Celtic Newsletter Spring 2020

and learning virtually! My students and I were enter- tained by my children's random appearances in class and odd requests. ” Mrs. Vanden Eykel worried about not being able to physically see her students, “ not being able to look my students in the eye and have an idea of how they are do- ing. If I haven't heard from a student, is she struggling? Is she sick? Is she overwhelmed? Or maybe I have a student showing up, but he isn't contributing to class. Is he frus- trated with or confused by the material? Is something going on at his house that makes it too difficult to focus? I want so badly to be there for my students, and to not have a better sense of how life is going for them is so diffi- cult! ” Still, Mrs. Vanden Eykel was entertained by her sopho- mores who consistently swapped out school uniforms for crazy outfits for virtual class: student Ava Stoner wearing her prom dress was a particular delight. And she relished her one - on - one meetings with seniors. “ They are giving up so much in the face of this pandemic, but their hope and their perseverance is inspiring! ” Indeed, the seniors were foremost in most everyone ’ s mind. If you ’ re a senior at Roanoke Catholic, spring is the most cherished season of all. Each week seemingly blos- soms a beloved tradition that has been anticipated for years: Senior Speeches, Senior Retreat, Senior Skip Day, Prank Day, the Baccalaureate Mass and Dinner, and of course the culmination of it all — Graduation. * * *

Senior Alayna Thompson created this digital card for her 7th grade prayer buddy, Anna Kibler, as part of an Upper School quarantine faith project.

“ I think for me the most challenging part of teaching virtually is just not being with the children in the class- room, ” said veteran Kindergarten teacher Annette Mash- burn, who this year is a 2nd grade teacher ’ s aide. “ I miss their hugs, watching the children having fun learning with their classmates, and our wonderful religion discussions. ” She added: “ When I teach religion live on Zoom the

children and I always begin with prayer. I often have between 18 and 20 second graders on at one time. I ask if they have any special prayer intentions, and am always so moved by their sincerity and thoughtfulness. We have prayed for the doc- tors, nurses, sick people, our families, the teachers, friends, school and parents. It takes a little time to get through all the intentions but it is well worth the time spent! ” While missing them in per- son, Mrs. Price enjoyed seeing students in their home environ- ments: “ I would never have met my student's pets, decorating style nor some of their siblings if we hadn't continued teaching

3 Celtics to pursue college athletic Athletic director Matt Peck organized virtual signing ceremonies for three sen- iors who are playing sports in college (clockwise from top right): Danny Con- nelly (cross - country/track), University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky; Colin Hagy (football), Randolph Macon Col- lege; and Seaira Siv (cross - country/ track), Hollins University.