Dear Parents-
This past Sunday we celebrated the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of our beloved friars! St. Francis’ biography is fascinating as he was born into wealth and apparently, in his youth, he partied heavily and was known for enjoying innumerable vices. Francis’ conversion took many years, and it was St. Francis who rebuilt San Damiano Church as he sought to answer God’s call, “Francis, go and repair my church which, as you see, is all in ruins!” It is written that Francis later came to understand that the call to fix the church was not limited to the repair of the physical structure of San Damiano, but a call to repair the wider Church as it struggled with scandal at that time.
In our coronavirus update, we are reminded that the virus spreads easily in crowds. Please continue to take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. Large gatherings, indoor or out, should be avoided, and I want to again, strongly remind parents of in-person students that you are required to complete a morning COVID screening check of all your children, including taking temperatures.
In Virginia, the positivity rate remains relatively unchanged, but up slightly to 4.3%, however the infection rate dropped to .90, indicating that active cases are decreasing, according to COVIDactnow.com. Fairfax County infection rate is at .91, neighboring Loudoun County has an infection rate of .82, while Prince William County continues to remain on high alert. Websites that track the virus indicate COVID in Fairfax County is spreading at a slow and controlled rate. As always, I remind our families to wear masks, wash hands, keep distance and avoid crowds.
In conjunction with all this, I want to thank all in-person families for proactive responses and keeping children home when experiencing symptoms of cold, flu, etc. Yes, this is very beneficial to the school community! However, the distance learning platform is not available to students in these circumstances. It is difficult for teachers to track students who are “day-hopping” between platforms. Absent students can keep up with school work through Schoology. Only students who are ill for an extended period, or who are in quarantine, may access the distance platform. Help out a teacher, and please respect this request.
As the holidays near, the pandemic is still a major concern and I am considering making some adjustments to the November calendar. I invite you to complete the questionnaire found here, so that you have a voice in the process.
PLEASE NOTE:
Next Tuesday I will include in the Bark information regarding changing learning platforms for the second trimester. The window for changing platforms will be very brief, and can not be extended. Please check back next week!
As always, please let me know if you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance.
I pray that you continue to stay well. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Go to Joseph
(Gen 41:55)
Denise Rutledge
Principal
Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
