Week in Review:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Jesus Christ is risen hallelujah hallelujah! Like the daily readings this week, this week was filled with lots of conflicting feelings. On one hand, we celebrate of the Easter Mysteries and the joy that Christ’s Resurrection brings to us as Christians. On the other hand, this global pandemic has been greatly affecting our lives, and for some/many of us, it has made life extremely difficult and stressful. During this time, I am reminded and strengthened by a simple yet profound quote that a parent shared with me this week. I put it at the bottom of this blog, so be sure to read until the end.
The end of this week wraps up the 4th week that we have been learning from home, and I continually amazed at the creativity, hard work, and dedication from your students. Each week, I get stories from teachers about how their students are being creative with their school work, persevering through an unfamiliar learning style, and staying optimistic through these unprecedented time. Thank you all for sharing your pictures, stories, and funny quotes with me to share out. Being able to see what everyone is doing and feeling connected through this time away is so helpful to me and so many other families in our community.
I am sure many of you read about the State Board of Education’s “soft closure” and their criteria for reopening schools. Because there are a lot of pieces to this decision, we here at St. Mary’s can’t make a decision regarding opening our school until we have more information. I, like all of you, are very eager to have us together again at our school, but the safety of our students, their families, and our school staff continues to be our first priority. As information comes out from the various government agencies, we will continue to look at that to help inform our decision making.
As we move into another week of Distance Learning, please keep your teachers (or me) informed about any needs or difficulties you have. Now more than ever, it is important to have open lines of communication to help all of us achieve our common goal. I hope you are all able to enjoy a fun and relaxing weekend with your families, and I am praying for you all. Be well, be safe, be healthy, and may God bless each one of you and fill you with his love and grace.
Continue to stay plugged in by looking at the weekly slideshow. You can’t help being amazed and energized by our students’ smiles and engagement in their work. Click HERE to see the photos.
Need to Know:
- Amazing resource for St. Mary’s Families:
As you know, our fantastic counselor, Mrs. Eiguren has worked hard to create a Google Site to help all of us through this difficult time. The link is below and she is constantly working to add resources and make it more beneficial for families. Please take some time to check it out by clicking this link: https://sites.google.com/a/stmarys-boise.org/ms-eiguren-s-counseling-corner/home - Parent Survey of our Distance Learning Plan at St. Mary’s:
Thank you so much to those who have been giving us feedback. It is VERY helpful as we continue to improve this Distance Learning Plan. If you haven’t completed the survey, take a few minutes to fill it out. Click HERE to access the survey. - How can I help?:
During these times, many of us are asking how we can help. You can always donate to help our St. Mary’s Parish, School, and Food Bank by clicking HERE. Also, one of our families who is connected o Stein Distributing Company wanted to share how people can help support The Idaho Foodbank. Click HERE is read how you can partner with Stein Distributing to help The Idaho Foodbank.
Nice to Know:
- Families in need of our help:
There are almost 50 families in the Boise School District that are in need of food, but are unable to get to grocery stores to pick it up. Please click HERE to read about an opportunity to help these families in need. - Google Classroom App:
This is just a tip for all parents to help them with uploading assignments to Google Classroom. If you are able to download the “Google Classroom” app to your cell phone or a tablet, it is fairly easy to upload assignments by taking a quick picture of them. If you need any help with it, contact Mr. Olmes. - Info from the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO):
If you have art expenses from this school year that have not yet been reimbursed, you may email the PTO Treasurer at jenre817@gmail.com. In your email, please include a brief description of the items purchased, a picture of the receipt, and a mailing address. - Buy your St. Mary’s Car Magnet (When we see you again):
Important Dates (Right around the Corner):
- April 19 Divine Mercy Sunday
- April 22 Earth Day
The complete School Calendar can be found on the Home Page or on the Parents Quick Links Page. To have an event added to our School Calendar, email us at calendar@stmarys-boise.org.
Important Dates (On the Horizon):
- Dates and events to come
The complete School Calendar can be found on the Home Page or on the Parents Quick Links Page. To have an event added to our School Calendar, email us at calendar@stmarys-boise.org.
Strategic Plan Updates
Click here to see the most recent updates on the Strategic Plan Projects, including the West Side Grounds Project, The Interior Project, and the Community Directory Project. We are currently looking for volunteers for on these and other key initiatives. Whether you’re interested in helping lead a small project, or just have a few hours to help, please complete this quick form and we’ll contact you shortly about whatever you’re most interested in.
Wisdom from Our Young Scholars:
- A parent shared this quote with me after a particularly difficult week at home. It is SO relevant to our lives today!
“God changed my heart through heartache so I’d quit looking to my feelings before my faith.” - A grandparent in our community shared this blessing with one of our teachers, “I bless you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I bless you, your heart, your life, your health, your home, your family, your job, your finances, your plans, dreams, future and peace. In the name of Jesus.” The teacher then had her students make prayer cards. One student put the blessing on their card, gave it to a neighbor, and blessed her with the prayer. When the neighbor read the card and heard the blessing, she cried and thanked him because she had been having a bad day and really needed some comfort. This is a true testament that God is there when we need him whether we ask or not. You never know when the love of Christ in you will help another through a difficult time.
