As you might imagine, there has been an huge increase in demand at our local food pantry, at a time when less people are going out and giving.  If you are in a position to donate and would like to do so, please note the following collections for MACC:

Friday, April 24th at St. Mary’s Church (right next to our school) from 10:00am – 11:00am

Saturday, April 25th at St. James Church from 9:00am – 12:00pm (sponsored by our local Knights of Columbus).

For both locations, please place the items in the trunk of your car.  Drive up, pop your trunk, and someone will take them out for you.  Please note that monetary donations are also welcome.

Donations are also still being accepted at the Community Food Pantry, 460 Main Street Monday through Thursday 9:00am – 4:00pm and Fridays from 9:00am – 2:00pm.  If you would like to mail a check, that can be sent to MACC Charities, PO Box 3804, Manchester, CT  06045-3804 or donations can be done via their website: https://macc-ct.org/

Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 22nd) we are hosting a Distance Learning Dress Down Day and asking students to wear a sweatshirt, t-shirt, or hat showing off their favorite sports team!  Parents, we would love to see pictures of your students at their “work station” with their Sports team gear.  Please send pictures to Amy Guenther at aguenther@saintjamesschool.net by 1:00pm tomorrow and we will post them for everyone to enjoy.

Welcome back from April Break.  I hope everyone had a Blessed Easter with their family and your students were able to relax and enjoy some time reading and being outside during this past week.

As noted before break, the Governor announced distance learning has been extended until May 20th.  We all realize this is not ideal and everyone is dealing with this pandemic in different ways, but we appreciate your patience as we move forward as best we can.  Even before anyone heard of Covid-19, the safety of our students, staff, and parents was our number one priority here at SJS and that is still the case today.  I pray everyday that our families are safe during this unprecedented time.  Please continue to take care of yourself and your family and when we are safely able to to be back in our classrooms, I have no doubt that our community will be stronger than ever.

This video was originally sent from Father Lerner (SJS graduate and Mrs. Rafferty’s twin brother) and it really inspires me to feel more at peace each time I watch it.  I share it with you today in hopes that it brings you the same feeling of calm as we remind ourselves that we are in God’s hands and we can have faith that He is watching over us during this time: https://youtu.be/4rlSvRSS2kY

Finally, please remember to communicate with your child’s teachers and be understanding that this is unprecedented for them as well.  We all look forward to being back with your children as soon as we can.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Zorger

Please be advised that Governor Ned Lamont just announced a short time ago that schools are to remain closed through at least May 20th.  More information is expected at his 4pm news conference today.

Saint James School will continue to follow civil mandates and recommendations.  Therefore, upon the return from our April break, we will pick back up with distance learning until May 20th or until the state reopens schools.

Please continue to stay safe and vigilant and keep our front line workers (many of whom are a part of this school community) in your prayers.

Please read the attached letter from Mrs. Jennings, our social worker here at SJS.

Letter to parents from Mrs. Jennings