Distance Learning Update
COVID 19 Edition 4
A Letter about Continuing Distance Learning.....
Dear Fatima Families:
As many of you have probably already heard, Gov. Abbott issued an order yesterday that schools are to remain closed until May 4. Last night, Superintendent Debra Haney released a letter to all of our Catholic School families. We have attached that letter below, but in short, the letter states that all Archdiocesan schools will follow the mandate to remain closed until May 4th too. The continuation of our Distance Learning undoubtedly casts new questions in many of your minds. Please read the Q & A below for more information:
Q: Will our new distance learning platform prepare my child for promotion into the next grade level for next year?
A: Yes. Our teachers and staff are committed to providing strong, quality learning even from a distance. Teachers have already mapped out and submitted the major TEKS and skills that will be taught as we finish out the year. This ensures that the major skills needed to be taught and prepare students for next school year will still be covered.
Q: Are we expected to keep paying full-tuition during this time of distance learning?
A: We are asking all families to continue to pay the tuition owed for the remainder of the year. Our teachers are working extremely hard to continue instruction, online learning, grading, attendance, etc. Because continued instruction is essential to ensure that students are ready and properly promoted next year, it is just as important that families participate in this continued learning and keep tuition obligations current as much as possible.
Q: Is this distance learning the same as "homeschooling?"
A: In short, no! While we have all made jokes as parents that we are now "homeschooling," in truth, the daily attendance, lessons, instruction, conferencing, and grading from our teachers ensures that you are still an Our Lady of Fatima student and properly receiving credit to finish the year. It is imperative for students at any school to receive this credit so that they can be promoted to the next grade. Our staff is documenting everything! Attendance, lessons and assignments, grades--all of it. We are documenting all this the exact same as if we were physically in a classroom or on the campus. This is all documentation we will submit as proof that your child has completed the school year and is ready to move to the next grade. In short, as long as your child is enrolled and receiving online instruction from Our Lady of Fatima, he/she is not considered a homeschooled child; he/she is still considered a private school scholar!
Q: Will there be a reduction in tuition for the rest of the year?
A: Because instruction is still continuing as normal, despite it being a new online platform, tuition will remain the same to finish out the year. However, we are very aware and sensitive to the fact that many financial situations have changed. You are asked to please email Mrs. Lopez and keep the lines of communication open regarding your financial needs. We absolutely do not want to lose any scholars because of money concerns. Your child's education is our utmost priority.
Q: When will we receive new paper packets for those who need hardcopy lessons?
A: Creating the paper copies for all families was very costly in resources and time. Therefore, moving forward, paper packets will only be made available to families who make the request. We will prepare and have the next round of paper packets available by the end of next week. If you need a new paper packet, please email Mrs. Lopez with the request, including the specific student you need/want the packet for, particularly if you have multiple kids. A schedule of pick up times will go out next week.
Q: Will we end the year this way?
A: No definite decisions have been made, and all decisions are coming from the CSO at this point. However, in preparation that we might have to end this way, we are making plans to do so, and praying and hoping that we will not have to. Included in these plans are end-of-the-year plans such as Camp Kappe, 8th grade and Kinder graduation, and any other end-of-year activities that may need attention.
Q: What can we do as parents to best support our child's new online learning?
A: The #1 thing we need from parents is daily check in and submission of assignments. This allows us to document their attendance and document their lessons, growth, and learning. If you are unable to check in daily, please directly communicate with your scholar's teachers ASAP. THANK YOU TO THE FAMILIES that have been working so hard to check in and complete assignments. You are so appreciated. Please know, we are here to support you all as much as we can. If you have a need, please email us sooner than later! We are here for you!