A Note from the Headmaster
March 2020
Dear Parents and Friends,
Good morning on the Feast of St. Joseph!
You will receive or have received a flyer from your homeroom teacher with lesson plans and suggestions through next Friday. That flyer will be periodically updated with suggestions and resources--it can also be updated with photos of the class if you'd like to send pictures to your homeroom teacher. By next Friday you will receive a new flyer for the following week's work.
We understand this time and arrangement has its challenges--not the least of which is how to manage school at home!
Here a few suggestions and ideas, if helpful:
- Make a daily schedule, flexible enough to work at home
- Similar to our schedule at school, limit the number of classes per day...for example work history for one or two days during the week
- Math and some form of writing with grammar skills and lessons should happen at least 4 out of the 5 school days--try to do math at the same time each day
- Natural History and getting outdoors should have extra emphasis--as of now, VA parks are open and cherry blossoms are about to peak!
- Keep notebooks and folders in order and have a specific place to study and to keep your school materials
- While computers and on-line interaction will be helpful, please work to limit the amount of time spent on screens
- It would be good to start the day with a morning offering, (and making the bed!), and reciting the angelus at noon
- On several days begin "school" with a nature walk and doing some of the religion assignments geared for prayer and reflection-- short morning time of stillness and prayer (5-10 minutes)
- Imaginative (and fun) play is an important part of the day; this is also a great time for board games and games like charades--if possible
- Using beautiful and thoughtful film as part of recreation--such as Attenborough's Life of Birds--(we'll give more film ideas later)
- This is also a great time for crafts--from knitting to small wood-working projects like building bird boxes
- Seek to enjoy this beautiful time of Spring as it continues to unfold...
- It is also a time to keep enriching ourselves (our souls!) in this beautiful time of Lent--fighting our selfishness in little ways, seeking to serve quietly, deepen our quiet prayer life, and to prepare ourselves for the joy of Easter...meanwhile celebrating Sundays and feast days like today!
-- Of course, please stay in touch with your child's teachers as needed and helpful
As we know this is a fluid time, and we should views these lesson plans and suggestions a bit like a work of jazz. The core elements are in place while we continue to seek to improve with your feedback and weave in additional elements.
Regarding closures and delays, as last stated, we will follow Fairfax County and will provide regular updates as needed.
Below you will see a list of books--some of which are being read by our faculty.
We profoundly miss seeing all of your beautiful children here at school. Know you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kind regards,
Jeff
Jeffrey P. Presberg
Headmaster
Saint John the Beloved Academy
Email: jpresberg@stjohnacademy.org
Website: www.stjohnacademy.org
Location: 6422 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA, USA
Phone: 703-356-7554
Top Painting: Plowed Field by Caspar David Friedrich