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Dominican Sister Diane Aruda is president of ICA Cristo Rey Academy.
Catholic San Francisco
Aug. 25, 2020
San Francisco’s ICA Cristo Rey Academy virtually welcomed faculty, staff and 358 students to a new academic year Aug. 17, 2020.
Holding the school’s first assembly of the year online, president, Dominican Sister Diane Aruda told students “Everything we do is about you. We carry you in our hearts.”
In a message posted on the school website Sister Diane said this is a “school year that will launch with distance learning only” and each of the school’s students “has received a Chromebook to support learning remotely, and our staff will help them troubleshoot any Wi-Fi connections they might have."
“As you well know, we are in challenging economic times," Sister Diane said. "Our Corporate Work Study Program-- a unique aspect of our students’ education here at ICA Cristo Rey -- has been impacted with fewer companies able to offer work study places for our students.”
A section on the school website dedicated to the COVID-19 impact addresses school programs affected including the ICA Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program.
Before the pandemic, students would spend part of the day assisting at more than 140 local companies. In return, the companies made a contribution to the school paying the larger part of the students’ tuition. Families pay $2,900 toward the tuition.
This year all work study assignments will be remote, said Bill Ohlinger, program director. In addition, and due to the financial constraints caused by COVID-19, incoming freshmen will not have a job sponsor.
From the ICA Cristo Rey website:
Corporate Work Study Program: “One study hall per week and Fridays will be assigned for CWSP. During our period of distance, online learning, some students will be assigned remote work from their corporate sponsor. Other students will be engaged with online professional development, including Microsoft Excel certification. Assignments will be posted in Google Classroom. Students will have the opportunity to communicate with their CWSP supervisor during an assigned study hall period and on Fridays.”
Campus ministry: “As we begin the school year online, we are staying true to our roots and focusing on the four Dominican pillars: Community, Service, Study and Prayer. We will continue to begin each day in prayer and encourage everyone to submit prayer intentions.”
Activities: “Until it is safe to gather in person, all club meetings and student activities will be virtual. Student Council will produce a weekly live ‘Monday Meeting’ with important announcements and information for the week.”
Athletics: “A variety of Zoom PE classes will be offered on various days at various times throughout the semester.”
Counseling: “The Counseling Department will continue to provide a range of counseling support services through the hybrid model. All college counseling will be conducted virtually, via college prep classes, Google meets, Zoom, email or phone. Virtual parent meetings will be scheduled for senior and junior parents when requested. Personal counseling support will be provided via telephone, zoom calls, and Google meet sessions. In-person appointments will be provided when necessary.”
Sister Diane ended her message with the Dominican Blessing: May God the Father bless us. May God the Son heal us. May God the Holy Spirit enlighten us.
“Be a light,” she said.