CCS May News Update

CCSreportcard

CAMPAIGN FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Rebuilding Urban Catholic Education

MAY 2020

Campaign for Catholic Schools: Building the future of Catholic education

The Call to Excellence Continues Faith. Academics. Community. Wellness.

Our co-sponsored Academies, Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy (SJPIICA) in Dorchester and Trinity Catholic Academy (TCA) in Brockton closed March 16 due to COVID-19.

Since that time, we are proud to report they have not missed a beat. Learning continues with a robust program that many would consider a model for distanced learning, and our Academies continue to provide outstanding resources and support for a strong learning experience and ongoing sense of community for our students and their families.

Our Academies’ response to this pandemic and the unprecedented challenges that have come with it exemplify the commitment to excellence that sets Catholic education apart. None of this could continue without you.

Thank you for your support.

Each morning, students start their day with morning prayer, asking God to bless them, their families, and their communities. n Projects like virtual rosaries and stations of the cross engage students and their families with meaningful activities rooted in faith. n Art assignments for Divine Mercy Sunday and Crowning of Mary reminded students to lean on their faith during difficult times.

Academics

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Teachers have provided extensive resources for their students to use so that they can continue learning outside of school. n The Bridges to Mathematics program allows teachers to create virtual classrooms with videos, whiteboards, and more. n Using platforms like Google Classroom, Seesaw, and Zoom, teachers are connecting with their students each day, issuing assignments, providing feedback, and allowing students to continue learning with their peers.

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Distance learning can be fun for the whole family!

Check out this fun video of SJPIICA student, Maddie, and her parents, as they conduct a science experiment from home!

COMMUNITY It is so important that our students and families— many of whom financially live week to week— continue to receive services and emotional support from the TCA, SJPllCA and local communities. n Guidance counselors check in with parents regularly to make sure they have what they need and offer referrals and assistance if/as necessary. n Teachers follow up with parents if students miss any online classes or assignments to make sure everything is okay at home.

n Boston Police officers have joined virtual classes and reviewed students’ work to stay connected to the SJPIICA community.

Wellness Our Academies are invested in an education that helps our students to thrive both in and outside of the classroom. This remains true in quarantine, as students are encouraged to get outside where possible and stay active. n At SJPIICA, students enjoy dance parties with their class, Tik Tok lessons from local police officers, and Zoom “stay fit” initiatives proving exercise can be fun! n When TCA students return to Upper Campus, they will be able to take advantage of a new Health/Wellness Center, equipped with stationary bikes, elliptical machines, free weights, and more. The Center was donated by Travis and Rachel Rhodes, who were so impressed by TCA students’ poise, work ethic, and the new TCA Health/Wellness curriculum, that they added the fitness component to help in this special way.

In The NEWS

SJPIICA students created a parade for their teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day. See the story from WBZ Channel 4 here:

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CCSreportcard

Jim Walsh Named New CCS President The Campaign for Catholic Schools (CCS) Board of Trustees is happy to announce that Jim Walsh has been appointed as President of CCS. Jim, who previously held the position of CCS Executive Director, will succeed Kathleen Driscoll as president. We send our heartfelt and grateful appreciation to Kathleen for her tremendous leadership and vision over the last 12+ years. Kathleen will continue as a CCS Trustee.

MAY 2020