JMJ
Dear Holy Name Families,
This morning, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year, unless restrictions are lifted. Although we were all hoping that we would be back together physically as a school family, we understand that this decision was made in order to keep everyone safe.
This morning, I met with all of the teachers via video conference in smaller groups. They are working through their class lists to personally call all of you in the next few days if they haven’t already. We are going to work very hard to stay in touch with you and your children during this time. They are conducting a “needs assessment” of your technology availability and wi-fi access. Teachers are also checking in on how you and your family are doing during this time of isolation.
We are going to continue learning and teaching. I realize that this is a huge transition for all of us. Please be patient with your teachers as we learn along with your student how to make the best of this situation. Teachers are determining essential standards and reviewing them with the next grade level teacher to ensure that your child is ready for the next grade as much as possible. This would not be possible without your partnership and support.
Teachers will be available to help your child and you with the content during the school day. Teachers will also hold regular evening office hours for those parents that are working during the day. Each elementary teacher will communicate their times with you and middle school teacher’s evening office hours will be on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. If the times still do not work, please contact your teacher and they will schedule a time to meet with you or your child virtually or over the phone. They will continue to respond to e-mails/Remind throughout the day.
They will also personally call you and your child at least once a week to touch base with you. Teachers will do their best to assess the students progress and communicate expectations.
Third quarter report cards for 1st-8th grade will be e-mailed home on Monday. Assignments for the upcoming week will be posted or sent to you each Monday morning by 9:00 a.m. Teachers will communicate how they will be getting those resources to you. There are many other items like graduation, registration, picking up items in desks andlockers etc that we will be working on and figuring out in the coming weeks. Please do not worry about any late registration fees. However, if you would like to mail in your registration we will accept it. Scholarship applications will also be extended at least through the month of April.
This is happening fast and as a credit to the hard work and commitment of our teachers we are almost ready to go! I can’t thank all of you, our parents, for your commitment and support to your child’s education during this time. Please know that we are here to support you along they way with our resources, efforts and prayers.
I reminded our staff that we have to focus on our mission as a school over the moment we are living in. Remember to take a moment and enjoy the gift of this extra time with your children. God will see us through this situation and we will one day be together again soon. Please tell all of your kids I miss them and pray for them daily. If there is anything that I can do to help you, please let me know.
May God bless you and may God bless Holy Name!
Joseph L. Carlson
P.S. To the parents that have still not told your children that my Facebook post yesterday about wearing their uniforms at home was an April Fool’s Joke… I’d love some photos of their reactions. :)