The last year was hard and chaotic for many of us. The COVID pandemic has changed the way we work, educate our children, and engage with our communities. While most of us wouldn’t wish to repeat it, there is something to be said about reflecting back on all of the things we learned last year. 

Every year during the winter season, our community, like others all around the country experiences an uptick in illnesses like the common cold and influenza. It is not uncommon for bugs like these to pass from person to person in a single-family, and it's often difficult to keep the whole family well during flu season. This year, of course, adds another layer of concern to the issue as we're experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases that experts expect will only get worse over the coming months. 

We’ve all been through a lot this year, and one of the groups in our country that has carried a big burden for our families is the teachers. Since March, teachers have been asked to serve on the front line, adjusting to new methods of teaching and continuing to fight for our children's education even when they may have been concerned for their own health. We are so proud of our teachers as we know you are. They are the backbone of your children’s St. Barnabas education. 

The St. Barnabas Golf Tournament has been postponed until February 20, 2021.  Due to the recent spike in COVId cases, we have made the decision that it is best to reschedule the event. We will have more information as it gets closer to February. We appreciate your interest in participating.

We don’t think anyone would argue the fact that 2020 has thrown a lot of curveballs our way. From a global pandemic to a contentious presidential race, there is a lot going on in the world that feels unsettling to adults and children alike. No amount of parenting tips will enable us to control the world outside of our homes, but we can control the world inside our homes. It’s a responsibility and a privilege as parents to set the tone for our families and our homes.

The world of online education is vast, and it’s not new. For years colleges have been offering degree programs completely online, and even Volusia County Schools has had an online program for families who chose to keep their children home during normal times. But, generally speaking, primary and secondary education has always remained the same with kids attending in-person and in groups with other kids their age.

Amongst many other complications, 2020 brought us a long and very hot summer. But, the gentle breezes and cooler weather of fall are a nice respite from the heat. After many months of varying levels of quarantine, families are preparing to hunker down for what passes for winter in the state of Florida. Anxieties are high, and people all over are feeling stressed, none more perhaps than parents who have multiple children at home. 

We are happy to provide two different educational options for students and their parents to choose from during this new age of COVID-19. We understand that deciding whether to send your student back to the classroom is a very personal decision for everyone, and we respect the decision that feels safest to you. Families who have opted for online education during the 2020-2021 school year may be wondering how you’re going to ensure that your child’s education stays on track without the physical presence of a professional teacher. 

To put it mildly, the Fall season lags here in the state of Florida. As our friends to the north are sipping pumpkin spice and wearing scarves, we’re still fending off hurricane season. But as unconventional, and far too short as our fall season is, it still ranks as the favorite time of year for lots of families. In the year 2020, fall will probably feel different than any other you can recall, and you like many other families may find yourself in search of parenting tips to help you through. Our inability to gather in large crowds, and the desire to keep our community safe and healthy will put a damper on some traditional fall activities.