Hello, I’m Frank O’Linn, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Cleveland.
With buildings remaining closed for the rest of this school year, formation will continue here -- in our homes -- in partnership together with parents and the school community.
These are challenging times, but throughout the dIocese, we are inspired by all the good that is going on!
Together schools and families have been learning and adapting to ensure that we find a way to reach every child every day.
The past five to six weeks of remote learning, all of our educators have been going above and beyond. And with about that much time left in the school year, we continue to refine.
In addition to academics, educators are focusing on social and emotional well-being, with our Catholic faith as a deep source of hope, and finding ways for students to worship and to serve the greater good together.
We will continue to teach the full academic year. Each school will clarify with their families the exact schedule for what are the last days of instruction, as well as timelines for grades, return of materials, and the like. Some clarifications, such as graduations, will await the state’s guidance on distancing before they become final. But we remain committed to celebrating the successes of every individual as creatively as we can.
We are also planning for next year. Guided by health authorities to prioritize everyone’s safety, we will be ready for the fall, and enrollment is open now. We will continue to find a way -- fulfilling our mission to form lifelong learners and critical thinkers who serve and lead those around them (by reaching every child, every day.)
Let’s keep praying for one another -- especially the sick, the caregivers and those essential workers who put themselves at risk every day, and those who are without work.
The Easter message is that the kingdom of God is not some faraway place, but that it is here in our midst, right now wherever we are. We remain distanced socially, but united as a community in heart and spirit, one body in Christ.
I look forward to seeing us again in person when we can. Until then, thank you, and God bless.