May 20, 2021
Dear St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School Community,
Celebrating our Community
Saturday I had the honor of attending the 170th graduation of St. Agnes Academy and presenting diplomas to the Class of 2021. These 77 Stars earned $10 Million in scholarships and were accepted to 65 colleges and universities. As impressive as those numbers are, I am much more impressed by the resilience and strength shown by this class. They navigated a challenging curriculum in a challenging time. During a school year like none other they found new ways to honor old traditions, and they grew closer to each other in the process. We look to them for leadership and vision as they leave the Academy and move into the next chapter of their lives. I have great hopes for this class and the difference they will make in the world. Next week we look forward to celebrating our 8th grade graduates and our Junior Kindergarten graduates.
With one week left in the school year, we also celebrate the fact that our campus has been open for learning for 172 days. (Only the snowstorm of the century could close our doors!) When we opened our doors on August 13 we had confidence in our plans and safety protocols, but we faced a lot of uncertainty. Thanks to a tremendous amount of hard work, prayers, and support by everyone in our community, we have successfully made it to the close of the school year. I am at a loss for words to thank everyone enough for the efforts that went into getting us to this point.
Change to 2021-2022 Academic Calendar
On October 8 and 9 the Diocese is hosting the Diocesan Eucharistic Conference. Bishop Talley has asked all schools in the Diocese to change their scheduled fall break to allow as many people as possible to participate in this special event in the Catholic Church. In accordance with the Bishop’s request and so our families will not have a conflict with other diocesan schools, we are adjusting the 2021-2022 school calendar. Fall Break will be October 4-11. Classes will resume on October 12.
COVID-19 Updates
As we make our final preparations for summer camp and look ahead to the next school year, we want to share with you an overview of our plans moving forward.
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Masking: We will implement a mask-optional policy for students during summer camp and our return to school in August.
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Academics: All instruction will be on campus for the 2021-2022 school year. We will continue to provide support for absent students as we have done in previous years. However, remote learning will only be offered for emergencies that require long-term absence from school. Normal attendance policies will resume.
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Campus Life: We look forward to enjoying a school year filled with community events and traditions including assemblies, lunch in the Dining Hall, all-school mass, theatre productions and sporting events. We gladly welcome back parents and visitors to campus to join us in many of these activities.
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Vaccinations: We strongly encourage anyone who is eligible for the vaccine to get vaccinated. During the summer we plan to host an informational session with several physicians who are members of our community. You will have the opportunity to ask questions. Watch for more details.
Over the next few months we will monitor the CDC, local, state, and federal guidance as recommendations about masking, testing, and other precautions may change. We are prepared to make adjustments as needed, and we will continue to communicate with you during the summer.
Once again, I cannot thank you enough for your prayers, cooperation and support this year. We give thanks to God for His protection and pray for His continued grace and guidance. On behalf of the entire school I wish you and your family a relaxing, safe and healthy summer.
Peace,
