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The Digital Classroom

March 20, 2020

The DigitalClassroomMarch 20, 2020

Weekly Update for Families on Catholic Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dear School Families,


We all are adjusting to the changes in our lives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, we have tried our best to transition as quickly as possible to creative ways to continue your child’s education despite the closure of schools.


Our goals during closure include: keeping students engaged in high-quality learning; ensuring they can interact virtually with school friends; creating opportunities for their faith to grow; and maintaining a sense of community.


Across the Archdiocese, school leaders and teachers have been working very hard. We all thank you for your patience as we adapt and try out a variety of approaches, seeking to find the right balance as we educate your children and address their social-emotional needs while trying to avoid making any of this too burdensome on parents. Thank you for supporting this effort at home — we know that it has not been easy.


This newsletter, which I will send weekly, includes highlights of digital instruction from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Boston from throughout the week; educational and faith-based resources; and useful links.


In Christ,


Tom


Thomas W. Carroll

Superintendent of Schools

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston

Reflection of the Week

Cardinal Seán released a video message this week for the Archdiocese of Boston.

The message in English: https://vimeo.com/398384772

The message in Spanish: https://vimeo.com/398510550

The message in Portuguese: https://vimeo.com/398510164

Meals for Students In Need

The below document specifies locations where students in need may receive a free lunch, and in some cases, breakfast. Questions? Contact Associate Superintendent of Government Programs Mary Goslin at goslin_m@rcab.org.

A small sampling of the digital and remote learning that took place this week in the Archdiocese

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Sacred Heart School, Weymouth

Found object color wheels from a brother and sister in the first grade and kindergarten. They have a mini color wheel in the center made of crayons! Credit: @shs_art_room
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Ste Jeanne d'Arc School, Lowell

The SJA students are learning remotely and are working hard! Credit: @sjaschoollowell
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Mount Alvernia Academy, Newton

Students are staying on top of all their subjects including religion, math, social studies states project, reading, preschool worksheets and creative “field trips” to the beach for outdoor science lessons. Credit: @maaelementary
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Saint John School, Wellesley

The kindergarteners are engaged and “virtually” learning! One of the students even invited her second grade sister to join in on her read aloud session with Mrs. Lewis! Credit: @sjswellesley
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Saint Monica School, Methuen

A young student from Saint Monica School is eagerly learning at home!
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Saint Bridget School, Framingham

Tuesday, St, Bridget School students and parents began their online learning.
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Notre Dame Academy, Hingham

Faith connects us all. Despite studying remotely, Ms. Laborde's 7th grade Theology class worked collaboratively in groups to give Zoom presentations on the sacraments. Even when we are apart, we are never truly apart, as we are one in Spirit. Credit: @notre_dame_academy

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Saint Mary of the Assumption School, Brookline

This Pre-K student (along with some furry friends) is watching his teacher read a story about St. Patrick's Day. Credit: @MayorofBeacon
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Saint Mary of the Annunciation School, Danvers

A young scientist from Saint Mary of the Annunciation School in Danvers! Credit: @principal.burrill
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Sacred Heart School, Kingston

A young student from Sacred Heart squeezing in some reading at home.
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Matignon High School, Cambridge

The first day of Matignon’s #VirtualLearning Credit: @

matignonhs

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Saint Paul School, Hingham

Join teacher Ms. Rohnstock for a science experiment about germs! Click here!

Digital Resources for Virtual Education

Here are some educational and faith-based resources that you can use at home with your scholars. We hope these are fun and informative!

Educational Resources

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Faith-based Resources

  • A great youtube video from a Seminarian named Colin who teaches Middle School Religion Classes at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Lynnfield
  • Pray the coronavirus novena to end this pandemic
  • The Augustine Institute has given all of us in the Archdiocese of Boston free access to FORMED.org for 40 days. Instructions for joining are in the PDF below.
  • Catch a livestream of Eucharistic Adoration on www.savior.org
  • The Hallow app is offering three months free (typically $8.99/month)
  • Sign up for daily virtual evangelization resources from the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship by visiting www.flocknote.com/boston.


Picture: Students from Saint Paul School in Hingham answered Pope Francis’ call to pray the rosary at 4 PM yesterday

ZOOM: From Beginner to Pro!

Last week, many of you might have thought Zoom was the name of a Mazda commercial. If you're feeling a little unsure of this technology, we are here to help! Here is a tutorial for those who are new to the platform.

Today's COVID-19 Briefings from the Government