March 27- COVID-19 Update

 Dear Administrators, Staff, and Parents:
 
I hope this letter finds you well as we all complete week two of our new normal!
 
Since the Executive Order directing us to stay home went into effect, our teachers and administrators adjusted to doing most of their work away from school and continue to do a phenomenal job ensuring that learning continues for students.
 
Lessons will continue next week and then we will observe Spring Break leading into the Easter Tridium. No lessons will be sent between April 6-10. As a reminder, all of the distance learning work our students are doing counts towards instruction time for our schools. Please make sure your child is completing as much work as possible to stay on track with their learning. If you are having any issues keeping up or assisting your child, please connect with your student's teacher or principal. 
 
As of today, we have received no notification as to any changes in the anticipated date students will return to school. As of Monday, the date was pushed back to Tuesday, April 14. If this changes, we will let you know as soon as possible.
 
We know there are many questions still unanswered regarding such items as the conclusion of winter sports, the start of spring sports, graduation ceremonies, promotion to the next grade, as well as others. In the coming weeks, as issues become more clear we will be able to better communicate if and how we can proceed. 

I recently read a great quote from St. Francis which is a good reminder for us at this time. “Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.” While these are certainly anxious times, we must call on God and remember who is truly in control. To help us with our prayer life while we are not as connected with our church and school communities, the Diocese put together these helpful resources on Sunday Experience. 
 
Catholic education is a partnership between parents, teachers, and administrators working together to educate students in mind, body, and spirit. We know you do this every day, but can not thank you enough for the ways you have gone above and beyond in this partnership. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful staff and families in our Catholic schools. 
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Margaret Erich
Superintendent of Schools - Diocese of Kalamazoo