Administrative Update - 04/07/2020

I believe that I have a better appreciation of how Jesus must have felt at the Last Supper, because of the recent feelings of isolation and loss that all of us are experiencing as a result of the quarantine mandated by our government in an effort to curb the impact of the pandemic. We are celebrating Holy Week - the holiest week of the year, just as the impact of the COVID-19 virus continues to mount. We need to turn to our Catholic Christian roots, our own faith traditions, or personal spirituality to "anchor" ourselves, as we overcome waves of nervousness or insecurity. We can do so with the help of so many virtual opportunities, including Masses, services, reflections, and meditations offered by our churches and our own communities.

The Dialog, our Diocese of Wilmington paper, highlighted Archmere's virtual offerings that help provide spiritual reflection to the school community over the last three weeks of distance learning. Daylesford Abbey will also be offering live streaming of Holy Week services at 7:30 PM on Holy Thursday, 3:00PM on Good Friday, and 8:30PM Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday). Live streaming is only available through Facebook. You may access the events through Archmere's Facebook events page, or visit Daylesford Abbey's Facebook page at the posted times to view the services.

On behalf of the board, administration, faculty, and staff of Archmere, I want you to know that we stand with you (virtually), and we will not abandon you. What tentative plans we can make are rooted in our mission, considerate of our school community, and informed by data. Our principal goals at this time are to help our students and families, as well as our faculty and staff and their families to manage through this uncertain time emotionally, educationally, and financially.

Given the Delaware State of Emergency mandate that all schools be closed until May 15, we will continue to be "open online" through May 15, as our campus remains closed. Mr. Jordan alluded to this in his letter, when he explained that we would be following the same day schedule when we return from Easter vacation on Monday, April 20. Of course, all events planned during this time are postponed. Please check the Academy's web site to determine what events might be happening virtually. For example, the 7th Grade Open House will take place virtually on Wednesday, April 29, at 7 PM. Registration is currently available at www.archmereacademy.com/admissions.

Until we have a better understanding of when it will be safe to congregate, unfortunately, we cannot share with you a proposed calendar of rescheduled events. I know that this uncertainty adds to everyone's anxiety, and we will continue to communicate with everyone as soon as we can plan with confidence. We continue to assure our seniors and their families that we will have prom, Baccalaureate Mass, and Commencement Exercises in some form at some time.

I am grateful to all of the members of our Board of Trustees, who are committed to Archmere and share so freely of their resources and expertise. One of our board members is Dr. James Stockman, a pediatrician and former chair of the American Board of Pediatrics. He shared with me, and I, in turn, shared with our counselors (who are always available to be of help to you), a timely article that he is writing for his national newsletter. It addresses the social and emotional well-being of children and adolescents who have experienced quarantine.

Dr. Stockman writes,

Studies show that when children are out of school (e.g., summer school breaks), they are physically less active and have much longer screen time, irregular sleep patterns, and less favorable diets, resulting in weight gain and a loss of cardiorespiratory fitness. These observations are likely to be much worse when children are confined to their homes without outdoor activities and interaction with same-age friends, such as during the current coronavirus outbreak. Equally important, but easily neglected, is the psychological impact of the contagion on children and adolescents. Stressors such as the fear of infection; frustration and boredom; inadequate information about the contagion; lack of in-person contact with classmates, friends, and teachers; lack of personal space at home; and family financial loss can have short- and long-term effects on children. As noted, post-traumatic stress scores are remarkably higher in children sheltered in place compared to those who are not.

Good parenting skills become particularly crucial when children are confined at home. Besides monitoring academic performance and behavior, parents need to respect their children's identity and needs, and to foster the development of self-discipline skills. Children are constantly exposed to epidemic-related news, so having direct conversations with them about these issues could help alleviate the anxiety they may have.

On a positive note, home confinement could offer a good opportunity to enhance quality interactions between parents and their children. With the right parenting approaches, family bonds can be strengthened, and psychological needs met. Because a child's physical health, mental health, and productivity in adult life are deeply rooted by experiences in their early years, close attention and great efforts are required to address these critical issues effectively to avoid any long-term sequelae (a condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury).

As a parent of two adult children, I appreciate Dr. Stockman's insights, and believe that we need to make sure that we engage in conversation with not only our young children, but also our older children who are living with us, or senior members of our families and friends who may be living alone. I believe one can feel isolated in a house full of people, so "checking in" with one another on a regular basis is important. I will be "checking in" with all of you next Tuesday. Between now and then, we will celebrate the Triduum, beginning with the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Thursday evening, the Passion and Death of Jesus on Good Friday, and the Resurrection of Jesus on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil through Easter Sunday. Goodness overtakes evil, forgiveness replaces vengeance, and life triumphs over death. I wish for each of you the joy and hope that Easter brings.

Be Well, Be Safe, and Be Happy this Easter,

Sincerely,

Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. '76
Headmaster