During 2021, our faculty and staff recommit ourselves to partnering with you, our parents, to do everything we can to assist with the growth and formation of our students you have entrusted to our care. It is our responsibility, parents and school, to help them grow into the person God calls them to be.

The new year also brings a renewal of our commitment to keep our students and staff safe and healthy. Parents who keep their students home when their students are not feeling well help to slow the spread of the virus. We are reminded of the practices and procedures that will protect us: keeping a distance of 6 feet, wearing face masks properly, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing.

Once again, we ask for your support and for the support of our students as we work to protect our in-person learning environment. Students want and need to be on campus to grow and thrive in their faith and in their learning. This can only happen if we work together and do what needs to be done to keep everyone as safe as possible.

In closing, I share with you the beautiful plaque below that was given to me as a Christmas gift from one of our families. It is sitting on my windowsill in my office, and these words from scripture remind me each day the importance of our Catholic faith and Catholic education. Although much was lost last year, let us choose to always place our trust and hope in our God who gives us strength through the Holy Spirit. Let us also ask our blessed Mother, Queen of Peace, to pray for us and protect us this year.

God's blessings,

Ms. Clark

Most importantly, please take some time this month to remember in your prayers SKD and all Catholic schools across the country who work so hard to educate the young people entrusted to our care. In particular this school year, Catholic schools in the United States have proven to be leaders in keeping on-campus learning as an option for their students in spite of the challenges and restrictions due to COVID-19. Please pray that all Catholic schools are able to continue to provide vitally important on campus learning during the pandemic.

As cases are increasing each day within our county, I urge you to continue to take necessary precautions to limit coronavirus spread in our community.

1. Continue with your attentiveness to washing our hands

2. Properly wear face masks indoors and outdoors when away from home

3. Maintain appropriate physical distance

4. NO SLEEPOVERS

5. No small or large social gatherings

6. Monitor your health on a daily basis.

Please be sure to participate in the following to help raise "free" money for our school:

• Box Tops for Education
  
• Giant Rewards
  
• Smile Amazon
  
• Shoparoo