In light of the Governor’s mandate and after a week of increasingly critical information hitting us at record speeds, we will take the first 5 days (March 16 – March 20) to get our plans fully developed. The flexible instruction days will commence on Monday, March 23. We have spoken with all of our grade level and special area teachers and have developed a plan for providing instructional activities from home. The grade level teachers will be contacting parents on a weekly basis and posting assignments, on-line resources and activities every Friday for the following week. The first posting will be on Friday, March 20 for the week of March 23. Teachers will be available by email and will respond to questions within a twenty-four hour period. Additionally, students will be able to access and take Accelerated Reader tests from home from 7:45 am to 2:45 pm Monday through Friday. Please let us know if your family is in need of a chrome book as we may be able to share resources with you. Click here for flexible learning page.
As of Thursday March 12, 2020, all extracurricular activities have been canceled until further notice. This includes: sports, clubs, musical practice, spaghetti dinner. The 7 & 8 grade dance has been postponed. The Vendor Palooza has been canceled for now. All PTG and Athletic meetings and events are also canceled until further notice.
In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and with the guidance of the governor’s office, the Diocese of Pittsburgh Schools Office is closing all diocesan schools (K-12) from March 16 until further notice. Governor Wolf extends the stay at home order until April 30th and has closed PA schools for the rest of the year.
We are discussing ways to celebrate milestones such as kindergarten and eighth grade graduations and student awards remotely and will provide updates as decisions are made. While we are heart-broken that we are unable to be together in a traditional manner, we continue to practice gratitude for all of the blessings that we have. Thank you for your support during this challenging time. We know that the Holy Spirit is guiding all of us as we come together as an Archangel Gabriel School community to support one another in our children’s education even if it means doing so from a distance.
Remote instruction will continue throughout this period and the Diocese of Pittsburgh is mandating that all Pre-K through 12 Catholic schools in Allegheny County provide remote learning opportunities. Because of this mandate, students are required to complete grade level assignments from home, and they must participate as this will count for their daily attendance. We take very seriously our responsibility to continue your child’s education during this unprecedented time. Given that this closure may be extended, we want to minimize lost instructional time and continue your child’s grade level learning.
As we introduce this new mode of instruction, we ask for your patience and support. With the launch of remote learning, we are planning to end the 3rd quarter soon and will notify you of the date when it is determined. Directions for how to access your children’s report cards through OptionC will be shared with you as well. Please watch for frequent Archangel Gabriel School communications as we continue to provide updates. Also, please review FAQ below as it addresses important information regarding remote learning:
What are the expectations of teachers? |
Grade level teachers will update plans/assignments/activities on a weekly basis and share with parents/students/on website every Friday with tasks assigned for the following week. Assignments may be collected and/or graded. Teachers will be available to students by responding to inquiries via email within a twenty-four hour period. Teachers will plan remote interactions through various platforms like Google, Zoom, etc, with students at least two times a week. |
What are the expectations of students? |
Students are expected to check their grade level assignment link on our website’s homework pages and Google Classroom for the Middle School students (which is posted every Friday with plans for the following week). Students should complete assignments based on the schedule provided by the teacher (either weekly or by day- as indicated in the assignment link) and complete and/or submit work following the teachers’ requested format by the indicated deadlines. |
What is the role of parents in remote learning? |
Parents are encouraged to be involved as a “learning coach” which is the role parents hold in traditional instruction. This would involve creating an at-home learning environment, reinforcing concepts and helping with assignments, monitoring completion of tasks, and communicating with teachers. |
Please be aware that this is constantly changing and we will keep you updated. Check back here regularly for posted updates. We will be getting information out to you as soon as it is made available via Option C blasts and the school website.
Continued prayers are requested for our leaders and those affected by this situation.