April 16, 2020      Dear St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School Community,    I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter, and you were able to enjoy a break in the routine. Mary-Lee and I spent Saturday outside and were able to FaceTime with our kids in New York and Cincinnati on Easter. It made for a blessed Triduum!   We are aware of Governor Lee’s announcement this week regarding public school closure for the remainder of the school year. At this time we are continuing to evaluate all the information that is available, and we will announce a decision regarding our plans within the next two weeks. Be assured the health and safety of all our community remains our number one priority.    Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses to the survey on our transition to remote learning. I was thankful for the volume of feedback we received. In total 537 members of our community, parents, students, and faculty, completed a survey. We are thoroughly reviewing all your feedback and making the necessary adjustments as we move forward. We understand that this new model of learning can be a challenging task, and we thank you for partnering with us in the process. We appreciate the way you and your children have embraced this new normal with such grace.   During this “safer at home” time, I continue to be inspired and uplifted by our community and the many ways our Stars and Suns are responding.

This week we recognize our many SAA alumnae who are on the front line in the battle with COVID-19. We are humbled by the strength and dedication of these heroes. Below is a glimpse of just a few of the many strong and amazing Stars working every day in this battle. Visit @saalaumnaeassociation on Instagram to see more.

During the month of March, the St. Agnes Lower School theme was Herstory Month . The SAA Kindergarten class focused on the idea that “you are never too young to make a difference,” and one of our KinderStars took this message to heart. McKenzie Dean sprung into action when she heard that nursing home residents could not have visitors right now because of the quarantine. McKenzie wanted to put a smile on their faces and let them know they were not alone. This little KinderStar made over 80 cards to share with the residents at the King’s Daughters and Sons Home!

While we may not be able to visit an art gallery right now, we can still view beautiful artwork thanks to our Upper School artists who have created a virtual art studio! Their classroom might look a little different now, but that has not stopped these talented SAA artists. Take a minute to enjoy this sampling of our students’ artwork and hard work throughout this transition to remote learning.

Our young scientist, John, taught his St. Dominic kindergarten classmates how to make silly putty today. John was the official, “Scientist of the Week” for his class, which is one of the favorite activities in Mrs. Mungle’s Kindergarten classroom. Despite the distance, they were able to continue this tradition during their daily Zoom meeting time.

We recognize that it is not just our students who are learning through this experience, but we are all continuing to learn and grow. Read this reflection by our JK teacher Jamie Lassandrello as she shares her thoughts on the transition to remote learning. Click Here!

I am so grateful for our St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School family. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Peace,

Tom Hood “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”