Catholic schools among first to stay connected with students

GREENSBURG — All Catholic schools in the diocese were prepared to implement distance learning when schools in Pennsylvania were ordered closed by Gov. Tom Wolf because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Principals of the 12 Catholic schools probably never imagined how a distance learning test run on the one snow day of the year would soon become the norm for educating their students.

Dr. Maureen Marsteller, super-intendent of Catholic schools, said the principals worked together with teachers and families as a faith community to figure out the most effective tools for their schools so classroom instruction would continue after schools were ordered to close.

The principals are using Zoom Video Communications, Schoology and other online platforms to share resources with teachers and hold staff and student meetings, according to Marsteller.

Each school’s distance learning program is aligned with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines for flexible instructional days. All schools are continuing to use the Diocese of Greensburg’s curriculum.

Though it’s been a challenge, Marsteller said good can come out of trying circumstances.

“We already had a solid faith community. This has caused us to develop a deeper sense of connection,” she said.

Diocesan educators have stayed connected with students and families using virtual learning systems Seesaw and Schoology, FaceTime and Facebook, and by calls from teachers to students and parents.

Joseph Rice, principal of Aquinas Academy, Greensburg, delivers morning prayer and announcements each day from his basement via Facebook Live.

Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School students were provided with classroom system devices five years ago. Three years ago, the school implemented Schoology, an online learning management system. Ben Althof, principal, has confirmed that the College in High School Classroom program guidelines are being met. 

At Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School, Connellsville, Pat Nickler, principal, said the staff were prepared for online learning.

“Teachers have tried to not only provide a positive academic experience, but an extracurricular and prayerful one, too,” she said. The College in High School Classroom program continues at Geibel Catholic. 

Theresa Szmed, principal of Mother of Sorrows Catholic School, Murrysville, said just before the shutdown, parents were emailed about children’s technology needs.

“The MOSS community unites virtually every week in prayer for all those affected by the coronavirus and to share hope for the future,” Szmed said.

Cathy Collett, principal of Mary Queen of Apostles School, New Kensington, said morning announcements are made each day on Facebook Live from her living room, and teachers send their students an audio message every day.

At St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School, Uniontown, Chris Roskovensky, principal, said teachers call their students every morning to check on them and their families.

An educator for 36 years, Roskovensky said she’s never seen anything like this.

“You make the best of it,” she said. “Together, with God’s help, we will get through this.”