Important message from the Diocese: PLEASE READ

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Dear Families,
As remote learning becomes part of the fabric of our current reality, it is important to
create structures and expectations, which help all involved succeed and stay healthy and
sane. To that end, as we come to the close of the 3rd week of providing teaching and
student learning experiences from our homes, it is important to establish schedules, but
also allow for the schedule to change…
The expectations of students, and the demands of the educational community are changing
radically during this COVID-19 crisis; necessarily, the role of the teacher is changing as
well.  It is important as we continue with distance learning that faculty have the
opportunity to participate in professional learning workshops, seminars and planning
sessions.    
Effective Friday, April 3, 2020, a proposal has been developed to make some shifts in the
instructional week. Moving forward, students will continue to complete all assigned work
tasks, projects and activities.

Teachers will have the opportunity on Fridays for:

Student Assessment:

 to be able to maintain and review student work/videos/photos

uploaded to the Google Classroom and provide

feedback in writing or by video.

Parent Outreach:           

 to be able to contact and communicate with

families the academic progress of their child(ren).

Planning/Networking:

 to have a designated time to devote to planning

lessons and learning activities, and to be able to

 collaborate with colleagues remotely using technology

tools (such as: Zoom, Microsoft Teams conference, Google Classroom).

Professional

Development:  to be able to receive further professional development. 

Please note that this new model being implemented allows for students to use
Friday’s as a time for some students to “catch-up” on previously assigned tasks,
activities and projects, and others to work on enrichment activities. Friday’s are not
to be seen as a day off. The expectation is for students to continue their studies.
Student attendance will continue to be taken on Friday’s.

We continue to thank you for being partners with us during these difficult times and wish
God’s continued blessing over you and your loved ones.

(Brooklyn/Queens Diocese)

School Closed Through April 20, 2020

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Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., has announced that all elementary Catholic Academies and Parish Schools in Brooklyn and Queens will remain closed until April 20, 2020. This follows last week’s announcement that the schools would be closed this week, March 16-March 20, 2020, out of an abundance of caution. The decision mirrors the New York City public schools announcement.

“The decision to close is based on the interdependency of services between public schools and Catholic schools,” said Dr. Chadzutko.

Many families that attend Diocesan schools depend on the New York City services such as bus transportation, meals, nurses, and crossing and security guards.

“If there was a safe way for us to open sooner, we would, but we cannot function without those essential services,” said Joan McMaster, Associate Superintendent for Principal and Teacher Personnel.

The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control is to restrict gatherings of 50 or more people. Clearly, the school environment would be in violation.

The contingency pandemic plan, which is part of the Office of the Superintendent school crisis management plan, includes digital, distance and alternative instruction for students so that their education is not disrupted. A complete transition to that model of instruction will take place this week.

The Office of the Superintendent is in daily communication with city and state officials and is part of the Coronavirus Education Task Force of the NYC Department of Education. During this time, there is a constant reassessment of the situation and the necessary response in an effort to keep our school community safe.