Page 8 - The Paduan: Winter 2020

COVID-19
Remote Learning Recap - Spring 2020
Padua was put to test in the spring, following Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s order to close schools on Thursday, March 12, 2020, due to the spread of coronavirus. Padua’s administration, faculty and staff rose to the challenge, along with the entire student body, when learning went virtual. Students used their chromebooks to seamlessly start online learning on Monday, March 16, 2020.
“We never wavered from our mission to deliver a premier education,” said Principal David Stec ‘86. “The strong academic traditions of Padua, along with the decisions over the past several years to create a highly-capable digital environment allowed us to navigate the unchartered waters of a pandemic incredibly well,” he continued.
Padua had the right tools and training in place to deliver a Franciscan education that was second-to-none, even in a virtual world. Padua’s success took a village: dedicated faculty and staff were willing to go beyond their job descriptions to ensure students were engaged in faith development and learning.
“Our assistant principals, Mr. Bob DiRocco and Mrs. Elizabeth Oles Smith, did an extraordinary job,” Stec said. “They are great administrators, who care deeply. They spent every day, and many evenings, talking with students and teachers to help facilitate the rigors and challenges of an entirely online curriculum. They were game-changers!” Stec acclaimed.
The teachers also worked extremely hard to make sure our students continued to learn new material. “We didn’t have another option,” said Vice Principal Br. Tom Carroll, ofm. “Our students relied on their Padua education to provide a solid foundation for college and their future.”
Padua had a 98% participation rate throughout the remote learning from March through May. “I know that our students received the necessary learning they needed to be ready for next year,” said Carroll.
“I am so proud of what we, as the Padua community, accomplished together during the spring and summer of 2020,” said Stec. We hope all of our students, and especially the Class of 2020 and their families, made wonderful memories during this unforgettable time.”
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