Please click on the link below to read about the new format on how we are moving forward in our instructional time with the students.  This format was designed by the Diocese to allow teachers the opportunity for students assessment, parent outreach, planning/networking, and professional development.    Please email me with any of your questions regarding the new format.  I can be reached at mdonato@srca.org.

Continued prayers of safety and health!!

 

4 Day Instructional Week Letter

 

 

Much has appeared in the news regarding the Governor’s Executive Order regarding the requirements associated with the 180 days of instruction.

 

Below is the Governor’s Executive Order:

Pursuant to Executive Orders 202.1 and 202.2, any day that a public school district (including Special Act School Districts) or charter school had been previously scheduled to be open but was closed prior to March 18, 2020 at the direction of state or local health officials as a result of the COVID-19 virus, or pursuant to a properly executed declaration of an emergency for the COVID-19 crisis, will satisfy the requirements for a waiver of the usually required reduction in monies payable to school districts and charter schools under Education Law section 3604, provided that such school district or charter school has exhausted any available time, including snow days and vacation days.

 

Pursuant to Executive Orders 202.4, any day that a public school district (including Special Act School Districts) or charter school had been previously scheduled to be open but is closed during the period of March 18, 2020 through March 31, 2020 will satisfy the requirements for a waiver of the usually required reduction in monies payable to public school districts and charter schools under Education Law section 3604.

 

Pursuant to Executive Order 202.11, any day that a public school district (including Special Act School Districts) or charter school had been previously scheduled to be open but is closed during the period of April 1, 2020 through April 14, 2020 will satisfy the requirements for a waiver of the usually required reduction in monies payable to public school districts and charter schools under Education Law section 3604, provided that such school district or charter school has exhausted and/or will exhaust any available time, including snow days and vacation days.  Such waiver shall not be granted if such closure extends beyond April 14, 2020, unless otherwise directed by the Governor.

 

The same waiver rules shall apply to the requirement under Commissioner’s Regulations 200.7(b)(5) and 200.20(a)(6) to operate for not less than 180 days during the 10-month school year for nonpublic chapter 853 schools, Special Act School Districts, state supported 4201 schools, the two state operated schools, and approved preschool Special Class and Special Class in an Integrated Setting programs.

 

Districts must continue to provide remote instruction for students, meals for students, and child care for essential workers every weekday between April 1, 2020 and April 14, 2020, even if the district is scheduled to be on spring break during that time.

 

Please note: The Governor’s Executive Order does not apply to the nonpublic schools, which includes the Catholic Academies and Parish Schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn.

 

It is important to note that we began distance and digital learning a week prior to the New York City Public Schools, and not taking a week to prepare.

 

Given all that we are facing, there is the need for parents, teachers and administration to have some well-deserved time for themselves. Easter Recess will be the option for everyone.

 

Continued prayers for everyone’s safety and health.

Please click on the link below to read a message from Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools…

 

Parent Letter- March 27, 2020

Another week down with Distance Learning!!!  Thank you for you support and collaboration during these times.  Please remember to continue completing the assignments and signing on for attendance on Google Classroom.  Teachers will be grading these assignments for the third trimester.  Attendance is also being marked daily.   If there are any issues with Google Classroom, please email the teacher or the principal.   Email addresses are on the school website under the classes tab.

 

Here is an inspirational message from Brother Ralph Darmento, Deputy Superintendent…

 

Dear brother and sisters in Christ.  I spoke recently with Gustavo Perez, Ph.D, a psychologist and member of our Tucson Diocesan Review Board.  I asked him if he had any advice for our faithful people as we face the current Coronavirus challenges.  I thought his response below was thoughtful and encouraging.  I am happy to share it with you. – Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger

 

1. Nurture your spiritual life.  We have an abundance of biblical images that show people coming to a deeper awareness of God’s never-ending love during challenging times.  Schedule a time of daily prayer, even if only five minutes.  Read scripture, meditate on a psalm, pray for others, go to your parish web site or the Diocesan web site and access the daily Mass, etc.  Nurturing the spiritual life is critical in challenging times and God will give us strength.

