STAMFORD—For all of us, 2020 will go down as the year America addressed its first real pandemic in over one hundred years. In an instant, schools, as well as businesses, were shuttered. Both parents and students found themselves in a difficult-at-best situation of learning and working from home.
The Catholic Academy of Stamford’s response was well-thought-out and superbly executed.
Working effectively together with parents, teachers and the administration, the parent/school partnership was fully in evidence. A near-immediate transition to a virtual school environment was established and implemented. Even accommodations for daily exercise and virtual “gym” classes were built into the school day. Nimble, capable, CAS seamlessly ensured a high academic experience continued during an unprecedented crisis.
Parent/student/teacher portals for assignments and returning work were firmly established and communicated. Administrators continued to lead students and faculty in morning prayers, announcements and other engaging information on a daily basis. 100% of classes were led live on-line by teachers using compatible technologies for all families. In some cases, students/families needing computers or iPads were furnished them. And accommodations for even the most difficult of home situations were remedied.
THE CATHOLIC ACADEMY EXPERIENCE – IN SCHOOL
As with most American families, both students and parents alike are anxious to get back to school. The term “Back to School” itself has special meaning in the Fall of 2020.
Beginning this fall, both the Upper School (grades 6-8) and Lower School (PreK 3 – grade 5) have been consolidated into a single building at The Catholic Academy of Stamford’s location at 1186 Newfield Avenue, in a centrally-located suburban, tree-lined neighborhood of Stamford just ten minutes up the road from downtown.
Small class sizes, inspiring teachers and the free exercise of faith and values make for a safe environment in which a superior education can be the result. The needs of today’s working families are met through early-morning drop-off and extended hours after school.
CAS students are uniquely prepared for high school and beyond. 8th graders are offered an accredited high-school level course in Math. Advanced robotics and STEM courses are enhanced by Project Lead the Way for all students in grades 6-8.
The mission of the school proclaims a superior academic environment of personalized learning that encourages its children to discover and fully develop their unique talents and abilities. Coupled with a focus on Gospel Values and respect, love of neighbor, treating each other fairly, and compassionately, CAS is “forming” their hearts, “informing” their minds, and “transforming” their lives.
This year, each classroom is being prepared for learning and for social distancing safety. Normally small class sizes will, in some cases, be even smaller due to the reduction and spacing of desks in each room. Teachers and staff will always utilize personal protective equipment. Interclass traffic has been minimized and rerouted for avoiding contact. All classes and hallways are sanitized each night.
It is imperative that today’s educational systems implement plans that include safe reopening and in-person classes, as well as plans for possible short-turn returns to distance learning as might be required throughout the year.
“The Catholic Academy of Stamford is a special place”, state Head of School Patricia E. Brady.” It is a place where your child will be loved, formed and educated.”
Together at School… Together at Home. The Catholic Academy offers extraordinary value and options in education during uncertain times – and beyond.
To arrange a visit to see our socially-distanced classrooms, or to arrange a visit with the administration to discuss your student’s future here, please contact Mary Margarone, Director of Admissions at 203.322.6505, or by email at mmargarone@catholicacademystamford.org.
Interested parents are encouraged to visit our website at www.catholicacademystamford.org. Space is limited. You can also APPLY online at our website as well.
By Staff | Stamford Advocate
