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Thank you to everyone who supported GSC's annual fundraiser for the school's STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs and activities, including software and hardware upgrades! You can find details about this year's successful Catholic Schools Week event here: www.gscregional.org/dance-for-education-2021.html. GSC's Dance For Education was emceed by  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently made the case that open schools are safe amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Data from schools that have reopened this past fall illustrate that open schools have had little impact on the spread of the illness.
The CDC found data showing that "the type of rapid spread that was frequently observed in congregate living facilities or high-density worksites has not been reported in education settings in schools.” While the spread may not be found in school settings the way it is found in other highly-populated settings, researchers emphasize the minimal spread in schools is the outcome of schools implementing safety precautions. As the pandemic continues on nearly a year later, Catholic schools continuously provided a light at the end of the tunnel for many families. In New York, Kerri Kiniorski, mother to three children attending a Catholic School, St. Rita School in Webster, calls their Catholic school “a lifesaver.” As school doors were closed in the early days of the COVID-19 shut down, Kiniorski attempted to balance her children learning from home while dealing with other struggles her children experienced, like not seeing their friends or being able to go out normally. “There were a lot of tears,” Kiniorski said. “I had a countdown going” for St. Rita’s return to in-person classes, she said. “Being in front of the screen was not the same as being in the classroom.” Luckily, like many Catholic schools, her children were able to return to St. Rita for in-person instruction in the fall unlike those enrolled in public schools. For some Catholic schools across the country, this pandemic was the final straw for them. But, for other schools, the tireless efforts from faculty and staff have created even richer school communities and have helped boost enrollment. Catholic schools have provided families with stability of knowing their children can attend school each day, safely in accordance with COVID guidelines. For families who choose to stay home, the virtual option for students provides an equally sustainable option. The last year brought lots of uncertainty for many, but Catholic schools continue to provide answers for families with school-aged children. Education and stability lay the foundation for young people’s lives. Catholic schools are here to provide a quality education and much more for all families looking for a stable option! Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a 40 day and 40 night (commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert) period of solemn period marked by repentance, reflection, alms giving and sacrifice that ends with Easter. This period of time is meant to renew faith, hope and love.
Pope Francis shared a hopeful message as we begin Lent close to a year in the COVID-19 pandemic. In his message, Pope Francis hit a few notes for fellow Catholics to keep in mind during the next six weeks:
You can read Pope Francis’s full message here. |
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