Headmaster's Letter - March 31, 2020

  Like many, I was very disappointed upon hearing the decision of the State Board of Education and the unanimous vote of the OSSAA to cancel all spring sports and activities for the rest of the term.  I know that the decision was made in the best interests of our young people and our entire state, but it is disappointing nonetheless. I feel bad for all our athletes and students in other OSSAA activities, many of whom have been practicing, training, and working hard since before January.  I think especially of our seniors whose semester has been cut short by these events.

     In light of Saturday’s “Safer At Home” executive order, we have made the difficult decision here at Cascia to cancel or postpone a number of events planned for April. See the main website for a full listing of cancellations or postponements. I note only a few here:  Cancelled are Prom, US Musical, NJHS Induction, Junior Retreat, National Honors Society Ceremony, among other things. Postponed are Celebrate Cascia, 8th Grade Recognition (possibly to the summer), tryouts for volleyball and cheer (summer). Inside Cascia and the All-Sports Banquet will be virtual events. 

     All summer camps are still on as of now.

     I know this decision will be hard to accept for many, but I do believe it is the prudent and responsible path to take in these circumstances.  Our health is primary and the sooner we are able to contain and defeat this virus, the more quickly we as a society will be able to rebound and heal.

    On a brighter note, our transition to distance learning has been remarkably smooth so far.  I especially want to thank our faculty who have been working very hard in adapting their lessons, learning new approaches and technology and preparing new techniques in order to continue effective teaching under strained circumstances. They have done an incredible job!  I am also grateful to our families and to the students themselves who have been remarkably responsible and engaged in the process. Thank you to all those who have reached out with words of support and encouragement to our faculty and staff. It is most appreciated. While I have a rapidly diminishing hope that we might return to campus before the end of the semester, I am also realistic. I worry about the long term effects of such independent learning on our mental and spiritual health.  I’m hoping that Whatever Wednesdays will be a welcome break from the screen in order to relax, exercise, get outside, call an elderly relative, or do an act of kindness for a neighbor in need. Staying connected with friends and serving others who may be lonely or in need refreshes and rejuvenates the soul. Our counselors are reaching out to every student. Campus Ministry is leading our morning prayer each day and planning a project to help those in our wider Tulsa community who are struggling (more information on this to come). We are busy trying to maintain our normal life as best we can.

     We will continue our distance learning for the foreseeable future.  Please note, however, the following schedule for the next two weeks. 

     Monday, April 6 - Regular Schedule - Distance Learning

     Tuesday, April 7 - Late Arrival Schedule - Distance Learning

     Wednesday, April 8 - Whatever Wednesday

     Holy Thursday, April 9 - Regular Schedule - Distance Learning

     Good Friday, April 10 - No classes.

     Easter Monday, April 13 - No classes.

     Tuesday, April 14 - Late Arrival Schedule - Distance Learning

     Wednesday, April 15 - Whatever Wednesday

     Thursday, April 16 - Regular Schedule - Distance Learning

     Friday, April 17 - Regular Schedule - Distance Learning

For a tentative schedule for the entire month of April, please refer to this schedule. I anticipate that our distance learning will continue at least until the end of April. In the meantime, the campus is closed. Only essential offices, like the business office, admissions, US and MS main offices, and security, are still staffed. Please contact them only by phone or email, if you need assistance.

     Spring is here.  Lent is moving us toward Easter.  Creation itself is reminding us of God’s continuing presence in the world and that His Grace is still at work in us and around us.  The Resurrection offers us the promise of new life. In this promise and in our care for one another, we place our trust.  

     We are here for you.  Let us continue to pray for each other, for our country, and especially for all those who are ill, lonely, unemployed, or otherwise suffering.

Peace,

Fr. Philip C. Cook, OSA, PhD

Headmaster