St. Emily Eagles soar with distance learning

The complexities to implement eLearning amid the coronavirus pandemic have been unprecedented, yet the St. Emily School faculty and staff, in partnership with the parents, have successfully tackled this transition.

Where has St. Emily excelled during this unique time? By forging community bonds while still upholding a rigorous faith-filled education.

"St. Emily School has been able to engage our students and promote positive relationships in a digital setting," said second-grade teacher Nancy Slivka. "The school still fosters the same ideals and keeps our learning community together."

Dedicated teachers provided parents with online resources and assignments of varying degrees that stressed flexible learning plans.

St. Emily teachers forged ahead with their planned curriculum and offered additional support for online learning through one-on-one Zoom sessions.

Community and faith were intertwined as teachers coordinated birthday parades for their students, delivered signs and T-shirts to the graduating eighth-graders, created a virtual May Crowning video that highlighted the eighth- and second-grade students, posted students' Gratitude Prayers on social media, and supported local parish businesses through Dine and Care events.

Carolyn Strahammer, parent of three St. Emily schoolchildren, was "extremely satisfied with the manner in which eLearning was conducted."

What particularly impressed Strahammer was how "the teachers continued with the curriculum in all subjects, while allowing the students the flexibility to complete their assignments within certain parameters."

If you are interested in enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year, contact the school at (847) 296-3490 or schoolinfo@stemilyschool.org.

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