Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Dear Parents,
I apologize for the late notice, but I feel a responsibility to our school community to make an adjustment to our schedule for Thanksgiving Week.
Over the past few weeks, I have become concerned about the increased pressure and stress experienced by our students. Teachers, counselors, and parents have been reporting to me that the burdens of the pandemic and increased stress of our hybrid model of instruction, as well as an increased academic workload, are affecting many of our students. As a parent, I am also seeing that stress play out with my two high schoolers at home.
We need to keep our kids both physically and emotionally safe during these trying pandemic times. It is tough being a teenager right now.
To try and dial back some of the stress, I am canceling school for next Monday and Tuesday. This will allow our students to take a deep breath and get caught up as they prepare for the work ahead as they complete their first semester.
I have asked our faculty not to assign them additional homework or assignments during these days. We will encourage our students to use the time to read and finish pending assignments. I also suspect that many will catch up on sleep!
Our school will still be open on Monday and Tuesday and we will devote that time to extra cleaning and getting many administrative tasks completed.
Athletics
We have 2 soccer contests scheduled for Monday - boys at home and girls away. There is also a cross country meet scheduled for Tuesday at home. Since this extra break is intended to relieve stress, we will continue to hold these contests. Our Athletic Director, Peter Strickland, and Assistant, Emily Whittington, will be in touch with all student-athletes, coaches, and parents about the contests.
The Covid Surge
We are all concerned about the spikes in the Covid-19 infections in and around Frederick and throughout our Nation. We will continue to monitor these increases and make the best decisions for Saint John’s guided by our local and state health departments. We are committed to keeping our school community as safe as possible.
It is still Thanksgiving!
During this unusual Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to God. Give thanks that we live in a wonderful free country. Give thanks that we are all part of the Saint John’s Community. Many blessings to your family and all those you love. Hug your kids and stay safe and healthy.
May God bless you and your family on this Thanksgiving.
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© 2018 Saint John's Catholic Prep
3989 Buckeystown Pike, PO Box 909 | Buckeystown, Maryland 21717