MCS transitions to online learning

Mount Carmel School has opted to transition to online learning instead of resuming physical classes as planned on March 30.

MCS announced that they will be transitioning to online learning temporarily come March 30 to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and the community, in line with the CNMI’s containment and mitigation efforts against the spread of the COVID-19.

Physical classes are now set to resume on April 13, but the date is tentative as the school continues to monitor data and information provided by CNMI public health officials.

MCS president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero said that this provides a balance between the need for students to keep learning and the need to keep everyone safe.

“During this time of uncertainty, we need to ensure the certainty of continued learning and continued safety. Our teachers are ready and we look forward to reconnecting again with our students and their families,” he said, adding that MCS teachers have been trained to transition to online teaching.

Additionally, students will also participate in live (synchronous) sessions by following Wednesday and Thursday block schedules. The other days of the week will be used for asynchronous learning.

To ensure that students have the materials they need to engage in online learning, families may go to MCS campus to their children’s respective classrooms or lockers to pick up textbooks, personal items from lockers, and other resources

However, MCS has prepared a schedule for families to come to campus. On Monday, March 30, 7:30am-9am is designated for K4 and 6th grade; 9am -10:30am: K5 and 7th grade; 10:30am-12:noon for 1st grade and 8th grade; and 1pm-2:30pm for 2nd grade and 9th grade.

On Tuesday, March 31, 7:30am-9am is designated for 3rd grade and 10th grade; 9am-10:30am for 4th grade and 11th grade; and 10:30am to 12pm for 5th grade and seniors.

Homeroom teachers will be available to provide access to classrooms and lockers and school staff and administrators will be on hand to enforce social distancing measures.

If a family wishes to pick up materials for students in multiple grade levels they may do so, as long they comply with social distancing protocols. If a family cannot make it to campus for either of these days, parents can contact mtcarmelschool.secretary@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

MCS third-quarter report cards will be emailed on April 1. All assemblies and student activities are also suspended until further notice. However, MCS is exploring other options for major school events that were scheduled this year.

While the school is preparing for this transition, there will be glitches and challenges along the way. The staff and faculty ask for patience and understanding as the school does its best to ensure that students continue to learn.

Looking ahead, Deleon Guerrero reassured the school family and broader community with a video message posted on the school’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. “With faith in God, hope for a better tomorrow, and love for each other, we will get through this together because we are ‘Knight Strong.’ We are ‘Marianas Strong.’”

For detailed information, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com.