March 25, 2020
Updates included in this letter:
- anticipated dates of reopening
- new dates/times for grab-and-go meals
- spring break information
- financial aid
- Mass resources
Hello Siena families, faculty, and staff,
With additional changes being communicated daily, I wanted to provide an update to all of you in regards to a number of things. As you are likely aware, Governor Evers has mandated a “Safer At Home” order through 8 a.m. on Friday, April 24. This impacts the original school re-start date of April 6 that was previously communicated. We plan on welcoming back faculty and staff on Friday, April 24, followed by students on Monday, April 27. These are our anticipated dates of reopening unless circumstances warrant otherwise.
Feedback from our families has led us to adjust the times and days of grab-and-go meals at John Paul II Academy and St. Catherine’s High School. While we are changing the days; we are NOT changing the overall number of meals each child receives over the course of a week. In an effort to minimize the number of trips outside the home, meals will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students will receive two days’ worth of meals on Monday, and three days’ worth of meals on Wednesday.
The new schedule will begin on Monday, March 30:
- John Paul II Academy (please note the adjusted time)
- 8-9 a.m. Monday and Wednesday
- St. Catherine’s High School
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Monday and Wednesday
Our teachers continue to work to provide our students with meaningful learning opportunities on a daily basis. I’m very proud of the continued efforts of our faculty and students and I’m grateful for the support we have received at home by families. Our school and system leadership is in regular communication regarding our Remote Learning Plan and based on feedback, we anticipate making some instructional adjustments when school resumes after Spring Break. Everyone’s flexibility and collaboration are appreciated.
During these times of uncertainty, it is normal for your children to experience a level of stress. If you are concerned about the emotional well-being of your child, please reach out to our teachers, principals, and school counselors. We will do our best to support you and your children and help provide the needed resources.
Please be reminded that our Spring Break was moved to next week, March 30–April 3. There will be no new assignments given during this time. Additionally, there will be no instruction on Good Friday (April 10) and Easter Monday (April 13) in observance of these Holy Days.
While school is still in session and our faculty and students continue to prioritize education, I know that we have families that are struggling financially. I encourage you to communicate with Kory Borek, our Director of Admissions, as we do have financial aid available to assist with tuition during this school year. Kory can be reached at kborek@sienacatholicschools.org or 262-833-5517.
With the announcement from Archbishop Listecki that all in-person Masses – including Masses during Holy Week and Easter Sunday – are canceled, we would like to provide some great spiritual resources that are available online.
- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has resources available on their website. “Courageous Communion” has information such as daily reflections and praying the daily gospels.
- Fr. Ricardo is using the Sacred Heart Facebook page to livestream daily Masses at 10 a.m. and to host daily chats with parishioners and friends from 6:30-7 p.m. Additionally, he is celebrating the 10 a.m. school Mass on Wednesday, as well as the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass, both of which may be accessed on YouTube. Fr. Ricardo is also going to livestream the Stations of the Cross on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Speaking of Fr. Ricardo, have you listened to “Two Guys and a Gospel” lately?
- Fr. Javier at St. Lucy/St. Sebastian live streams Masses! You can join him Tuesday through Friday at 9 a.m. and on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Masses are broadcast here.
- The Catholic Community in Central Racine is offering Mass daily. 9 a.m. Mass in English and 10 a.m. Mass in Spanish can be viewed here.
- Archbishop Listecki will also be live streaming Holy Week Masses. Information will be shared soon on their website.
We are so grateful for our pastors who continue to provide Mass and spiritual guidance during this time. Their leadership is invaluable and we are proud to partner with them.
I also want to recognize our maintenance/facilities/custodial staff, John Paul II Academy and St. Catherine’s support staff, and Taher Food Service employees who are performing some of the most critical services during this time. Our buildings are being cleaned and sanitized and our children who need food have access to it. Thank you!
Finally, I want to thank everyone for their graciousness during this time. With everyone’s continued help, we will get through this and find new blessings in our lives.
Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
FAMILY LEARNING PLANS
K-8 Learning Plan
High School Learning Plan
3.19.2020: Hello everyone! We are told that Spectrum has turned on all hotspots in the city of Racine. If you need to connect to the internet, please use this link to determine the hotspots that are nearest to you.
Previous Communications
3.25.2020: updates regarding possible return dates, Spring Break, meals
3.18.2020: family learning plans
3.16.2020: evening communication home
3.13.2020: morning communication home to families, faculty, staff
3.12.2020: communication home to families, faculty, staff
3.12.2020: communication re: St. Cat’s boys basketball, WIAA games
3.10.2020: communication home to families, faculty, staff
Helpful Links
- Stay Healthy, Siena
- CDC COVID-19 – Guidance for Workplaces, Schools, and Home
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Parent Resource) – From NASP and NASN
- CDC Poster in English, Spanish
- Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – CDC
- Coronavirus Travel Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – CDC
- March 12, 2020, News Release – Racine County
- Handwashing fact sheet in English or Spanish – CDC
- Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus – NPR
- What to do if you are sick with coronavirus – CDC
- Information for School Nurses – Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Should you have further questions or concerns, please contact your school principal.