Catholic Schools Go Virtual!
On March 30, more than 14,000 students in Catholic Schools throughout the Diocese of Orlando experienced a new way of learning that was engaging, exciting and digital. Following the guidelines set by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education, in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, all Catholic schools will remain closed until at least April 15.
For the past two weeks, faculty and administrators have been working up to the March 30 launch, preparing lessons, tailoring lessons to fit an electronic format, creating educational packets for pick-up, and staying connected with their school’s community via any online channel possible. Accommodations, such as lending school devices, have been made for few students who did not have a computer or personal device at home.
We are excited to report that our first day of distant learning was fun, interactive and filled with happy faces as seen throughout social media. As with any new change, some of our schools might have faced a couple of hiccups here and there but we were able to deliver instruction as planned and students were able to hand in assignments and complete their day’s work.
As educators and united in faith, we have not forgotten the emotional impact the void of face-to-face interactions might have on students. Mr. Pavgouzas, principal of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in St. Cloud, took over the school’s STAN network to address students virtually with morning prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and daily announcements— a consistent routine that all of our students have grown used to and now are offered virtually. Additionally, morning Mass celebrated by Father Kent in English and Spanish was share to their Catholic community via the school and the church’s social media for everyone to join.
Mr. Gutierrez, principal of Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Kissimmee, FL created a video to help ease any anxieties parents could have had prior to March 30th. In addition, a special landing page was added to their website providing parents with additional resources to facilitate distant learning.
As it has been and always be part of our Catholic school’s DNA, we will continue to hold our schools to a higher standard. National testing for all Diocese of Orlando Catholic schools for the 2019-2020 academic year has been completed, and we are awaiting the results. We will use the data to improve academic success and to move our students forward to the next grade level.
In a letter to parents, Superintendent Henry Fortier said, “As we know from our faith, we are united as the Body of Christ regardless of distance or circumstance. We will continue to fulfill our mission to provide a faith-filled education and to pray as one Body of Christ through these uncertain and challenging times.”
For those families participating in state scholarship programs, Step Up, Gardiner and McKay know that these programs will continue to be fully funded. If you have been affected by layoffs or have found yourself in need of financial assistance through these programs, please speak with your principal immediately. It is our goal to keep our Catholic education family together in this time of challenge. We are here for you and your family!