ALL FAMILIES GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN STUDENTS TO SCHOOL |
|
At the beginning of March, CRJ invited all interested students/families back to campus for in-person learning. This decision was made after reviewing staff and family survey input, and assessing our ability to continue to ensure the community’s health and safety.
Principal Luke Harrison said, “We see invaluable opportunities to rebuild community and
energize engagement for all students and families by opening our doors to those students ready to attend in-person now. Our ability to include students who long to be back in the building after a year away from their peers and teachers provides equitable support to these students through these trying times.”
Throughout this school year, we have been guided by the following five principles: safety, community, engagement, simplicity, and equity. Students and staff will continue to practice these principles and adhere to the CRJ Health and Safety Plan, CDC best practices, and the Milwaukee Health Department’s oversight. As our students and staff enter the final quarter of the 2020-21 school year, we will embrace the ability to safely trailblaze together.
|
|
PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE
A REFLECTION FROM ANDY STITH
|
|
As our athletes begin spring practices, it is great to see our Trailblazer mascot on their uniforms and workout clothes. It is a reminder to me and one another in our community that Trailblazers work hard and persist in the face of the rigors of athletic training. More broadly speaking, I am energized by the trailblazing spirit of our staff members, students, and families. Throughout this past year, it became clear to me that our Trailblazer mascot wasn’t just a logo on a jersey or shirt, it is who we are.
There were so many times where the easy thing to do would not have been the right thing to do. I am proud that our community worked as trailblazers to do what was best for our students every step of the way. Even today, we continue to lead. Thanks to our partnership with Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, 96% of our faculty and staff will be fully vaccinated by the end of March. On Monday, we welcomed any student whose family desired for them the opportunity to attend school in-person. For many of our 9th graders, it was their first day of high school in-person. Imagine that for a first day of school! Our soccer, volleyball, and track and field teams have begun practicing after-school, offering students much needed athletic and mental health outlets. Growing numbers of students are returning to their work sites. We’ve also added more partners to our innovative remote work study program. We are the only school in the city helping high school students develop professionally by introducing them to the remote workplace. As this last year has demonstrated, remote work will become more commonplace and our students will be prepared for it.
Spring is coming, and with it, the hope of the Easter season. This hope fuels us as we continue to be bold in our vision and forge ahead as trailblazers in our world.
|
|
NEW FACILITIES AND FAMILIAR FACES BRING EXCITEMENT TO CRJ VOLLEYBALL TEAM |
|
Earlier this month, the girls’ volleyball team began their spring season in a brand new conference. They are also taking advantage of the brand new facilities offered on campus. Senior Daniela said, “It's so different in a good way - I am still getting used to having all of the natural light in the gym!”
The new facilities also mean more flexibility for the players and coaches. Senior Kelly said, “It's much better because every practice used to end at 7:30 after a whole day at school. We had to share one net with 30 players but now we have two nets so now we can all practice at the same time and leave earlier.”
That doesn’t mean the players and coaches aren’t enjoying their time together. Coach Jack Nash said, “One of the hardest parts of this pandemic is the isolation we can feel in our Zoom silos. I am just really excited that we have found a safe way to offer this opportunity for students. I love that all of the underclassmen get a chance to make connections with their classmates, some of whom they are seeing for the first time all year.” Freshman Maggie shared, “To be out of the house and have somewhere safe to be and still hang out with our friends is amazing.”
|
|
There are also some familiar faces helping out as coaches. Alumni Joshua Ruiz '19 and Moises Mujica ‘20 (pictured) are both coaches for the volleyball team. While both are great volleyball players themselves and wished there had been a boy's volleyball team at the school to play on when they attended. They took advantage of the chance to be impactful assistants when they were students. Coach Nash said, “They were indispensable to the program. It’s just incredible that they are still showing their commitment to the school. Their leadership qualities and character already make them a great fit, but I love that the players can look up to them, not just as coaches, but as former students who understand the unique experience of a Cristo Rey student. This puts them in a terrific mentor position for our players beyond just coaching volleyball, but helping them prepare for other areas of their life.”
Nash continued, “This year's team is special since we have 9 seniors, many of whom have been here since they were 9th graders in 2017. (Athletic Director) Taz Landry has worked around the clock since last spring to make sure we could offer a season in a way that was safe and honors the commitment these players have had to the program for the last four years.”
|
|
CELEBRATING YOUTH ART MONTH |
|
March is known as Youth Art Month and an opportunity to promote and celebrate Art Education nationally. Throughout the month of March, CRJ has been showcasing the many creative talents of our students and staff. Artwork has been on display on the hallway monitors and during weekly assembly videos. We invite you to enjoy a small sample of the wonderful artwork CRJ students have created. |
|
Follow us on social media to see and share Cristo Rey Jesuit news with your network.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
