An Important Update on the Remainder of the 2019-20 School Year

Dear Parents and Guardians,
 
This morning, Governor Wolf announced that all schools in the state of Pennsylvania will remain closed for the remainder of the school year.  I understand the prudence and caution the governor is exercising in keeping the schools closed. Nonetheless, I know that many of you share in my sadness that the students, faculty, and staff will not be returning to 4720 this school year.  
 
Central Catholic is an institution that is built on tradition, and we are heartbroken for our seniors who will not be able to finish out their last semester at Central Catholic and partake in the end-of-year activities. While we were holding onto hope that we would be able to carry on with our baccalaureate Mass and commencement ceremonies as they were initially scheduled for May 19 and 24, 2020, these fall within the school calendar year, and unfortunately we have been forced to postpone commencement activities for the time being. 
 
Seniors, please be assured that we will do everything possible to celebrate you and your achievements as soon as it is safe to do so. We are in the midst of coordinating commencement contingency plans and options. We want to know what you as a class want to do, and after the Easter break you will receive a survey providing a number of options.  Please discuss the survey with your parents. There will not be an ideal solution, but we hope there is consensus.
 
We have been working on a number of scenarios regarding grades, course registration, finals, etc. based on if and when we will return to Central.  Knowing the decision has been made, we can move forward with clarity. During the week of April 19th, we will let you know the specifics through the end of the school year and discuss possibilities for the summer.
 
I know that I speak on behalf of everyone at Central Catholic when I say that we are heartbroken that we will not see our students in person again this school year. However, as we have weathered many storms in our 90+ years at Central Catholic, I am confident that we will weather this one, and will emerge with a community that is stronger than ever. Now, more than ever, we must rely on each other and come together as a community to get through these difficult times together. 
 
Please keep a close eye on your emails in the next few weeks as we work through these challenges together. I look forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts and ideas.  

Fraternally,

Brother Tony Baginski, FSC