Weekly Update
September 30, 2019
This week at school . . . . .
While the weather begins to turn colder, and the leaves begin to fall we are going to focus our attention in this Update on making sure that our boys are not falling behind. We have two very important ways to monitor academic progress at SPCS, one is through our NWEA/MAP testing that we perform each trimester. The other way is through our RENWEB portal that provides weekly updates to parents on student’s class grades.
Our NWEA/MAP begins tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 1) and continues Wednesday, Oct. 2. Both days will be dress down days, which means the boys do not need to wear their uniforms. Furthermore, the boys will not receive homework tonight or tomorrow night. The testing takes up most of the mornings on both days. The testing can be intense for boys who have never experienced them. Boys will be reminded that there are no time limits and the best strategy is to take their time. The NWEA/MAP test uses computer adaptive technology, so it is not possible to answer a question and then return to it later. We do this testing three times over the year to gauge progress towards normalized academic standards in four content areas: English Language Usage, Reading, Math and Science. You will receive a report at the end of each term along with report cards.
We will have a modified schedule that allows the boys to rehearse before Mass on both days. Testing is conducted during two sessions in the morning so all classes during the first four periods are suspended. The boys will have a 25-minute break between the two sessions to eat lunch and relax. We appreciate support at home to do all possible to ensure the boys are well rested and come to school with enough lunch and snacks to last through a long morning. Keep in mind that during lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday we must accommodate all boys at the same time so there will be limited access to the microwave ovens. A cold lunch is preferred.
Our RENWEB portal tracks all grades work that the students do in their classes. We will commence sending a weekly report to parents on Friday, Oct. 4 and will continue to do so on a weekly basis until the end of the term. The report will summarize progress to date in all graded classes. When you receive the report, take the opportunity to applaud high achievement and to discuss any areas that might need improvement. If you have difficulty accessing the portal, let Mrs. Flaherty know, and she will guide you to the right place online.
During our weekly Assembly today, one of our seventh graders, Lucas Carvalho, addressed the students with his intention to launch an initiative that will be sponsored by our Frassati Society. He noticed on Twitter that Monday, October 7 will be national anti-bullying day. He shared with students his personal passion to create greater awareness on the issue and invited students to participate in the awareness that day by wearing a blue shirt (over school uniforms). Lucas will organize a series of events during Oct. including a writing and visual art project and a possible video production. Many thanks to Lucas, Mr. Moran, who coordinates service projects at SPCS and Mr. Stanton, who is the faculty advisor for the Frassati Society.
On Thursday evening our Choristers were treated to a wonderful healthy meal thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Jinxwia Wen (Michael Lou’s mother – 5th grade). The boys were cheering about how much they enjoyed the meal as many went back for seconds and some for thirds. We welcome any parent who would like to share a healthy meal with our boys for the long Thursdays to contact Mrs. Thurston and sign up.
There will be a change in the calendar for Oct 11! Originally scheduled for teacher professional development with no school for the boys. We have been invited to the International Children’s Holy Hour celebrated at Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross. If you would like your son to participate, you may bring him to school any time before 9:00 a.m. and he can attend the event with our school. The day celebrates the promise for world peace from the apparitions of Our Lady to the children at Fatima in 1917. Also, that day, two of our staff, Mrs. Thurston and Mrs. Flaherty, will be celebrated for their five-years of service at a celebration sponsored by the North Region of Catholic School Principals. If you have a chance, please let them know how much you appreciate them.
Please remember to return to Mrs. Flaherty your acknowledgment forms that you have read critical sections of our 2019-20 Student and Faculty Handbook. Your cooperation is truly appreciated.
Thank you, Tom
Announcements:
- Water Bottles are required of all boys. Water bottles should remain at school.
- Due to the NWEA/MAP testing we will not have gym on Tuesday, Oct. 1. We recommend that you send an extra pair of sneakers to keep at school so that when we do have gym, your son will be able to participate with the proper footwear.
- Parent Guild Meeting next Sunday, Oct. 6, 9:30.
- Choristers – please keep in mind that you should arrive on Sundays at 9:30 so that you are robed and ready to rehearse at 9:40.