Dear Religious Education Families –
First, let me begin by thanking you for your continued support, encouragement and patience as we find the best way forward in faith for our families. 
In accordance with an Archdiocesan mandate, we will not be holding Religious Education classes here at Guardian Angel Church.  However, we are excited to offer you two programs ANGELS@HOME - Hybrid OR our Home Study program.  Here is a brief description of both programs for your information.  If you'd like guidance in discerning which of these programs are best for your family, kindly contact the Religious Education Office; we'd be happy to assist you.   

1. Each Religious Education family (K-8) will receive a Religious Education Kit which will contain a student book, crafts, YouTube video links, ZOOM Meeting ID and password and a copy of the syllabus for your child.  We will also send you an email that will allow you to click on the YouTube links and be directed to the video.  Meeting ID’s and passwords will not be posted on our website; we ask you to keep the information in a safe place for your reference (of course, you can always contact us.)
2.  Home Study families will also receive a Religious Education Kit which contains a student book, YouTube video links and a copy of the syllabus per grade - with identified homework assignment "due dates."  The due dates are merely a tool to help keep families on track with their assignments.  We understand with increased responsibilities for parents and students during these difficult times of adjustment, you may not be able to submit the assignments according to the schedule provided.  We ask that you submit the homework assignments regularly.  
3. For our ANGELS@HOME Hybrid Religious Education program, In accordance with the Archdiocesan Protecting God’s Children (PGC) requirements, when you pick up your Religious Education Kit, we will ask you to sign a ZOOM permission slip which gives your consent for your child to engage in a Virtual learning environment with their catechist.  We will also provide you with a copy of the document in your Religious Education Kit.
4. For each ZOOM Religious Education class, TWO adults who have completed the PGC requirements MUST be present.  The first PGC’d adult is the catechist, the second will be a parent volunteer.  We will send out a SignUp Genius for your convenience.
5. We are in need of Catechists!  With our Angels@Home program this year, we will need volunteers for our 1st-5th Grade program to cover 10 ZOOM classes and we will need volunteers for our 6-8th Grade program to cover 5 ZOOM classes. 
6. For our volunteers who offer the gifts of their time and talen to our ministry and agree to teach for the 10 weeks (Grades 1-5) or 5 weeks (Grades 6-8) we will waive the Religoius Education fee for their family (excludes retreat fees). 
7. Grades 1-5 will meet Tuesday; 4-5:30pm; Grades 6-8 will meet Tuesday from 7:30pm-9pm.
8. For our ANGELS@HOME Hybrid Program, students will meet with their catechist via ZOOM for Religious Education instruction on designated weeks and on alternate weeks each student and their family will complete the chapters indicated, activity pages and view the assigned YouTube videos.  Activity pages are to be submitted virtually to the catechist during the next ZOOM meeting. 
9. Religious Education Kits can be picked up at the Rectory Porch (there will be a sign posted outside the door) through Sep 29, 2020; 8:30am-2:30pm. 
10. In addition, I’ll be sending in a separate email (copy will be in your RE Kit) with our FAMILY CATECHESIS CALENDAR – ANGELS IN ACTION which will offer your family numerous opportunities to put your Catholic faith into action.
11. Finally, we will establish a Religious Education help desk (days and time to be determined).  We recognize that from time to time qustions may arise from the materials or there may be a need for further clarification concerning certain elements in the materials.  We encourage you to avail yourself of this service whenever you believe additional guidance or support is necessary.  Of course, we're happy to schedule a ZOOM call upon request. 
12. Please see the attached link THE DISTANCE LEARNINGPLAYBOOK FOR PARENTS which encourages families to speak with their child regarding the practice of standard etiquette ("netiquette) for virtual learning.  The Distance Learning Playbook for Parents.

May God continue to bless all faculty, staff and students as they return to school.
As always, I’m happy to speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have about our Angels@Home program or Home Study Program.  Please send me an email so we can schedule a phone call or ZOOM meeting at your convenience.

Peace and all good,
Frances Ferraro
Director of Religious Education
201-327-0352

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”  C.S. Lewis

Please see the parent resource from the American School of Psychologists which offers guidance and supprot on how to talk with your children about COVID-19.  American School of Psychologists .