McNicholas is uniquely positioned to provide the best available high school experience in the area during 2020-21. Our spacious campus and close-knit community give us distinctive advantages.

 

We have the HUGE advantage of enough classroom space to accommodate all students with six feet of social distancing. ALL ROCKETS can attend scheduled classes on campus for the whole day every class day even when social distancing is required. No staggered days. No partial days.

 

We are committed to FLEXIBILITY in response to family needs. Because presence on campus is so important to the McNick experience, we prioritize students and teachers being together in classrooms, eye to eye. Yet we expect that some families will need to opt against on-campus attendance because of health concerns. With parent authorization, students will be able to participate in on-campus classes from home via their tablets. If the state requires school buildings to close for a time, we will shift nimbly to remote learning as

	Photo credit-Creative Commons

needed. The emblem for the McNick experience in 2020-21 is the CONVERTIBLE, a green machine that provides the same sweet ride whether it's sunny or rainy. The top goes up and down seamlessly.

 

We are focusing on HEALTH AND SAFETY practices to protect students, staff, and faculty. These include

 

We know that CARE FOR STUDENTS is more important than ever before. Every student will belong to a HOME FOR THE McNICK EXPERIENCE in a teacher-led small group that will meet frequently. Students will pray together, fire up school spirit, and grow in skills such as goal-setting, leadership, and self-care. Teacher leaders will be alert for students who need academic or emotional support.

 

When seniors were invited to say what they will miss most about McNicholas, almost all pointed to McNick friends and teachers. The McNick community is our strength and identity, and together we have become stronger in this new reality. Strategic planning begun a year ago has positioned us to see amid the current turmoil opportunity to lead educational enhancements. McNick educators have ten years of experience in using tablets to supplement in-person teaching. For two years we have developed ways to ensure that students learn the most essential skills and content. This summer we will strengthen skills for effective instruction in our new reality.

 

We look forward to the return of in-person classes with a renewed appreciation for our school community that empowers every student to

By staying true to our roots, building on our strengths, and accelerating plans for educational adaptation, McNicholas is uniquely positioned to create exciting new opportunities for our students while ensuring the highest regard for safety. Please stay tuned for updates about planning for 2020-21 and visit the McNick website's  Moving Forward page for the latest.

 

NOTE: If the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your family's finances and makes you wonder whether you can continue at McNick, please contact Roberta Veleta, Director of Finance at [email protected] . Keeping the lines of communication open is the best way to navigate these challenges and concerns.