News Detail

Campus Update 3/27/2020

Congratulations to our students, families, and teachers upon completion of our first week of remote instruction!


March 27, 2020
Saint Rupert
 
Good Evening,
 
Congratulations to our students, families and teachers upon completion of our first week of remote instruction!  Overall, things have gone well.  As everyone is aware, we have worked through several problems and we shall continue to address issues as they arise.  Know that your efforts, patience, and forbearance are deeply appreciated. Please review the following information, as you will see some adjustments and clarifications to the remote process.  Everything will begin to settle down as we continue next week.
 
Updates:  
  • All students will be exempted from final exams for the semester.  Either remote or on-campus instruction will continue through the review week and exam week as posted on the 2019-20 calendar.
  • This year’s Prom activities remain suspended, pending the development of directives aimed at combating the virus.  We remain hopeful that at least something can be arranged.
  • Graduation and commencement activities remain as scheduled.  However, these activities could be significantly impacted depending upon the status of the virus situation.  
 
Schedule:  In the effort to maintain a working frame of reference, we will continue to follow the regular school day schedule, that is the Daily Access Schedule, to the extent possible. The regular bell schedule is available on the website.  The Mass/House schedules, and the late-start Friday schedule, are not being used.
 
Netiquette:  Be mindful of this code of conduct for proper online behavior, dictated by common sense rules and social conventions. By following these guidelines, students and teachers can create engaging, respectful, and meaningful learning experiences.  Misuse of technology or inappropriate behaviors will continue to be dealt with according to the SJ23 Student Handbook.
 
More tips for an effective home study area: 
  • Find a comfortable quiet space, preferably at a table or a desk.  Remember that background noise can be distracting to the student(s), teacher(s) and other online participants. 
  • Keep some water and perhaps a snack handy. 
  • If not using a cell phone to participate, put it on silent mode and turn off all notifications. 
  • Keep the device charger nearby.
  • Make sure there is nothing distracting in the background. 
  • Be mindful of what can be seen by others.
  • Be ready with all materials before class begins.
  • Mute the device microphone when not speaking.
 
Communicating with your teacher: 
  • Use email to reach your teacher outside of class time. 
  • Regularly check your email and Blackbaud classroom for announcements. 
  • If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please email your teacher and use Troubleshooting Contact list.
 
Attending class either “live” or recorded: 
  • Dress code is spirit wear or better. 
  • Attendance MUST be taken daily. Log in to Blackbaud each class day (Crimson or Gold) by clicking on the “Assignments” tab and scrolling to “Participation or Attendance.”  
  • Typically, students will answer to a response question the teacher has posted.
  • Students should check in between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
  • Students who are sick or unavailable to attend class, should email the teacher and Mr. Mulligan (bmulligan@sj23lions.org).
  • Please do not share access links and credentials.  Only students who are on the rosters of particular classes should participate in “live” class sessions.
  • When using the “chat” feature, please keep your questions and answers short and relevant.
  • Practice using proper grammar when using the chat feature.
  • Avoid sarcasm when using the chat feature.
  • In an online discussion, debate is welcome, but be considerate and remember there is classmate (or whole class) at the receiving end of your post. These discussions are public and meant for constructive academic exchanges.
  • TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS CONSIDERED SHOUTING.
  • Lastly, be polite, forgiving and kind. This is new to all of us and the teachers are working so diligently to provide the best possible instruction for all of our classes at SJ23.
 
Joining a “Live” class: 
  • The link will be provided by your teacher and posted on Blackbaud under “Announcements”
  • A minute or two before class is scheduled to begin, click on the link 
  • A preview page will give you the opportunity to preview your appearance and mute your microphone. 
  • Teachers may require you to be logged in to the video for the entire class, however much of the class will be independent work.
     
Assignments:
  • Effective through 4/13/2020, assignments for the week should be posted on Blackbaud at the beginning of each week under the “Assignments” tab.  
  • Assignments should be turned in on the posted due date by 8:00 p.m.
  • If you have trouble completing assignments, please contact your teacher as soon as possible. 
 
FAQs: 
 
Q:  What if I can’t get my technology to work? 
  • Please email your teacher to let them know and use the Troubleshooting Contact list.
 
Q:  What do I do about being unable to attend Mass? 
  • You are encouraged to pray or participate in some other activity that is soul-refreshing.  Accessing Fr. Jonathan’s daily Mass and his reflections are excellent options.  
 
Q:  What about AP exams? 
  • The College Board is developing a plan if school is closed through regular AP exam dates. More information will be released from College Board on April 3, 2020.  SJ23 will communicate information applicable to our students. 
 
Q:  What if I am stressed or worried? 
  • This is a stressful time for all of us as we make adjustments to our normal lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Counselors, Mrs. Amanda Gray or Mrs. Heidi Mulroony, or our Chaplain, Fr. Jonathan Mitchican. 
 
Q: How will course scheduling for 2020.21 academic year be accomplished? 
  • 2020.21 course scheduling instructions will be coming out in April. 
 
Q: Will SJ23 Administration and Staff be available during periods of online instruction? 
  • Yes. If you have any questions regarding a particular area of SJ23, use the Trouble Shooting Contact List below:  
 
Yours in Christ,
 
 
Joseph Noonan
Principal



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St. John XXIII College Preparatory forms the hearts and minds of young men and women in a Christ-centered community dedicated to academic excellence, the pursuit of virtue, and service to others in the Tradition of the Catholic Church.