Assumption Update Email

The below message went out to all students and parents this morning.

If you did not receive this email, please contact Shelli Miller at shelli.miller@assumptionhigh.org and let her know your correct email.

 

Dear Assumption Family,

As we approach the final stretch of our semester, I want to again thank you for the efforts you make to promote a safe school environment for our students and staff at Assumption High School.  As with all families, we have our times of challenge, but together, and with God as our guide, we can weather any storm. With the Davenport Schools’ recent announcement regarding an upcoming period of online learning, I want to address some questions that you may have.  While we don’t report specific case numbers in the interest of protecting individual privacy, I can tell you that while the current COVID numbers at AHS are not non-existent, they are quite low relative to Scott County and neighboring school districts. We do not have any staff members out for positive tests at this time, and the vast majority of all individuals schoolwide who are not attending in-person school is due primarily to family contact quarantine and precautionary at-home learning.

We believe that the safety measures indicated by our Return to Learn Plan are working to prevent spread of the virus at school, and we do not anticipate needing adjustments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation from a variety of vantage points, and families will be informed if things change. It is a fine balance to prioritize health and safety while still trying to foster an atmosphere of learning.

A family always has the option for a student to participate in Guided Independent Learning on a given day or for a time period.  As with any student absence, we request that this status be communicated with our Attendance Office prior to the start of the school day. Though the same level of instruction is not available to those working from home, students are able to communicate with teachers via email (and Zoom during daily teacher office hours, as desired) regarding class expectations. They are able to complete any necessary assessments for classes in the after-hours testing center (open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3-7pm and Saturday 8-noon).

I assure you of my continued prayers for your family and the entire Assumption Family.

One in the Spirit,

Mrs. Bridget Murphy

 

 

New Diversity Initiatives

Thank you to all those who have reached out, as we appreciate your perspective and the time you took to express it on our behalf.  We hear the voices expressing the pain that a history of racism within our human family causes, and we apologize for the role that Assumption High School played in contributing to that pain. We commit to ongoing work within our Assumption community to provide a loving, safe, compassionate, and merciful environment for all.

We pray that through the pain of these recent events there is an opportunity for our school community to grow and promote the growth of individuals.  Like all growth, this will be a journey that will take time, and we ask for grace and prayer as we move forward – working toward the betterment of Assumption High School, and, in turn, our world. Though we are unable to respond to every communication we have received on this matter individually, please be aware of some key elements regarding our response and our efforts going forward.

1)  We are having conversations with our students about how we as a school community can do better in terms of understanding and helping our students understand issues of race, racism, prejudice, and discrimination. We view the racial diversity of our student population as a tremendous strength, and we celebrate the opportunity to learn with and from each other. We are interested in listening to all students and understanding their experiences and making a healthy impact on future choices and understanding.

2)  We are exploring a variety of ways that education on these important matters can be implemented into our student experience. This includes conversations with community members who can offer perspective and guidance.

3)  We will rely on pastoral guidance and resources provided by the Catholic Church. Some examples include “Open Wide Our Hearts: the enduring call to love – a pastoral letter against racism,” “Responding to the Sin of Racism,” and “A Catholic Response to Racism.” With this guidance, we are seeking ways to provide education and training for students and staff.

4)  We are all sinners, but the mercy of God provides a path for healing. We remain grateful for our Board approved Code of Conduct that provides a multi-tiered student disciplinary response that includes education, consequence, and atonement.

All people are created in the image and likeness of God. As an educational institution, we work with students and families to promote understanding. The Assumption Family is heartbroken by recent social media activity reflecting a highly unacceptable attitude regarding the precious gift of life.We recognize the hurtful impact of the posting and the reality that social media has the power to affect all people. 

We as a school try to teach our youth to celebrate the diversity within our own community and the broader community. Understanding the lives of others is the best way to truly understand ourselves. Our words and actions affect others. Sometimes they cause pain. We realize there is more work to do. As a Catholic institution, we are committed to ongoing efforts to educate in alignment with Gospel values and teaching. True love of neighbor is consistently willing the good of another. We are working with the students directly involved in this situation along with our entire student body to promote healing, safety, compassion, mercy, and understanding.

One in the Spirit,
Assumption High School Administration

 

 

Assumption High School Statement – Oct. 29, 2020

Dear Assumption Family,

In light of recent events and in an effort to best communicate the position of Assumption High School, we want to make you aware of an official statement released this afternoon.

All people are created in the image and likeness of God.  As an educational institution, we work with students and families to promote understanding.  The Assumption Family is heartbroken by recent social media activity reflecting a highly unacceptable attitude regarding the precious gift of life. We recognize the hurtful impact of the posting and the reality that social media has the power to affect all people. 

We as a school try to teach our youth to celebrate the diversity within our own community and the broader community. Understanding the lives of others is the best way to truly understand ourselves. Our words and actions affect others. Sometimes they cause pain.  We realize there is more work to do.  As a Catholic institution, we are committed to ongoing efforts to educate in alignment with Gospel values and teaching.  True love of neighbor is consistently willing the good of another.  We are working with the students directly involved in this situation along with our entire student body to promote healing, safety, compassion, mercy, and understanding.

One in the Spirit,
Assumption High School Administration

Service Hours Opportunity – Girl Scouts – October 24th

The Girls Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois are looking for student volunteers to help out at an event coming up on October 24th.

Safety is their number one priority for this event for all event volunteers, staff and participants and they will be following all safety guidelines to ensure a fun and safe event. Everyone will be wearing masks, social distancing, and there will be sanitation stations.

Here is the information:

Event: Family Halloweekend

Where: Camp Liberty, 4415 295th St. New Liberty, IA 52765

When: Saturday, October 24

Time: 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.

They are looking for student volunteers to help out at the different activity areas that they will have around camp. Areas might include, caramel apple bar, concessions, check in/registration table, activity field and games. Here is the direct link for students to sign up Family Halloweekend Volunteer Opportunities.

 

 

 

AHS Thursday Prayer Group

The AHS Prayer Group invites the entire Assumption family (parents, grandparents, alumni, etc.) to gather for prayer and Rosary each Thursday at 8:45 a.m. in the Faculty Parking Lot. Please bring a chair and join us in offering intentions for our entire AHS community!
Every Thursday the AHS Prayer Group prays for the students (each by name, one class per week), students’ intentions (prayer boxes are available in several of the teachers’ rooms), intentions for our entire AHS community, and then conclude praying the Rosary together. Come as you are and come when you are able and your schedule allows. Although many of you may work during the day and may not be able to join, please know, we are happy to lift any intentions you may have and we ask that you remember our prayer gathering and join us in spirit.
Questions: Sara Sieren 563.210.6554
Prayer Requests: AHSprayers@gmail.com