March 28, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and prayers during the first week of distance learning. As I reflect on all that has happened this week, I am full of gratitude on how the faculty, staff, students and parents responded to challenges presented by the necessity of distance learning.

After uniting in prayer, we were able to develop an online curriculum, a live class schedule, and provide multiple resources for our STARS to continue to be fed spiritually and academically.

On Monday, March 23, the distance learning plan launched. It was wonderful to start the week with a short "Good Morning STARS" video created by Ms. Hehs and Mr. Bumpus. As always, the day began with the prayer for the day, the Pledge of Allegiance and of course, the joke of the day. For the rest of the week, Mr. Bumpus emailed the students in the morning to begin each day in prayer, as well as to provide the joke of the day! 

The teachers responded to the challenges presented by the new online platform, provided materials and lesson plans to set our STARS up for academic success all while remaining flexible. Our counselors, as well as Sr. Mary Ann, reached out to parents and students who had questions, concerns, or simply needed to talk.

The staff expanded our website to include dedicated web pages that serve to house all information and communications about COVID-19, school processes, procedures, and important updates. These pages are updated frequently with information, and we will continue to include message updates from the Archdiocese of Detroit. Please take a moment to visit these pages via the buttons below. They provide useful resources for our STARS that include the online learning schedule, points of etiquette for the virtual classroom, online learning tips, and frequently asked questions.

I want you to know that I am dedicated to make the 'distance learning' environment a little less 'distant.'  We are a family. We are a community. We are here to support you and we are only a phone call away. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, or anyone in the St. Catherine community with questions or concerns. 

Finally, let us unite once again in prayer. Please pray with me the Memorare and ask for our Blessed Mother's assistance and grace during this challenging time.

St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

President, St. Catherine of Siena Academy

PS  - Enjoy the following video highlighting week one of online learning!