Jul 8, 2020 | Uncategorized
We have been pleased to kick-off the 2020-2021 school year welcoming our Preschool through Gr. 8 students back to school full-time, on-site (as long as it is safe to do so), with remote option available for those in need.
Click here to view a short video on how our school team worked together all summer to prepare for a safe return to school.
Monday, July 6th–We met with our Planning and Implementation Team, which was made up of administrators, teachers, staff, and parents. The members of this team were all instrumental in the development of our reopening plan. Careful consideration of and adherence to local, state, and federal guidelines for everyone’s health and safety were of highest importance.
Friday, July 31st–We shared the details of our Preliminary Plan for Reopening in the fall internally with our enrolled families. Our goal is to safely meet the needs of our families at this time, while maximizing our approaches to the ACADEMICS, CULTURE, OPERATIONS and TALENT of our school community. Families were also surveyed for their desired learning approach for the first 30 days of school.
Monday, Aug 10–Please note: Due to the various reopening guidelines and our need to plan for safe operations in the fall, we have begun a wait list for all our grades. Please refer to our Admissions page and submit an online application to enter into the wait list queue. We will be revisiting our on-site capacity after the first 30 days of school, in light of the health and safety of the community.
Tuesday, Sept 1st–Our First Day of School! We remain committed to the spiritual, academic and social-emotional formation of your child; and to providing a safe and loving environment for all of our students throughout the year. We will be continuously reevaluating the health landscape and adjusting our action plan as is necessary. Thank you, in advance, for your patience and support of our mission!
In a nutshell, we will be following the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Reopening Guidance,* and parents can expect the following:
- Our students will be seated the recommended 3-6 feet apart.
- All faculty and staff, and students in Grades 2 -8 will be required to wear masks, with mask breaks and outdoor fresh-air time built in.
- Students in preschool through grade 1 will be encouraged to wear masks, though at this time it is optional.
- Accommodations for quality distance learning will be made available for those who necessitate at-home learning, (i.e. students who are immuno-compromised, students who live with people who have underlying medical conditions, or those with personal concerns about on-site learning.) Remote learning in this case will include the possibility of some live-streamed classes.
- We have planned our school schedule carefully and chosen appropriate learning materials and platforms so that classes are able to transition smoothly from on-site to remote learning, should a shift in learning be necessary.
* Please note that the regulations set forth by DESE are subject to change during the school year. STAY SAFE!
Apr 28, 2020 | Uncategorized
Mark your calendars for a historic event!
Looking forward to celebrating the grace that has brought us through our (not-your-average) school year.
We have re-envisioned what this “event” normally looks like and hope you can join us for a VIRTUAL GALA!
Stay tuned…more details to follow, as we get closer to the date:
Thursday, August 20th @ 6:30pm
- Sneak peeks of items up for bid will be shared on our School Facebook page.
- You will be able to view items up for bid in the live and silent auction online at the link below for early-bird bidding starting Aug 17th.
- Live auction will start around 6:30pm on Aug 20th online: www.embracegrace.givesmart.com
- Share a virtual room with friends of St. Francis to enjoy the event together!
Thank you for supporting our current and future students!
Apr 22, 2020 | Uncategorized
Videos, Zoom calls, Google Classrooms and Online Learning became the new reality for our school!
Our teachers (Preschool through Gr. 8) hit the ground running March 17th to adjust their curriculum to distance learning strategies that reinforce old and introduce new content for our students.
It was God’s Grace and the patience and understanding of our families that supported us as we navigated these uncharted territories together!
The following four areas became our ‘Compass Points’ for this time away:
- PRAYER–PRAYER was made a priority for our families. We know that if we put God first, everything else falls into its proper place.
- We have been able to take advantage of the offerings put forth by Fr. Williams and our parish family! We were blessed to have weekly school Masses (live-streamed or recorded) for students.
- Opportunities for our entire school to enter into prayer were offered as optional ways to connect spiritually: virtual recess rosary, or a decade-a-day
- Fun faith-filled opportunities were made available specifically to our middle school students: Campus Ministry Zoom Club, virtual service opportunities for the school and local community, online reflection and faith resources, and a virtual retreat for our graduating Class of 2020!
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COMMUNICATION–Open communication was key! Friday e-newsletters continued to keep our school community connected; teacher Google Sites and Google Classrooms were updated daily. Individual check-ins were scheduled with students and parents to help bridge the digital gaps. Parent and student responses to surveys during remote learning helped us with the ongoing evaluation of our current systems and improved them as necessary.
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FLEXIBILITY–Teachers adjusted their approaches with feedback. Flex Fridays were instituted in the middle school to allow for student interests to be explored, and for social and emotional wellness to be cared for.
- SUPPORT–We appreciated the support of our families as we worked to maintain the academic mission of our school for ALL students. This time was an important reminder that we are partners in the education of our students! Our greatness as a school community has always been directly related to the priority given by each individual to the wholistic relationship between schooling and home life.
CLICK for FREE INTERACTIVE PARENT FORUMS: The following Interactive Parent Forums were offered by The S.E.A.L. Foundation and can be re-visited. Topics include:
* The Social-Emotional Impact of COVID-19
* The Power of Positivity and Optimism
* Self Care, Validation, Creating Routines and How to Communicate with your School
* How to Schedule Your Child’s Day, “Chunking” and Breaking Down Assignments
…and more!
We are grateful for the efforts of our amazing teachers who continued providing the best education for your child(ren) to close out the school year remotely. We will keep you informed as decisions are made for the approaches that will allow us to maintain our academic mission in the coming school year.
Let us continue to pray for all those directly affected by this virus. God bless us all with health and grace as we journey together, in these days ahead. We are all missing each other very much and hopeful for a “new normal” where we can be together again!
Apr 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
Important Announcement
ALL MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOLS ARE TO BE CLOSED UNTIL THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR PER GOVERNOR’S ORDERS.
April 21, 2020
Hello St. Francis Xavier families,
By now, you have most likely heard Governor Baker’s announcement to close both private and public schools in MA throughout the remainder of the school year. Please know that our faculty and staff share in the tremendous amount of disappointment that this announcement brings.
We are grateful for the efforts of our amazing teachers who will continue providing the best education for your child(ren) to close out the school year remotely. We will keep you informed as decisions are made for the end of the year, including the many events and end of year traditions that will need to be considered and re-created in a special way.
May you enjoy this week of break, and let us continue to pray for all those directly affected by this virus. God bless us all with health and grace as we journey together, yet apart, in these days ahead.
Mrs. Russo
Apr 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
He has risen, as He said!
ALLELUIA!
Best wishes for a wonderful Easter
filled with the joy of the Resurrection,
and hope in the promise of everlasting life!
Hoping to be reunited soon!
God bless you all.
~Your St. Francis Xavier School family
Click here for a very special Easter greeting from our school staff!
Please share with your children….
We miss them so much!
#Godsgrace
#enoughforus
