Dear St. John Vianney Families,

This letter contains important details about our Online/Distance Learning Contingency Plan that will be in place until April 24. As I write this, teachers are continuing to prepare learning activities for the next six weeks, and many of them have already interacted with their students through our online learning tools. This morning I even saw some pictures of SJV students doing their distance learning work at home. Way to go, Vikings!

As a way to help us stay connected during the next few weeks, we will be using the hashtag #SJVspirit to share photos on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. I encourage you to use #SJVspirit yourself so that we can share in this experience together and decrease the distance we all feel. We would love to see pictures of the students learning and playing at home.

There are two important documents attached to this email. The first is the St. John Vianney Online/Distance Learning Contingency Plan. It contains Teacher, Student, and Parent/Guardian Expectations for the next few weeks. Please read through this document carefully with your children so that everyone understands what is expected of them.

The second document is an excerpt from the SJV Family Handbook concerning the use of technology. We are blessed to have technology to help us facilitate education, and we want to make sure it is not misused. 

The paper packets for next week will be ready for pick-up tomorrow. As I mentioned yesterday, paper packets are for those who cannot print documents at home, who do not have access to electronic resources, or who want physical assignments for their children. Here is the schedule for picking up and dropping off packets:

• Packets will be available for pick-up on Thursday each week from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• There are bins in the main hallway for each class, Preschool through 8th grade. 
• Once students have completed a packet, you can scan or photograph the pages and email them to the teachers, or you can return the packet to school on the following Thursday.
• For the health and safety of everyone, please limit your time at school to a quick pick-up or drop-off and maintain social distancing. 
• We hope that by being open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, families will be able to arrive at different times and space their visits throughout the day.

If you are in need of an electronic device, we have a limited number of Chromebooks available to borrow during this time. Please contact the office for details.

I have spoken with Fr. Oiland and the St. John Vianney Parish staff and they are ready to help with any families who may be experiencing financial hardships during this time. The parish food bank is stocked and available to families in need. If you are in need or know of someone in need, please call Don or Jerry at the parish office at (509) 926-5428 from 9:00 AM to Noon, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.

I want to thank you once again for your support, understanding, and grace as we implement this contingency plan. Even when distance separates us, We are SJV. 

In Christ,

Nick Senger, Principal