Learning Continues

Submitted by JEN SLATER t. Mary’s Catholic School, Madelia, started off the new year in January with Catholic Schools Week. The students and staff were eager to celebrate their families; their community; the entire staff; our priest, Fr. Hall; and themselves. The students invited their families to come to school and show their appreciation for their love and support. The students made personal cards for the community and volunteers to show them how much they mean to them.

The new year looked promising. Without real warning, the world was going to change in a big way. St Mary’s, like all schools nationwide, was about to make an unprecedented shift in teaching.

On Tuesday, March 17, we had a blessing with Father Hall for our whole student body, and the students lowered the flag at St Mary’s for the last time. With the future uncertain, the students knew they would be well taken care of. It is uncertain when the schools will open again.

Administrators and staff, however, were preparing for this day for a few weeks. St. Mary’s was going to switch to e-learning in response to the spread of the coronavirus. Students didn’t miss a beat and began taking classes online on Wednesday, March 18.

At first, there was excitement in the air. The students were thinking this was going to be a vacation. After the first few days of e-learning, the students were begging to come back. The teachers found new and creative ways to stay connected and engage their students in learning. The teachers collaborated to make the transition as smooth as possible. We wanted to ensure the students still had moments in their day that were familiar and comfortable. Our teachers are using many different resources to help students adjust to learning from home. No complaining - just solutions with clever plans and ingenious ideas. The community of Madelia decided to host a social distancing parade. St. Mary’s was asked to participate. The teachers each drove their own vehicle and accompanied other members from the community to drive around and wave to their students. It was a huge success. Jen Slater is the principal of St. Mary School in Madelia.

7 Catholic Schools Learning Continues

At St. Mary School, Madelia

Marsha Stenzel Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dowr.org