The Doors Are Open
Catholic Schools
8
at St. Felix School, Wabasha
By ERIC SONNEK
�
Marsha Stenzel
Superintendent of Catholic Schools mstenzel@dowr.org
Sacred Heart School, Adams, Enjoys Outdoor Learning Space
s we wrap up our first half of the school year, I recently walked through the halls and past the classrooms at St. Felix Catholic School. It was a great joy to see the different interactions taking place. One of the best parts of my day is being able to see the kids interact with each other, laugh together and learn side-by-side. When we returned to school this fall, we were faced with a lot of uncertainty and thoughts of what the school year would look like. Overall, I would have to say that our little school in Wabasha is handling the ups and downs of COVID-19 the best we can. We are making sure that the health and safety of our staff and students remain a priority in our school. With teamwork and communication from our parents and staff, it has been possible to keep our doors open. During these challenging times, God has blessed us at St. Felix Catholic School. Our enrollment jumped from 80 students last year to 94 students this year. We have a waiting list for our pre-school
Cotter Schools'
and pre-kindergarten class. Funding from various grants has helped us install a key fob system to our school and gym. With this system, faculty and staff are only accessing one surface. And, in the instance of a potential positive COVID case, we can easily track all those who’ve entered the building. We’ve also purchased a large outdoor shed, more playground equipment, and extra computers to aid in online learning. Carpet has been replaced with vinyl in several classrooms to ensure easier and more comprehensive cleaning. Lastly, our school library is moving to an electronic card catalog to eliminate use of shared surfaces and materials. Even though these times are tough and challenging, our God is always there looking out for us and guiding us in the right direction. We have faith in him as we pray for strength and energy to face the struggles and challenges ahead. We are so grateful for the wonderful support from our parishioners and people like you, May God bless you! Eric Sonnek is the principal of St. Felix School in Wabasha.
Ramblers of the Month
Submitted by DARLENE BOE
�
hroughout the fall, Sacred Heart School used outdoor space with social distancing for classrooms due to COVID-19. “Outdoor education and play support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development. Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, and empathy towards others, motor skills, selfdiscipline and initiative.” Students used camp chairs, homemade sitting pads, the school parking lot, playground area, sacred space, sat under a tent and the trees for shade. Learning outside encourages the holistic development of children. Teachers and students adapted well to this outdoor learning environment, the one that God created for all of us to use. Sacred Heart School believes in the sanctity of human life and is working to best protect the mind, body and souls of our school community. Sacred Heart School will do all that we can to provide a safe, healthy and spiritual learning environment for everyone. Darlene Boe is the principal of Sacred Heart School in Adams.
December 2020 w The Courier w dowr.org