As we begin the Triduum and prepare for Easter, I pray that all our families are healthy and safe. Normally, the students engage in many prayers in preparation for Holy Week. As families, there are many ways that we can engage our families in this holy season even though we cannot go to Church and be together as one community.

Holy Thursday
Today is the day that we celebrate the 1st Eucharist when Jesus shares in the Last Supper with his disciples. We also celebrate when Jesus institutes the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and the Holy Thursday Mass includes the washing of the feet. The Holy Thursday Mass does not have a sending. Parishes traditionally offer prayer time before the Blessed Sacrament because Jesus prayed in the garden until he was arrested.

Today is a beautiful day, and it is the beginning of the Triduum. As a family, here are a few ideas that you can do at home to celebrate Holy Thursday at home:

• Celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass at 7:00 p.m. tonight on the Parish Facebook Page.
• Read John 13:1-15 today as a family and then have a ceremonial foot washing at home as a family.
• Write a letter to a priest thanking him for responding to God's call to the priesthood with a "yes."
• Pray for our priests.

Good Friday
Today is the day that we pray and remember that Jesus died on the cross for us. We are called to reflect and pray on the fact that Jesus endured much suffering as He was condemned to death, carried His cross, and was crucified.

As a family, here are a few ideas that you can do at home to celebrate Good Friday at home:

• Remember Jesus' sacrifice by abstaining from meat and fasting throughout the day
• Pray the Stations of the Cross as a family at 3:00 p.m. Below is a link for praying the stations of the Cross for children https://media.loyolapress.com/assets/lent/stations-eng/stations-eng.html
• For families with young children, families may choose to color the images of the stations of the cross
• Read John 18:1-19:42 as a family and reflect on Jesus' sacrifice for us
• Join the Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m. on the Parish Facebook Page

Holy Saturday, The Easter Vigil
Following the crucifixion of Jesus, the world was quiet. On Holy Saturday, we wait for Jesus to rise from the dead. The Easter Vigil Mass is traditionally the Mass when the Catholic Church welcomes new members into the Church through the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.

The Mass begins in darkness, and Mass includes many readings which describe God's love and salvation for His people from Genesis to Jesus. Then, after waiting since Lent began, we finally sing the Alleluia which is when the Church changes from darkness to light!

As a family, here are a few ideas that you can do at home to celebrate the Easter Vigil at home:

• Join the Easter Vigil Mass at 7:00 p.m. on the Parish Facebook Page
• Pray in Thanksgiving for Jesus' sacrifice and rising from the dead.
• Read Luke 24: 13-35 and reflect on what you read

Please know that you will all be in my prayers, and I am anxious for the day that we can all be on campus together again!

We recognize that remote learning is a new process for everyone. The teachers and administration want to see everyone be successful, and we do not want the format for the learning to negatively impact a student's grades. Below is an outline for how the teachers will grade during this third trimester:

Work Expectations

• Students are expected to complete their work daily and communicate the work to teachers
• Students are expected to consistently try their best

Academic Grades in K-4

• The standards-based grading system is based on mastery
• With remote learning, teachers are trying to determine how a child is continuing to grow in their mastery of the standards which is why it is important to allow children to work independently once you know that your child understands the expectations
• Grades from the second trimester will be the baseline for a child's grades in the third trimester
• Students will only maintain or improve during the third trimester provided they are consistently showing effort

Academic Grades in 5-8

• Grades from the second trimester will be the baseline for a child's grades in the third trimester
• Students will only maintain or improve during the third trimester provided the students are consistently showing effort in their school work which is why it is important to allow children to work independently
• If students do not consistently complete assignments and follow the directions of the teacher, they will forfeit this arrangement, and the grade can decrease

Grade 5-8 Retakes During Remote Learning

• The retake policy is still effect with a small change
• Due to online learning, teachers sometimes choose to give an "open book" or "open notes" test. When the test allows students to use the resources at their disposal, there will be no retake opportunity.

On behalf of our faculty and staff, we want to send our prayers to our students and families. We miss having you on campus, and we are praying for your health and safety during this period of remote learning. We cannot wait for the laughter of our students to fill the halls once again!