 

2. Stay healthy.  God calls us to take care of our physical bodies.  There are three basic practices proven to improve our physical health, reduce stress, and improve our mental abilities.  They also result in more optimism, hope, and compassion toward others.   They are:

 

• RESTFUL SLEEP:  sleeping less than 7-8 hours per day leads to reduced energy.  Moreover, you must refrain from television or internet for an hour before going to bed.   Too, if possible, turn off your phone 30 minutes before going to bed.  Sleep is critical.
• EAT SMART: in stressful times we tend to overeat the wrong foods or to indulge.  Plan what you eat and pace your eating.  If possible, increase fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
• MOVE AROUND, do not remain idle for long periods of time.  Daily physical activity will improve your mood and cognition, as well as your sense of hope.  Anything counts!  A 5-minute stretch, a short walk outside if possible (taking in a healthy amount of sunshine), or even a walk around the house will make a difference.

3. Stay connected with others.  Behavior science has proven that reaching out to others is crucial for our well-being in times of adversity.  Human beings are communal by nature; it is critical that we not isolate.  While observing proper social distancing, make an effort to call someone, talk with a neighbor across the fence, contact co-workers, or reach out to someone you haven’t spoken with in a long time. 

 

4. Help others.  Volunteering your time to help others is a proven way to reduce anxiety and improve health.  It also restores our sense of being connected to others.  While you might not be able to volunteer in the ordinary ways try to be creative, consider contacting an elderly neighbor who may not be safe shopping at present. 

 

5. Try something new.  If you’re not ordinarily a reader, read a book; tell your children or grandchildren happy stories of your childhood; draw your family tree; write a letter to someone who has impacted your life. 

 

6. Turn off the television and the phone.  The average adult in the US spends 5 hours daily on their cell phone.  In a time of crisis that number increases!  Every unnecessary hour on the phone is time away from connecting with God, nature, those nearest to you, or yourself.  And be smart about media and how you absorb news.  Schedule a reasonable amount of time receiving media on television or internet and then turn off the television or computer.  If in doubt, go back and try 1 through 5 above. 

 

 

Continued prayers of safety and health!!

 

 

1. Please click below for important information from our PDHP Counselor, Mrs. Pinto. In addition, Mrs. Pinto is sharing information on soup kitchens and medical assistance if it is needed. 

 

Mrs. Pinto Letter – PDHP Counselor

Soup Kitchen_ Food Pantries by Borough

Referral List for Brooklyn Schools

 

2. We are excited to announce Morning Prayer Live!, our daily prayer service with Deacon Matt Halbach, PhD, Executive Director of Catechesis. In these 10-minute live sessions, we will encounter and share Christ during these difficult times.

           Tune in every day, Monday-Friday, at 9 a.m. EDT. 

           To join, go to www.facebook.com/SadlierReligion/ (see “Events”) OR https://zoom.us/j/466025075.

            If you’re unable to view these events live, a recording will be posted to Sadlier Religion’s YouTube page at      

            www.youtube.com/SadlierReligion.

 

3. Acceptable Use Policy Reminder: Distance Learning

All students and parents of Salve Regina Catholic Academy are reminded that the Acceptable Use Policy for the 2019/2020 school year is in full effect for the duration of our distance learning protocol. Students and parents may view the full policy in their handbook under 2018-2019 Addendum or online on the school website, but are reminded of the following:

It is the policy of the Catholic Academies and Parish Schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn that technology be used to support learning and enhance instruction. Technology will be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner, consistent with the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Students will not:
• Use technology to harass, threaten, deceive, intimidate, offend, embarrass, or annoy any individual.
• Post, publish, reproduce, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, violent, abusive, profane, or sexually oriented material. Users must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, or threatening language. Users must not knowingly or recklessly post false information about any persons, students, staff or any other organization.
• Use a photograph, image, video, or likeness of any student(s), or employee(s) without express permission of that individual and/or of the principal.
• Create any site, post any photo, image, or video of another except with express permission of that individual and/or of the principal.
• Harm the goodwill and reputation of the school/academy or system in the community.

