Anna Grows

Anna modeling the shirt she made Anna has been out of school for two weeks, but finished her first full week of virtual school.  The teachers provided a full work load, which meant Anna was locked in her room for a good part of each day doing assignments.  On-line learning is definitely different than in the classroom.  The principal and teachers are making adjustments for the coming week to alternate classes and incorporate more virtual classes via zoom along with some virtual field trips. Meanwhile, Anna made some adjustments for other activities.  With no sports right now, she started doing some jogging and using a fitness app in the morning.  We supported our neighbor's bookstore and purchased some new books to read (you could call ahead with curbside pick-up).  She entertained our neighbor (and her adopted little sister) Zoe a few afternoons, including baking cupcakes for Zoe's birthday.  Fortunately JoAnn Fabrics was still open, so Anna got some material to sew a ne

Anna enjoying Mom's lemon meringue pie The week of March 16 marked the first week of "social distancing" for Anna and family. Anna was out of regular school, but virtual school began.  All activities ceased, including church services.  Theresa still went into the office, but only to prepare for remote work.  Joe secure supplies for the family (including Lysol and toilet paper).  Life has changed. Enjoying a walk at a local park Anna's school was well prepared for the potential of a long-term shutdown thanks to the new principal, Mrs. Parker.  All of the teachers were trained, as were the students, and virtual classes began on Wednesday.  Anna is quite excited not to wear a uniform.  She has 4-5 hours of work a day and the teachers are available for questions during office hours.  Anna was face timing her friends for part of class.  Mrs. Parker also added weekly photo contests for the students, including St. Mark extreme makeover (where you submit a before an

Maggie C., Petra, Anna & Maggie P at Honors Choir The world has changed drastically in the past week.  As we prepare to enter "social distancing," it may be a good time  to look back at what we were doing the week before everything shut down. Anna is officially registered for high school!  She is very excited to be attending the local public high school, James Madison.  She met with the guidance counselor on March 5 to select her classes (the options are extensive).  In order to free up time to do both band and choir, she plans to take on-line PE for the summer.  Theresa was particularly excited about this option and can only imagine how her own high school experience would have been so much better without actual PE class.  Stay tuned for reviews of that. Anna was one of 10  students selected to represent St. Mark in the diocese honors choir. She has really been working on her singing and the results show.  In addition to private concerts in the shower, you can al