March 27, 2020 From the President "Wherever God has put you, that is your vocation.
How Mother Teresa's words take on a new meaning today! Through these uncertain times, her words are a persuasive reminder that what matters most is taking care of one another. As we all manage at home with walls that can be too thin, voices too loud, or internet bandwidth that's not quite wide enough, I hope you and your family are strong and well, and finding the silver linings in time spent together.
Please click here for my complete letter to all families including additional thoughts and addressing some of the questions we are hearing from you.
Wishing you the peace of Christ, Kate Levesque President
In compliance with Governor Baker's order, Ursuline will continue to educate our students through remote learning until May 4, 2020; all on-campus activities are suspended through May 4 as well. We will continue to reevaluate and communicate our plans as the coronavirus health situation evolves. Please visit our COVID-19 Community Resources page for more information.
Student Council "STU CO" met virtually with Ms. Mayo this week and sent greetings to their classmates!
Updates and Announcements Please note: Report Cards will be released on Monday, March 30.
Change in Remote Learning Schedule This week, families received an email from Ms. Tracy and Ms. Ginnetty about an important change in our academic schedule. As the email states, to provide students the opportunity to consolidate their learning, which is happening in a very different way outside the normal conversation within the classroom, we will not be hosting remote learning on Wednesdays. Teachers will be available through office hours on Wednesdays, but they will not post new lessons or additional material in their topics. On Thursday, the calendar day will continue without interruption. For example, Monday is an F day and Tuesday is a G day. Wednesday will be a no-letter day (as if a snow day), and Thursday will be an H day, with Friday ending the week as an A day. Regular drop days will continue as usual for each individual class. Attendance Reminder If a student is unable to participate in her remote learning for the day, we kindly ask that the following actions are taken:
Upcoming Vacation Days
EpiPen Advisory UA school nurse Mrs. Heather Smart has been informed that the FDA is alerting patients, caregivers and health care professionals that EpiPen 0.3mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15mg auto-injectors, and the authorized generic versions, may potentially have delayed injection or be prevented from properly injecting. Read the full advisory here. Athletics Update Ursuline Academy's Athletic Program participates under the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). In light of Governor Baker's March 25, 2020 mandate that all schools remain closed until May 4, the status of spring sports will be addressed by the MIAA Board of Directors next week, and an update will be provided at that time. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email Director of Athletics Mike O'Connor at athletics@ursulineacademy.net. Remote Learning FAQs Dean Katherine Ginnetty and Principal Mary-Kate Tracy sent a follow-up email to parents earlier this week with an update on the remote learning process and more FAQs. If you missed the email, you can read it here. For help with any challenges with technology during remote learning, email support@ursulineacademy.net. Fore the Girls Golf Tournament Maybe we're hopeless optimists, but we are looking forward to warm, sunny days and proceeding with plans for the 28th Annual Fore the Girls Golf Tournament. The event is still scheduled for Monday, June 8, at the Blue Hill Country Club in Canton, although contingency dates are being discussed with our committee. Click here to learn about sponsorship. If you would like to be involved, or would like more information about the event, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Joe Ziska at jziska@ursulineacademy.net.
Seniors in Action Seniors received an email this week from President Kate Levesque acknowledging the uncertainty of the final months of their senior year, but assuring them that they are loved, and that "we will be together again!" In the meantime, the remarkable talents and indomitable spirit of our Seniors are not going unnoticed. Proud to Wear Plaid! Seniors wore their plaid with pride during online learning on Wednesday! Congratulations to Siobhan O'Sullivan '20 for her selection as a Boston Globe All Scholastic in Winter Track for her success in the Shot Put. Congratulations to Bridget Popkin '20 for her selection as a Boston Herald All Scholastic in Ice Hockey. Computer Science Award Winner Last fall Mrs. MacKenzie suggested that her AP CSP students apply for a National Center for Women in Information Technology award recognizing young women aspiring in computer science. After a detailed application process, Audrey Abraham '20 was one of 197 students across Massachusetts to win the award! Serviam! Senior Carly Carte is using her sewing skills to help others during this time away from the classroom by alleviating the shortage of medical masks. Read more here.
Ursuline Prays Together Each morning, Campus ministers Ms. Morrison and Ms. Murphy engage with the Ursuline community by sharing a reflection and a prayer to begin the day. Today's prayer is taken from the Liturgy of the Hours. "As we continue to adjust to our new way of living and learning, let's take refuge in this constant prayer. The Canticle of Zechariah is repeated throughout the world each morning, and recalls the joyful exclamation of Zechariah realizing that all his long-awaited hopes have been fulfilled." Quick Links |