Dear SPC Parents,
I pray this finds you all healthy and enjoying this beautiful sunshine!
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL FRIDAYS:
We have just completed week 7 of the stay at home order and are preparing for another five weeks of remote learning. I am fully aware that this has not been easy, and while many of us have eased into a routine and pattern, the extended time can begin to take a toll on all of us. The reality of this extended situation requires another pivot in our remote learning plan. The Illinois State Board of Education has allowed schools to take five additional days as professional development days throughout the rest of the school year. To gear up for another five weeks of remote learning, we have decided to implement the following:
- No academic work will be assigned on the remaining Fridays in May (May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29). These days will be used for teachers to catch up and plan. These will also be days that can be used for students to catch up on missing work. These days will be an opportunity for students to engage in some social-emotional activities or get outside and enjoy (hopefully) beautiful weather.
- Teachers will not be available for Zoom calls or Google Hangout meetings.
- Teachers will be providing a variety of social-emotional activities for each grade level that will be posted on Google homeroom pages. THESE ACTIVITIES ARE COMPLETELY OPTIONAL but provide options for students during this extended stay at home. They will be listed as choice boards on Google Classroom.
LAST DAYS OF SCHOOL:
LAST DAY FOR 8th GRADE: May 22
LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL/PREKINDERGARTEN-June 3
LAST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN-June 4
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL GRADES 1-7 -June 5
LAST DAY TO SUBMIT MISSING WORK FOR ALL GRADES - JUNE 5
GRADING POLICY FOR REMOTE LEARNING THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR:
The Archdiocese has been carefully considering the guidelines distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in regards to grading. In collaboration with the Office of Catholic Schools, the grading policy for SPC is as follows:
- We will ensure that positive learning continues through e-learning and alternative learning.
- All grades are updated in Powerschool for grades 3-8. If you have questions related to your child’s progress, please contact the teacher.
- Students will continue to receive grades for assignments, as well as end-of-term grades, based upon the local school’s grading scale.
- Student grades prior to the implementation of remote learning should only be maintained or improved.
- A grade of “I” or incomplete will be reflected in the PowerSchool account if work is not completed. Grades of “I” can be changed to a letter grade when the work is completed. A grade of “I” or incomplete will be reflected on the final 2019-2020 report card if the work is not completed or no remote learning has occurred. This will be reflected in a student’s permanent record.
- All Students have the ability to reassess and resubmit any assigned remote learning assignment until June 5, 2020. This includes 8th-grade students.
- Letter Grades will be assigned for: Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Religion. PFA’s will be assigned a Pass/Fail. Students in grades 6-8 will earn a grade for Spanish; all other grades will be Pass/Fail. Students in grades 7-8 will also earn a grade for their elective.
- Report cards for preschool-grade 2 will remain the same but may indicate items that were not assessed (which will be indicated as “not assessed” on the report card) given the constraints of remote learning.
- Final report cards will be emailed home on June 10, 2020.
In the next few weeks, we will outline times and procedures for returning textbooks and collecting personal belongings from school.
Thank you for your continued patience and support during this time. I pray that you all remain healthy and safe.
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal
Letter From Fr. Britto To The 8th Graders