March 27, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians of Catholic Academy and Parish School Students,

We have just completed another week during an unimaginable situation that is affecting everyone.  For each of us, we have been faced with many changes and challenges.  During these difficult times, we need to ensure that we all remain safe and healthy.  Our continued prayers are needed for the health and safety of everyone.

We appreciate you as partners in Catholic education, as we work together to maintain meaningful, faith-filled learning for our children during this crisis.   The teachers, principals and school staff have responded in the most admirable and commendable ways, to continue the education our students deserve.  Their efforts to provide ongoing distance and digital learning is incredible and the support of you, our families, is greatly appreciated.

Click here to read the entire letter…

March 21, 2020

Dear Parent and Guardians,

For everyone, this has been a challenging week! Adjusting to new routines for you and your children, keeping your family safe and healthy and managing your work-related responsibilities has been difficult. Through it all, you have been able to provide your children with the comfort and safety of your home.

Change is not easy for anyone and the uncertainty of what lies ahead is very daunting for each of us. Know that your Catholic Academy/Parish School Principals, Teachers and Staff are available to assist you during this time. Please continue to keep the lines of communication open between and among them. Continue reading “March 21, 2020 A Message from Our Superintendent…” →

When Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that public schools are shutting down from Monday, March 16 until Monday, April 20, to further prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many people felt relieved as well as uncertainty about what it’ll mean for students who still have a few months left of the school year.

Chancellor Richard Carranza said that while the city didn’t have an immediate plan for what the rest of the school year will look like during the pandemic’s containment period, they would have more answers about remote (or online) learning as they train teachers from Tuesday, March 17, to Thursday, March 19

Click here to read the full article from the Queens Courier

During the week of March 16-20, all nonpublic school students are eligible to pick up Grab & Go lunches (breakfast and lunch) at their local DOE public school locations; thereafter, Grab & Go meals will be available at designated Enrichment Centers. Enrichment Center locations are forthcoming.

Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch will be available at the entrance of every building from 7:30 am-1:30 pm. Any student can pick up breakfast and lunch at any school building.

While children are staying at home, during the COVID-19, it will be helpful to consider your children’s needs for structure, education, exercise, social contact, appropriate leisure time, and calm, rational explanations about the situation. We will address each of these areas in the information below. These are suggestions based upon rational thinking about child development and children’s reactions to stressful and changing situations. 

A Need for Structure:

Consider this time to be similar to long school breaks or summer vacation, but it is not exactly the same. If the time away from the school building has not been specified, the break is not as understandable to children. This factor can lead to tension for both parents and children. In general, people do not do well when they are unsure about the future, even in an area as simple as the schedule. Continue reading “School’s Out – A Parent Guide for Meeting the Challenge” →