Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., has announced that all elementary Catholic Academies and Parish Schools in Brooklyn and Queens will remain closed until April 20, 2020. This follows last week’s announcement that the schools would be closed this week, March 16-March 20, 2020, out of an abundance of caution. The decision mirrors the New York City public schools announcement.

“The decision to close is based on the interdependency of services between public schools and Catholic schools,” said Dr. Chadzutko.

Many families that attend Diocesan schools depend on the New York City services such as bus transportation, meals, nurses, and crossing and security guards.

“If there was a safe way for us to open sooner, we would, but we cannot function without those essential services,” said Joan McMaster, Associate Superintendent for Principal and Teacher Personnel.

The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control is to restrict gatherings of 50 or more people. Clearly, the school environment would be in violation.

The contingency pandemic plan, which is part of the Office of the Superintendent school crisis management plan, includes digital, distance and alternative instruction for students so that their education is not disrupted. A complete transition to that model of instruction will take place this week.

The Office of the Superintendent is in daily communication with city and state officials and is part of the Coronavirus Education Task Force of the NYC Department of Education. During this time, there is a constant reassessment of the situation and the necessary response in an effort to keep our school community safe.

To: Parents, Guardians, and Students

From: Mrs. Alfeo and Mrs. DeBlasie

In light of this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic there will be many necessary accommodations in the preceding weeks.

Tomorrow, March 19th the Academy WILL BE OPEN from 9:00AM – 11:00AM to any students that need to pick up their books or whom need a chrome book. Plan ahead in the event that the Academy is unable to re-open until September due to the mass spread of COVID-19. If any parent would like to come in and pay any outstanding tuition balance via cash or check we will be making an exception.

This Friday, March 20th we will not have virtual classes. The faculty will be meeting from 9:00am – 12:00 pm for another Professional Development Session on using Google Meet as well as additional platforms to enhance our students learning from home.

The afternoon/evening portion of the day will serve as parent teacher conferences. Report Cards WILL NOT launch until 1:00PM on March 20th and you will have to login to Option C to view them. These conferences will be held remotely and we will forgo parent signatures for this trimester. In order to make this as easy as possible the conferences will be through email and/or phone. We are asking you to email your child/children’s teachers if you would like to speak to them. If the child is in jeopardy academically the teacher will be calling home from a restricted number. Please be sure to answer this call. The report cards will be visible to you on Option C unless you have an outstanding tuition balance. If you have an outstanding balance,

Mrs. Gatto will be reaching out to you and/or you can reach out to her as well through email at LGatto@stpeteracademy-brooklyn.org. Should you have any extenuating circumstances please let us know in writing. Mrs. Gatto will also be available to speak to you daily through email from the hours of 8:00AM – 3:00PM for any questions etc. You may also schedule a phone conference if needed.

Beginning on Monday, March 23rd the faculty will only be available to answer questions during our regular business hours of 8:00am – 3:00pm. This will allow the teachers time to be able to grade and assess student work. Also beginning Monday we will be incorporating our special content classes: Physical Education, Art, Italian, and Computer.

From the hours of 1:00 – 3:00pm each day we will have online office hours for any questions and concerns that you or the children may have and you will be able to speak to their teachers during that time via class Dojo or phone conference (Upon Request).

Please be mindful that children MUST be completing their own work. Doing work for the child is only a disservice to them for the following school year.

For any technology assistance going forward please email: Mrs. DeBlasie SDeBlasie@stpeteracademy-brooklyn.org or Lawrence Amato IT LAmato@stpeteracademy-brooklyn.org

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Read about the recent Catholic School Summit held in Douglaston

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