Dear SHMS Parents:
Since we have not used our two built-in snow days, we have decided to use them on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17, in order for students and teachers to be fully ready for digital learning. Sacred Heart Model School will move to digital learning days starting Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27. Students are expected to follow the digital learning days as outlined below. Support staff will be available for students as needed.
The SHMS administrative office will be open every day from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. School personnel will be available via phone and email. No visitors, please. The Sacred Heart Schools business office will be open every day from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Spring Break will operate as previously scheduled starting Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3.
The SHMS Leadership Team has been meeting every few days with SHMS teachers about the Coronavirus (Covid-19) as we anticipated a short or long-term school closure. These are unprecedented times. Decisions are being made all over the country to cancel events, activities and public gatherings. We will do our part to support this directive as it pertains to public health. Aside from online classes, there will be no sports, activities, or other school gatherings permitted during this period.
Our primary method of instruction for students in Levels JK-5 will be through teacher assigned lessons which will be communicated by your child’s homeroom teacher through email. This email will come to students and parents by 8:00 a.m. each morning.
Teachers of students in Levels 6-8 will communicate directly with their students on a daily basis according to their regular class schedule. Teachers understand this expectation and students know what to expect.
In some cases, teachers will use various platforms to deliver activities. Be assured, students are familiar with and have used these platforms in school. In other cases, teachers will post assignments and resources for students to work on non-digitally. Teachers will try to be as creative as they can to make the best of the circumstances. Special area and world language classes are more difficult to do when away from school. However, students can expect lessons for all of their classes according to their school schedule.
To support our students' social and emotional needs during extended time away from school, Mrs. Kayrouz and Mrs. Whatley are available to conference with students by phone or email. Please set that up by emailing one of them: [email protected] or [email protected].
Digital learning plans do not provide the same rigor and quality as face-to-face instruction. Our goal will be to continue moving forward with your child’s education while making the most of the resources available to us. Please contact your child’s teacher(s) if you have any specific questions. As always, on behalf of all the faculty and staff, we appreciate your support and the privilege of partnering with you in educating your most precious gifts from God.
Please check the SHS website for daily updates. Given the circumstances, the return to school on April 6 is not certain. We will follow the direction of public health officials. Each day we will post updates on our website, social media, and send alerts via Swiftk12 as necessary.
Thank you for your trust and patience as we navigate this uncharted territory.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Bratcher
Principal