Parents and Guardians,
Throughout the Gospel, we hear how Jesus’ methods of teaching were adapted to those He was speaking to. When necessary, Jesus used history and the words of the Prophets. Other times, He used stories. Although the method of delivery differed, the message of His teaching remained constant.
The current health pandemic is requiring schools, including Blessed Sacrament, to redefine what student instruction will look at beginning in August. Like Christ, Blessed Sacrament has to think about what will be best for our students. In some cases, it will remain in traditional in school classes. For others, the family may prefer guided distance learning.
Beginning in August, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School will provide the following three modes of instruction for our students.
Traditional In School Classes – With this option, students will come to campus each school day and take traditional classes. The school will use the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the Safe Reopening of Schools to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Guided Distance Learning – Using this option, students will join their classmates using a school-approved platform. In this model, students will be required to log-in an participate daily in their Religion, Reading, English and Mathematics classes. Students can then join in for their other classes (i.e. Social Studies, Science, Spanish, and Rotation Classes) or complete the assignments independently offline. Arrangements will be made for students to take the NWEA during designated testing windows. Additionally, students enrolled in this option will be able to participate in all Blessed Sacrament student activities including extracurricular activities.
Self-Paced Learning – In this mode of instruction, students in 2nd Grade through 8th Grade will complete all assignments independently using a learning management system. Although students will have the flexibility to create their own schedule, assignments must be completed using the timelines and due dates assigned by the designated campus facilitator and religion teacher. Arrangements will be made for students to take the NWEA during designated testing windows. Additionally, students enrolled in this option will be able to participate in all Blessed Sacrament student activities including extracurricular activities.
A student who is enrolled in the Guided Distance Learning or Self-Paced Learning may transition into Traditional In School Classes whenever their family feels comfortable. For some this may be at the end of the First Grading Period or the beginning of the Second Semester. For others, it may be once COVID-19 cases decline significantly. In either case, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School’s administration, faculty and staff remain committed to working with our families during these unprecedented times.
To assist with planning, we ask that you please complete the following Student Instructional Preference Form before Friday, July 10, 2020 so we can begin initial planning and placement. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding the different modes of instruction. The School Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Please know that I continue to pray for our faith community every day.
In service to the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament,
Michael Fierro
Principal