March 30, 2020
As we begin Week 3, I hope everyone received my letter sent out yesterday. Last week many teachers made the virtual lessons optional. Starting this week, Grades 4 & 5 will have one mandatory session per class (excluding special subjects), so we ask parents to assist us in making sure your child signs on during this time. If you have any questions, please email the teacher.
Because we are uncertain how long we will be conducting digital learning, the administration and faculty are working hard to determine how best to meet the academic and emotional needs of our students. With that, today marks the launch of a new Middle School block schedule that will allow for students to attend “live” classes online with their teachers, varying subjects daily. Each parent and student received a formal schedule via email over the weekend and must log in to their classes at certain times. 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. If this schedule is successful, we plan to expand it to the intermediate grades.
I have had various exchanges with parents and the Education Council regarding details on our upcoming Easter/Spring Break, which starts at Noon on Wednesday, April 8 and runs through Sunday, April 19. Since we are restricted to social distancing, I would like to hear from parents on whether or not the break should remain as planned or be shortened with days off given in May. Although local public school districts are bound to contractual obligations, St. Patrick School is able to do what is in the best interest of our students and families. As such, we are asking for feedback on the break schedule. We ask that all families complete the survey by today at 3PM so we can make a final determination on the break and announce any changes accordingly. The link was emailed to each family yesterday.
I pray for a peaceful and successful week for all!
Blessings,
Dr. Ross
SPS Spirit Theme Days
Today is Pajama Day! Send you pictures to admissions@st-pats.org
Every Friday will be SPS Spirit wear Day! Dress in Spirit wear or green to show your SPS Pride!
This coming Friday 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.
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
Donations Needed
The Atlantic Health System, which administers Morristown and Overlook Hospitals, has communicated that its health professionals need Personal Protective Equipment, including N95 masks and protective gloves. Please consider donating if you have access to any of this type of gear. The announcement and the locations of the donation bins may be found in the link below. Thank you for your consideration.