This spring during COVID-19, the Morning Star Initiative team worked hand-in-hand with the DRVC Department of Education and the school principals to ensure a smooth transition to remote learning. Upon the announcement of schools closures in March, the MSI team acted quickly to help connect teachers across the diocese to collaborate in remote planning and instruction. Streamlined by the “Curriculum Leads Program,” the MSI team worked with the DRVC Department of Education to combine talent and knowledge across schools in order to ensure that students had daily exposure to well-rounded instruction and prayer.
The MSI team and the Department of Education also established weekly meetings with principals. These calls were designed to give important updates, share best practices, and address common challenges during the transition to remote learning.
In response to these efforts, numerous members of the Long Island community have commended DRVC schools for “not missing a beat” while ensuring that instruction and connection were not compromised amid unprecedented challenges. This demonstrates the strength, faith, and vision that the teachers and school leaders of the Catholic Elementary Schools on Long Island will carry into a new and bright future.