Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year!

Dear Presidents, Principals, Pastors, teachers, staff, parents, Board members, SAC members, and school communities- 
 
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! We have all been working hard throughout the spring and summer to prepare for the new school year. Plans have been put into place after much consultation and information about how best to open schools safely for students and staff. We are watching the state metrics, and we will be gathering data as we return to Comprehensive Distance Learning with some schools opening various options under the exceptions for K-3 students, limited in person instruction, and emergency child care. 
 
Our principals and teachers have been working on professional development to implement best practices in distance learning and to address the social and emotional needs of our students. Schools are working with families to be as flexible as possible to address the specific needs of each student, while focusing on structures that will support all students. Schools are equipped with technology to meet the demands of distance learning and are prepared to meet some students on campus. Students and parents are rising to the occasion to meet the new school year with patience, flexibility, and excitement. 
 
Catholic schools are shaped by communion and community where education places an emphasis on the school as community—an educational community of persons and a genuine community of faith (Lay Catholics in Schools, 22, 41). Catholic schools work earnestly to promote genuine trust and collaboration among teachers, with parents as the primary educators of their children, and with governing body members to foster appreciation of different gifts that build up a learning and faith community and strengthen academic excellence (Lay Catholics in Schools, 78). We find ourselves at a time in our institutions faced with challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and differing opinions on what the response should be in our schools. At this time, it is most important to nurture these faith communities, trusting one another to build collaborative communities that will weather this time in history. We must be steadfast in support of one another to ensure a hopeful future. We must face the school year with grace, patience, and prayer. 
 
Know that the Department of Catholic Schools is committed to supporting all of the schools in the Archdiocese to facilitate a faith-filled education for each student to form the whole person spiritually, intellectually, physically, psychologically, socially, and morally. It is essential that we all dedicate our efforts to the success of our schools and communities. 
 
Christ’s Peace- 
 
Dr. Ray-Timoney