Spirit Theme Days

Every Friday will be SPS Spirit wear Day! Dress in Spirit wear or green to show your SPS Pride!

Monday 4/6 is Disney Day!

Lucky 7 Shamrock Raffle Winner

Congratulations today's winner of our 2020 Lucky 7 Shamrock Raffle is:

The Ross Family

Did you forget to submit your tickets? Tickets were due March 13th, but do not worry! There is still time to get your tickets in! Please contact the HSA

Parent Resources

Counseling Services

We know how stressful this time can be. If you feel that your child is in need of counseling, please find the resources below:

  • TRAUMATIC LOSS COALITION CENTRAL OFFICE – 732-235-2810
  • FAMILY INTERVENTION SERVICES MORRIS COUNTY 973–586-5243
  • NEWBRIDGE CRISIS RESPONSE AND SUPPORT Crisis Counseling – 888-746-9333

Thinking Ahead

Thinking Ahead: Register for St. Patrick School Basketball Camp For July

Boys and girl students in grades 1-8 are invited to register for the St. Patrick School 2020 Summer Basketball Camp, which will take place Monday, July 20 through Thursday, July 23 from 9AM – Noon at the St. Patrick School Gym. The camp features Local Division 1 coaches and a special performance by the Harlem Wizards! The St. Patrick School 2020 Summer Basketball Camp costs $200 per student and includes a camp t-shirt. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/tuo4yt9

Thinking Ahead: St. Patrick School Summer Camp Accepting Registrations For July

Children are invited to join St. Patrick School during July as we explore the world around us through projects, play, and experiments. St. Patrick School Summer Camp will run from June 29 through July 24 and is open to rising Pre-K4 (must be 4 to attend) to rising Grade 3 students. Students do not have to be registered with St. Patrick School to attend. In 2020, the St. Patrick Summer Camp will offer a Half-Day Option from 9AM-12:00PM or a Full-Day Option With Lunch from 9AM-3PM (Campers bring their own lunch). Every Friday is "Beach Day" with sprinklers and fun in the sun! Register now! Limited spots available. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/s9mjjev


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