DUBOIS – DuBois Central Catholic has dispersed the third week of class supplies and information for their Remote Learning program.
According to Gretchen Caruso, Headmaster of DCC, “Students are being taught through online instruction in the middle and high school and packets with online enrichment in the elementary.
“This is a learning process for us all and we fully realize what a stressful time this must be for all our families. DCC is working very hard to continue learning and keep our students educationally engaged while avoiding busy work and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
“My favorite Bible verse really applies to our current situation and I reflect upon it daily: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’” Philippians, 4:13.
“DCC will continue to thrive under the guidance of Christ who is leading us and giving us strength!”
Tiandra Snyder, DCC school counselor, has begun a weekly video for DCC students to help them and their families during this stressful time.
The videos will address real issues families are facing with everything from being isolated at home and away from friends and family to everyday stressors students normally go through.
Snyder stated, “I am hoping to bring our students and families a sense of peace and comfort while everyone is in isolation.
“I have also been notified that the SAT School Day, set for the end of April, has been officially cancelled as College Board is nationally postponing any testing until the end of June.
“The In-House scholarships have successfully been mailed out to the sponsors, as I continue to provide the seniors support.”
According to Kristy Morgan, director of Little Cardinals Preschool, “Preschoolers are receiving lesson plans three days a week.
“They receive a circle time outline focusing on the letter of the week as well as question of the day. They are given activities to engage everyone in their family.
“This is a wonderful time to come together as a family to enjoy time learning together.”
Morgan went on to say, “Lessons are geared to create a project using items around the house, some science experiments in the kitchen, math skills using toys and gross motor games that can be played inside or outside.
“Preschoolers have also connected in group chats with their friends and me. Seeing our classmates was a very special moment because we all miss each other so very much.”
During a recent virtual administrative meeting, Carol Bernat, elementary principal, stated, “Our faculty worked relentlessly preparing tote bags for remote learning for our students.”
Teachers are the “angels of education.” Also, a big thank you and shout out to was given to the local Martin’s Food of DuBois, which donated cloth bags to hold the materials for remote learning for each student.
“Middle school and high school are doing overall very well with Remote Learning.”, said Karrie Miller, middle/high school principal.
“We ran into some minor issues, which are being addressed, but in all it has been very successful. Some students stated it was rough doing eight class periods a day, so we decided to shift to a block schedule.
“Like everyone in these challenging times, our objective is to be accommodating while also holding our students accountable.
“Our core mission, to deliver the highest standards of education and learning, remains intact despite this disruption.”
Miller stated the kids have confessed missing the faculty and administrators as much as the faculty and administrators have missed them. “We really are a family.”
“Spring sports have definitely taken a hit with COVID-19,” according to Philip Esposito, athletic director for DCC.
“We will just have to wait things out with our spring sports and see where we land, just like everyone else. We did receive word that senior, Jaci Mennetti, will be signing with Clarion University for track, and are very happy for her.
“We are currently preparing for fall sign ups, which will be done through e-mail. We have a full coaching staff for our fall sport’s program and are looking forward to getting back to some games.
“Students who have earned pins and letters for sports will receive everything they are entitled to at some point in the future. Although the All Sports Banquet has been cancelled, students will be acknowledged at a time to be determined.”
The extended school closing is not putting a damper on the DCC Central Players. The students have been practicing for this year’s musical presentation, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s, Cinderella via a program called ZOOM.
According to Mrs. Carol Korthaus, faculty member and producer of this year’s musical, “The show must go on.
“Our new dates for performances are Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m., and the following weekend, Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m.”
Other important changes to the DCC calendar include:
- Previously-recorded renditions of the middle school Good Friday Passion Play and Stations of the Cross will be available on the school’s Cardinal Chatter Web site, cardinalchatter.com,and Facebook.
- The administration and the Spring Auction Committee are still in talks regarding how they will move forward. The Spring Auction was previously known as Bid-Around the Maypole.
- The DCC tentative return to school date is May 4.
- Prom will be held on May 22.
- Baccalaureate and graduation exercises will be held June 6 and 7, respectively.
It was noted that all dates are dependent upon the status of COVID-19 and government mandates.
Gwen Auman, director of advancement, stated, “DuBois Central Catholic is participating in the Diocese of Erie I Give Catholic extended campaign.
“Contributions will help us to continue supporting our families and students by providing them a Catholic education.
“If you would like to assist us, please go to https://erie.igivecatholic.org/ and search for DuBois Central Catholic.”
She added: “Another way of assisting DCC is to help with Tuition Assistance. A majority of our students would not be able to receive the gift of a Catholic education without tuition assistance.
“It is important to our students and parents. We have extended our Leap Frog Tuition Campaign.
“Please help us build our tuition assistance fund for our future Cardinals by mailing your contribution to DuBois Central Catholic, Advancement Director, 200 Central Christian Road, PO Box 567, DuBois, PA 15801.”
Debbie Kruise, admissions director at DCC, stated that the Admissions Office remains open via e-mail at dkruise@duboiscatholic.com for those interested in receiving information on the school.
Applications continue to be accepted and families may apply on the school Web site, www.duboiscatholic.com.
Belinda Vasbinder, chief financial officer, is still accepting financial aid applications for current and new families. Any questions pertaining to financial aid may be directed to bvasbinder@duboiscatholic.com.