Violation of this policy in whole or in part may result in any or all of the following and will be issued at the discretion of the Catholic Academy/Parish School principal:
• Loss of use/privileges of school/academy technology.
• Disciplinary action including, but not limited to suspension, and/or legal action by the school/academy, civil authorities, and/or other involved parties.
• Compensation for damages, both physical and punitive, incurred due to actions in violation of this AUP.

 

Continue to stay safe and healthy!!!

 

Please click on the link below to read a letter from the Office of the Superintendent.

 

Parent Letter 3.21.2020

 

We have made it through our first week with Distance Learning!!!!!   Navigating through Google Classroom had its ups and downs but overall we were very successful.  The students are continuing their learning and we will continue to persevere.  Thank you parents for your support, patience and cooperation during these times that are ahead of us.

 

1. The State Education Department announces that all of the following state tests are suspended for this school year:

 

• New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Test;
• New York State Grades 3-8 Mathematics Test;
• New York State Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test;
• New York State Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test;
• New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in Grades K-12; and
• New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school.

 

It is most important that during the time of closure, schools are able to continue to focus their efforts toward local school and community needs, as they have been doing, and not be concerned about State assessments.

 

2. Optimum/Altice is offering Free Internet for K-12 students. Parents MUST call and contact the Sales/New Accounts department at 1-866-674-6287.

 

3. Futures in Education has extended the deadline for financial aid to May 31, 2020.  Futures in Education is strongly encouraging returning families to apply and finish applications as soon as possible to accelerate the award process.

 

4. In view of diocesan directives and today’s directives from Governor Cuomo (March 20, 2020 at 11:00 AM) regarding the closure of all non-essential businesses and public and private agencies, and out of concern for the health of all involved in our network, ALL CATHOLIC ACADEMIES AND PARISH SCHOOL BUILDINGS must now be closed until further notice. We will NO longer be open on Mondays from 8-12 pm. 

 

 

Please read…

1. As of now, NY State Tests have been suspended. More information to follow.

 

2. Enrichment Centers are being set up for all grades by the NYC DOE in each school district for the children of First Responders. It will be a place where the children are watched, fed and have access to Remote Learning. At this time, the known criteria are children of NYPD, FDNY and Local 1199 Health Workers Union. There will be additional First Responder groups added to the criteria and that information will be sent out upon receipt from the NYC DOE.  If you are a First Responder, NYPD, FDNY, or Loca 1199 please email me your information to mdonato@srca.org.  I will need parent name, employer, children’s names and grades.  Once information about the Enrichment Centers is received I will then be able to quickly get the information out to those you.

 

 

Stay Safe and Healthy!!

 

The Office of the Superintendent are sharing some resources for parents regarding COVID-19.  Please click on the links below for more information.

 

COVID-19 Parent Handout…Talking to Children about COVID-19

 

Hand-sanitizer-Factsheet

 

Mental Health Support During COVID-19

Please read…

 

1. Second Trimester Report Cards will be mailed out Friday March 20th. Regrettably, because of the closure of our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools as a result of the COVID-19, parent teacher conferences may only take place via email.  If you would like to discuss your child’s report card, please email your child’s teacher.  Given the current circumstances, a signed copy by the parent will be waived for this Second Trimester Report Card for the 2019-2020 academic year. 

 

2. There is a post on the website from the Superintendents’ Office on resources for parents during this time.

 

3. We have decided to have Office Hours for parents to come in the building for any concerns they are experiencing while we are closed.

 

OUR OFFICE HOURS ARE MONDAYS ONLY FROM 8:00 – 12:00 PM UNTIL WE REOPEN.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Donato via email if you have any questions.

Stay safe!