As the COVID-19 crisis unfolded across Boston, teachers at St. Peter Academy were actively making preparations for remote, or distance, learning if the situation worsened and required local closures. Faculty prepared curriculum-based packets of differentiated independent work tailored to the needs of each student. Additionally, all families were contacted and provided with a school-issued laptop or tablet for student use if this technology was unavailable at home. All students, in the school’s Toddler Program through sixth grade, left school on Friday, March 13th ready for uninterrupted learning in case of a sudden school closure.
When Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced a closure of area schools that evening, St. Peter Academy’s plans were immediately implemented. The differentiated work packets, in addition to assignments undertaken through IReady, a web-based teaching and learning system, were supplemented by daily reading, math and literacy components, and other items specific to each child’s classroom as directed by their teacher. This work was required, was assessed, graded, and will be reflected on student report cards. Teachers relayed specific instructions to families via email, while making themselves available each day to maintain open lines of communication. On Tuesday, March 24th, St. Peter Academy added virtual classroom learning, where teachers and students come together live through video conferencing. This new platform enhances the educational experience of students, while maintaining the strong community connections that St. Peter Academy is known for in South Boston.
St. Peter Academy in an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Appointments for individual tours at a later date can be made by contacting the Principal, Frank Galligan, at 617-268-0750 or by emailing spa@StPeterAcademy.com.
