A Word From Anne Phoenix, Remote Learning for SJCS

Due to COVID-19, St. Joseph Catholic School is currently engaging in remote learning. Although nothing can replace the live teacher and student interactions at school, our teachers and staff are working diligently as we continue to engage students in face-to face-learning, albeit virtually. Our teachers have each conducted a whole class video conference with their students to check in with them and to allow students to see and talk to one another. SJCS’s community of learners misses one another and our virtual meetings have been a comforting bridge to our students’ social needs at a time of high stress for all.  We know that the social/emotional well being of our students must come first prior to the rigor of the academics, and our school counselor is also in communication with our families while students are learning from home. Although we are moving ahead with maintaining our academic rigor, we must also place a great focus on each students’ social and emotional needs. 

Remote learning at SJCS occurs both synchronously (students learn at the same time via the teacher hosting live streamed video conferences) and asynchronous (students learn on their own schedule following teacher directed assignments while communication is not live). All assigned work ties back to our curriculum and is part of the regularly scheduled scope and sequence. Assignments are completed, turned in and graded electronically so that we are able to complete the learning loop. This allows students to engage in meaningful work and students  receive feedback from teachers remotely. These assignments are in all subject areas including physical education and religion.

It is also important to note that our faculty, staff, students and families are a community of learners and we are approaching this situation with that mindset. The success of our remote learning plan is due to each member of our community doing his/her part. I believe this is just one example of what makes St. Joseph Catholic School so special.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Phoenix, Principal, St. Joseph Catholic School