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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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Educate with Empathy
Bishop Canevin High School
During an unprecedented virtual fourth quarter the faculty, staff,
and administration of Bishop Canevin High School understood
and addressed their responsibility to help each student
succeed during this challenging time. They knew they must educate,
provide a foundation of skills, and most importantly, help each of their
students reach their full potential as they faced grand adversity. Bishop
Canevin’s holistic educational approach enabled faculty to appreciate
the uniqueness of each student’s situation—some were alone all day,
some were coming from past negative cyber experiences, some were
taking care of younger siblings. The faculty, staff, and administration
adopted the vision “Educate with Empathy”—which helped faculty to
connect with students on both an academic and spiritual level.
“The example of perseverance, resilience, and empathy the faculty
set for the students is perhaps more important than any of the course
content they will teach. Our school did many unique things virtually,
so our students still felt part of the community, and were able to
continue to come together while apart,” Susan Petrak, a Bishop Canevin
parent, said.
By conducting a technology assessment prior to the closing of
campus, Bishop Canevin as a 1:1 school was able to ensure that each
student had the capacity to succeed in the remote setting immediately.
The next week an online educational program was implemented
reestablishing a sense of routine and normalcy needed to excel.
“The transition to online learning has been seamless and the
communication from the school excellent. I have many friends with
children in other districts and have been amazed how good this has
been for us. This experience makes me thankful for the sacrifices I made
to send my children to Catholic schools and Bishop Canevin,” Kimberly
Smith, a Bishop Canevin parent, said.
The school’s rapid response provided new opportunities for Bishop
Canevin students to serve the community in unique ways while
reinforcing one of the school’s core values which is service to others.
“With the help of their iPads, our students were able to
offer tutoring to students in the Catholic grade schools
during their transition to the online environment. Parents who may
have multiple children at home while also juggling work were able
to lean on our students for academic support,” Principal Michael
Joyce said. “This is a perfect example of how we were able to live
our mission and environment virtually.”
Although the end of the seniors’ school year was not typical,
Bishop Canevin was able to recognize and celebrate the Class
of 2020 with a parade through the community supported by
the Crafton police and fire departments. Teachers visited all
senior homes to personally deliver caps, gowns, yearbooks, and a
congratulatory yard sign. The school spotlighted each senior on
its Facebook page, highlighting their fondest BC memories while
bringing attention to each student’s future plans which include
acceptances at some of the most distinguished universities in the
country including Notre Dame, Boston College, Georgetown and
the University of Michigan.
While cautiously optimistic that classes will resume in the fall,
Joyce believes this experience has brought out the best in the
Bishop Canevin community and has reinforced the everlasting value
of a Bishop Canevin experience. He is eager to greet returning
students, welcome the Class of 2024, and debut the school’s new
fitness and wellness center. “While proud of its past, the present and
future of Bishop Canevin is so bright. Our enrollment is increasing.
We are making great strides toward making a Bishop Canevin
experience available to more families, and our facility upgrades
are providing 21st century educational spaces that our students
deserve.”
For more information on Bishop Canevin High School and to view
our Incoming Freshman Class of 2024 resources for your prospective
student, visit bishopcanevin.org.
CARLYNTON-MONTOUR ❘ SUMMER 2020 23