Classes to Resume, Wednesday, March 25
Dear Cascia Hall,
Cognizant of the most recent recommendations from health care agencies and moved out of an abundance of caution, Cascia Hall will open for classes on Wednesday, March 25, either on campus (Option A) or remotely (Option B). The decision for Option A or Option B will be made on the Thursday afternoon of Spring Break so that we can utilize the most up to date information on conditions here in Tulsa.
Because these are highly unusual circumstances, we ask parents, students, and faculty alike to be flexible and understanding as things develop. This is a temporary response to an evolving situation, and we are striving to safeguard our community, to minimize risks, and at the same time, to continue some level of academic progress in an unpredictable context. This balance requires patience and generosity of spirit from all of us.
Option A – Regular Classes
We return to campus for regular classes, beginning at 8:00 am on Wednesday, March 25. All extracurricular and athletic events continue as scheduled. If a family needs to self-quarantine due to international travel according to the guidelines of the CDC, etc., we will respond to the absence of their child as we would any extended absence due to illness, etc., and work with the student individually to stay caught up.
Option B – Remote Learning
Faculty and staff report to campus on Tuesday, March 24, late arrival schedule, in order to prepare instruction, post lessons, and communicate expectations as needed.
Classes begin remotely on Wednesday, March 25, with announcements at 8:00 am as usual. Students do not come to campus, even though we will follow the regular class schedule while meeting online at home at the proper time for each of the 7 hours of the regular school day. Students are expected to check in with each teacher for each period via google classroom, email, or other platforms, complete the posted exercise or assignment, and move onto the next class at the appropriate time. School ends with the conclusion of the 7th hour as usual. The goal is to approximate a regular schedule as closely as possible but at home.
There will undoubtedly be glitches with the technology and the expressed expectations for each online class. Online instruction is a reduced form of instruction already, and there will be some changes in content and effectiveness. However, this is a temporary response designed to protect our community while still facilitating the learning process. We ask students to be proactive in communicating with faculty if and when complications arise.
Parents are asked to continue to email or call the attendance office on a daily basis if one’s child is unable to participate due to illness or other family exigencies.
School events: All group meetings on campus are canceled. Extracurricular/Athletic Events: Decisions will be made after consultation with other schools and state agencies on an ongoing basis.
School events: All group meetings on campus are canceled. Extracurricular/Athletic Events: Decisions will be made after consultation with other schools and state agencies on an ongoing basis.
As the context changes, we will reevaluate our status on a weekly basis and try to communicate in a timely manner so that families can make the necessary arrangements. We recognize that this creates inconveniences for many, and we strive to respond as best we can to any anticipated concerns.
Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Gammill’s office for Upper School and Mr. Goldsmith’s office for Middle School, the counselors, or to my office if assistance is needed.
I do hope we will all have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break. May God continue to watch over our country and our community as we trust in His providential Wisdom.
Peace,
Fr. Philip Cook, OSA, PhD
Headmaster
