Easter/Spring Break

As a reminder, our Easter/Spring Break begins on Wednesday, April 8 at noon and runs through Wednesday, April 15. School lessons on April 8 will primarily reflect the Lenten season and Holy Week. St. Patrick School will resume eLearning on Thursday, April 16. We hope everyone enjoys the much-needed time off!

Participation in eLearning

Student responsibilities and guidelines for eLearning are no different from our accepted and understood school policies and protocols. St. Patrick School’s Acceptable-Use Policy and Parent/Student Handbook remain applicable to all students and other members of our community. St. Patrick School may, in its sole discretion, further revise or update the Acceptable-Use Policy and/or this policy at any time.

Delivery of eLearning

The school will utilize Google’s Education Suite core services, IXL, and other online platforms/tools deemed appropriate by the administration to conduct meaningful teaching and learning. Parents or guardians and students should continue to review their email regularly.

Utilization of St. Patrick School eLearning Platforms

ELearning platforms utilized by St. Patrick School are understood to be for school and educational use only. The use of these platforms for any other purpose without written consent from St. Patrick School is prohibited. Failure to comply with this directive may result in disciplinary action.

Acknowledgment of eLearning Policies and Procedures

The St. Patrick School community understands and acknowledges eLearning as a continuation of daily teaching and learning, not only for our faculty and students, but also for their parents and guardians. It is critical to understand that platforms utilized by St. Patrick School during eLearning involve the following:

• When in a videoconference, those at the meeting may be asked to turn on microphones and cameras. Participants (including their image, voice, possible name, and background/ surroundings) are viewable to others at the conference.
• Participants in a videoconference (or any other aspect of eLearning) are expected to conduct themselves as they would on the St. Patrick School campus. Students do not have to be in uniforms; however, they should be wearing school–appropriate attire.
• To avoid unnecessary distractions while eLearning is taking place, no pets are allowed during class time. Additionally, younger siblings should not be on camera while lessons are taking place.
• Similarly, backgrounds in a video recording or conference should be appropriate for viewing by the school community.
• Student’s should be seated at a desk or table to create an appropriate learning environment. They should not be lying or reclining in a bed.
• During eLearning, an educational workspace is necessary. Student’s are asked to do the following: minimize background noise by turning off the TV and radio; do not eat or drink; clear the workspace of distracting items such as toys; and turn off cell phones and all other devices.
• Participants’ image, likeness, or voice may be recorded while utilizing eLearning platforms.
• During eLearning, students will be visible/audible to other participants (students and St. Patrick School employees) in the virtual lessons. It is possible that those in the participant’s household will see or hear all the participants. Accordingly, eLearning sessions and communications should not be considered confidential.
• Students and parents may not record, screenshot, share, re-post, or otherwise capture or disseminate digital content created via any of these platforms, unless specifically authorized by the St. Patrick School administration. Only representatives of the school may capture or post such content. Failure to comply with this directive may result in disciplinary action.
• Google Chat feature may not be used unless the teacher initiates it and is included.

Although minimal, there may be risks related to the use of online platforms. Please review the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Google’s G Suite for Education. You can find it here. Other eLearning tools used will have their own privacy policy on their respective website. A student’s participation in school activities via eLearning serves as the student’s and parent’s or guardian’s acknowledgment and acceptance of St. Patrick School’s eLearning program and adherence to the full St. Patrick School Acceptable-Use Policy, including this guideline policy.

It is also important for students to understand that the same expectations of behavior in the classroom apply to eLearning. A general rule to follow would be that if the behavior is not acceptable in the classroom at St. Patrick School, then it is not acceptable during eLearning. The existing Handbook Policies with respect to technology and how we treat each other should be honored at all times in the eLearning setting. Some other suggestions to maintain proper eLearning behavior:

• Focus on the classroom conversation and activities.
• Read the directions carefully.
• Ask relevant questions to clarify the material covered or assignments given.
• Do not join sideline chats with classmates when the teacher is speaking or on topics that are not academic. Google Chat feature may not be used unless the teacher initiates it and is included.
• Treat your teacher and classmates with respect in any communication.
• Always use your teacher’s proper title (Mrs., Ms., Mr., etc.) Do not address your teacher by first name.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Avoid slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations such as “u” instead of “you.” Avoid using the caps lock feature AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETED AS YELLING.
• Reread your own messages for friendliness and respect before posting or sending.

Should you have any questions regarding these policies, please direct them to your student’s homeroom teacher. We appreciate your support in helping our students and teachers have a worthwhile eLearning experience.

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