St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School

EXTENDED CLOSURE BEYOND APRIL 6, 2020
With our national and state leaders extending the federal social distancing guidelines to April 30, St. Philip Catholic School will remain closed until return to school is allowed. Please understand that we are committed to returning to normal operations as quickly as possible and the return date will be announced no less than one week in advance.

EXTENDED CLOSURE MARCH 23-APRIL 6, 2020
Following our community partnership ECISD, SPS will not return to school until APRIL 6, 2020.

Distance learning that we have implemented will continue.  We remain dedicated to the education and well-being of your child(ren).  Rest assured, we here at St. Philip School, remain available to assist you and your child(ren) as we journey through the next days ahead together.  We ask you to be diligent about checking email for assignments. Any questions should be directed to the teacher.  Teachers and office staff will be available daily to answer any questions via phone or email.  

We have complied a list of helpful tips to aid with Distance Learning from your home.  Since your child is coming from a structured school setting, we recommend setting a schedule and a structure for both your child and yourself.
1.    Hold a family meeting - Talk to your children about this 'new normal,' and communicate with them that while they may be at home, there are still assignments that need to be completed in a timely manner. Set rules about technology/unnecessary screen-time during 'school time.'

2.    Create a daily schedule - Make a daily routine and stick to it.  This helps with the mindset of your child(ren).
    -Have your child(ren) get dressed.  Most will not take their work seriously if they are wearing pajamas. Think of it as a FREE DRESS DAY - WooHoo!
    -As always, eat a good breakfast.

3.    Learning Environment - Let the children choose/create a learning space (kitchen table, on their bed, on the living room floor, etc).  You may also find that a rotation of learning environments (centers) for different subjects will help.  A rotation is something all SPS students are familiar with in the classroom settings.

4.    Motivation - Some students are self-motivated while others may need some incentives.  Praise their efforts and encourage your child to finish an assignment/task with the reward of a snack or play-time.

5.    Take Breaks - Just as we do in class and throughout the day, schedule breaks and downtime through the day.  Trust me, when you are struggling through an assignment, a quick 15-minute break can do WONDERS for your child.

6.    Give the Kids Choosing Power - At the end of the day it will not matter if the Math was finished before the English assignment.  Let your child decide which subject they would like to begin with. OR! Even better, grab a piece of notebook paper and simply write out the assignments for the day.  Let them work through the list in whatever order they would like.  Providing this check-off list as they go will also help motivate them. 

7.    Give GRACE - We have all been thrown into a situation that is unfamiliar and somewhat scary.  Many routine activities are now disrupted and that is going to be an emotional process for everyone.  Children may be disappointed, as well as parents, both wanting their normal routine.  Your 'school day' will not be perfect and that is OK!  Give each other grace knowing that you and your child(ren) are both adjusting to something new.


WEEK OF MARCH 16-20
Parents,
Re:  School Closure Assignments

Today, our staff met to implement the best possible plan for each student during this school closure.  This week will be more of a test week as we anticipate some problems with technology.  Teachers are working hard and I am proud of the team effort!  

Please be diligent on checking your email.  This week we are concentrating on Math and ELA.  To keep student routines and structure, we have decided to offer a few more options for student learning.  It is our hope that by keeping routines similar to a school situation, students and parents will have an easier time with the completion of work. 

With the uncertainty of the future, we want to make sure we keep parent outings to a minimum. TOMORROW ONLY (March 17, 2020), we have textbook and additional assignments available for pick up from the parish hall between 7:30am-1:30pm and 5:30-6:30pm.   Teachers are including notes that will clarify individual grade level work and expectations.  We have tables set up by grade level and parents can come in and retrieve items.   To keep everyone safe, we are asking for quick entry and exit from the Depot Street entrance to the parish hall.   The doors will be open and we will have teachers available to help answer any questions.  Everything is clearly marked.  Throughout the week, other coursework may be sent via email.  

Some of the online programs used will be Prodigy, Mathletics, HMCO, Spelling City, Compass/Edgenuity.  Pertinent information will be included in the above packets (or via email) regarding all login procedures for students.   

Textbooks are being sent home in case we are out longer than anticipated.  Some textbooks are available on line, but we are sending the book as well as for those students needing the resource.  Teachers are sending students their library books and other items that might be useful during this period.  We understand that the Wharton County Library is open, but they are evaluating daily.  

If you cannot make it by the school, please email gwene@stphilipschool.org

We are working on finalizing our third Nine Week report card and Report Cards will be posted on ParentPlus Portal next Wednesday.  

We are cancelling Parent/Teacher Conferences scheduled for March 24.   If we are open, we want your children in the classroom!   If closed, we will continue with our current strategy of learning at home.   We can meet with parents as needed anytime by phone.  

SPS track meet has been cancelled.
All March field trips cancelled until further notice.
 
Gwen Edwards, Principal

302 W. Church Street
El Campo TX  77437

Phone:  979-543-2901
Fax:      979-578-8835



 

St. Philip Catholic School is a private co-educational Pre K, Elementary, and Junior High school sponsored by St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in the Diocese of Victoria.The school offers a three-year-old and four-year-old pre-kindergarten program and a Kindergarten through eighth grade program.  St. Philip is committed to the promotion of academic excellence, individual responsibility, and spiritual awareness.

St. Philip Catholic School endorses the call of the Catholic Bishops of the United States to express its educational ministry through the three objectives of personal spirituality, social justice, and a strong academic program in accord with Christian values. These three objectives reflect the intense commitment of all engaged in the work of St. Philip Catholic School.

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