April 2, 2020 
 
 
Dear St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School Community, 
 
I hope this weekly message finds you all doing well. As I’m sure you already suspect, I am unable to share any good news about when we might return to campus. I will continue to communicate with you regularly on each Thursday. However, there will be no update next Thursday as we will be closed for Easter Break as scheduled. There will be no classes on April 9 –April 13. Please note, we continue to follow our published school calendar
 
While we have enjoyed many successes in our transition to remote learning, we recognize that this is a learning process for everyone, and we want to continue to grow and improve. In the next few days, you will receive a short survey, and your feedback will guide us as we expand on our strengths and work to make the experience even better for all involved. We will survey all parents and faculty as well as students in grades 3-12. The survey should take you less than 5 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtful input. 
 
Finally, while we may all be a little fatigued at this point, I want to share some moments that made me smile this week. Despite social distancing causing us to miss some important events, our teachers and students are creatively making memories and sustaining connections.

  • When you are a four-year-old, it is especially hard to spend your days without your friends. The joy was evident on the faces of our JK students as they held their first Zoom gathering this week! There were lots of smiles and laughter, and the children can’t wait to see their friends again next week.
  • Since our 8th graders couldn’t be in Washington, D.C. this week as originally scheduled, their teachers decided to bring a little "D.C." to the 8th-grade geography classes. The students dressed up in red, white, and blue patriotic attire (and decor!) and showed off their contest entries during Zoom class time meetings. Everyone had a great time and appreciated the opportunity to have some fun during our stay-at-home protocol. 
  • The Class of 2020 is marking their senior year with a few “new” SAA traditions. Our friends at Balfour arranged a drive-thru line to distribute graduation invitations to the seniors. Last weekend the class held "Zoom Prom 2020." Classmates dressed up in their best prom dresses and Zoomed the night away! This week Senior Voices were shared with the Upper School via our first “aZOOMbly.” Thank you to our student leaders who stepped up to make these events happen.   While they may be untraditional, the SAA spirit, strength and sisterhood are evident!
I continue to be uplifted by the energy and resilience of our students, the creativity of our teachers, and the positive, can-do attitude of our families.  Your continued support and prayers are truly appreciated
 
As we prepare to enter Holy Week, I pray that you and your family are blessed in this Easter season.  
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.”