Dear SPC Families,
Never in my wildest imagination did I think when we dismissed on March 12 that we would not be together as a school for the remainder of the year. As I write this, the Governor is still answering questions at the press conference, and my mind has turned to our SPC community. While we all anticipated that this announcement was inevitable, it still makes the finality of it daunting.
On behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring that our students continue to learn throughout the rest of the school year. Remote learning will continue until June 6th, and teachers will also put together enrichment activities as an option for the summer; these enrichment activities will be optional. Teachers in all grade levels will continue to make adjustments in ensuring our students experience a sense of community and connection to their teachers and classmates while learning. I want to take the time to thank our teachers for their steadfast attention to adapting remote instruction to meet the needs of students and families. I could not think of a finer group of educators to walk with in this journey.
Parents, I fully understand the stress you all are faced with as you balance the demands of working from home and assisting your children with school work. I want to say again that our teachers are available to alter assignments and provide support. Please reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns. I am eternally grateful for each and every one of you for your encouragement and words of thanksgiving and constructive feedback these past few weeks.
Lastly, I ask that you keep our 8th-grade graduates and SPC alumni in your prayers. The next few weeks were supposed to be filled with fun activities celebrating their many years of formation at SPC. These celebrations, whether it be May Crowning, the Cubs game, Memory Dinner, or Graduation, are community celebrations focused on our graduates as they prepare to transition to high school. In the next few weeks, we will work to plan a celebration for our graduates when we are able to gather again.
Please also keep in your prayers the SPC graduates who are the senior class of 2020 who, rather than planning for Proms and Graduation, are faced with finishing their senior year at home.
In the upcoming days, I will update all families on procedures for the end of the year. I will be collaborating with teachers and local principals on procedures to return textbooks, collect personal items from desks and lockers in early June. Grading policies will have to be revised, and a plan for examining curriculum maps for when we return in August will have to be put into place. While there is no manual for how to navigate school operations during a global pandemic, please know that all decisions are being made with our students at the forefront. There is much to be organized and planned, and I appreciate your patience as we work through these details.
May God continue to watch over you all and your families during this difficult time.
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal
PS: If there are any “parades” for birthdays, please let me know, I would be happy to be a part of those little celebrations!