Dear St. Francis Families,
Peace and warmth to you. Recently, I sent a memo regarding our school cancellation make-up dates for the remainder of the year. At that time I explained the six make-up snow dates (May 30 – June 6) that were built into this year’s school calendar. Along with that, I shared with you three make-up dates (Feb. 17, March 7 & 10) that would be used for future school closings.
Because we have now encumbered those days, the next two make-up days (should we need them) will be April 25 and then April 24. The order of those dates are correct. April 25 will serve as the first make-up date because it does not conflict with the NCEA convention in Pittsburgh that teachers are required to attend. April 24 will be the second future make-up date. I have received permission from Mr. Schmidt (Superintendent) to allow our teachers to attend only the first two days of the NCEA convention (Apr 22-23) if we get in this compromising position.
In my previous communication to you, I stated that, if at all possible, we were going to try to protect Spring Break for our families so that those days would not be used as make-up dates. I understand and respect the amount of plans that our families have already made for that whole week. However, mother nature has greatly impacted this school year and I am forced to make decisions that, one way or another, affect our families. Therefore, the next two weather inclement make-up dates will occur on the last day of Spring Break followed by the second to last day of Spring Break. As stated in my previous communication, June 6 will be our last day of school. Extending the school year beyond that point has little practicality for a variety of reasons, not to mention the fact that the 8th grade graduation ceremony and Baccalaureate Mass have already been rescheduled and are now firmly imprinted in our calendar.
Beyond the two announced future make-up dates (April 25 & 24), there is no room in our revised calendar to allow more days. Good Friday and Easter Monday are not an option and will not be considered. So, while we have built two more potential make-up dates in our calendar, there is no plan at this time for what would definitively occur if we have more than two cancellations the rest of the year. Should we get in that predicament, the possibility of extending the hours in our school day, to make up for lost time, may be considered. That is currently being discussed among some Principal colleagues of mine within the Diocese. Having stated that, I iterate the potential for that occurring is only a thought at this point and should certainly not be cemented in anyone’s mind. If we get to the point of using our next two planned make-up dates, then more discussion will take place and communication will come your way.
The intent of this memo is to be as open and honest with all of you, pertaining to where we currently stand with our calendar. I applaud you and thank you for the strong parenting and patience that you have displayed on our numerous snow days this year. The wintry weather has been a great reminder of how little we control in the big picture, and how omnipotent our God is. May His favor continue to reside on our school community. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Arthur Moore
Principal
St. Francis Central Catholic