Good Afternoon Spartan Families,
What a crazy set of circumstances we find ourselves in. I hope you are all staying safe and well.
As you likely have heard, yesterday Governor DeSantis announced that Florida schools will remain closed longer than originally announced and will begin distance learning upon return from their respective spring breaks. So, for our students distance learning will begin on Monday, March 30, 2020. This week and next are, in essence, a prolonged spring break. If your student is enrolled in AP courses, those teachers may expect students to complete assignments already assigned for spring break. Those teachers will be in touch with your student directly. Other courses have no assigned work until we start distance learning on March 30. We'll be in touch next week with class meeting specifics, including times and technologies. At this time, distance learning is scheduled to go until Wednesday, April 15, 2020. During that time, the campus will remain closed except for the maintenance team and a few administrators.
Though we have suspended Campus Update during this break, we will continue to stay in touch with news and updates as needed. Those will go out by email and will be available on sjcds.net/news. You can also find the School's open status posted on social media or on our website at sjcds.net.
During this time, we ask all of our students to please observe guidelines for social distancing. I know it's a rotten way to spend spring break, but it really is important that all of our students and families stay away from crowds and other gatherings. Let's take to heart the national call for precautions so we don't replicate the dire situations taking place in other countries. The sooner we follow the advice of the medical professionals, the sooner we can all return and get back to life as usual. Please do your part!
I know many of your students may be asking about some of our big spring events-- Prom and St. Johns on Broadway. Prom will be postponed. We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation while at the same time working with the venue to identify other available dates. A decision on St. Johns on Broadway will be announced by April 1.
Finally, please know that St. Johns' guidance counselors, Mrs. Korahais and Ms. Landers, continue to be available for you and your students. During uncertain times, everyone may feel a sense of fear, worry, or being overwhelmed. Mrs. Korahais and Ms. Landers are experienced school counselors who have longstanding, valuable relationships with the School community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them with any concerns.
That's it for now - please stay safe and do your part to keep our St. Johns family safe! And do let me know if you have any questions whatsoever.
Spartan best,
Mary Virginia Fisher
Acting Head of School
- Coronavirus