For daily announcements and homework, please view my SchoolNotes Page. As I told the students on "Move Up Day"  I shall begin updating this site for the 2019 - 2020 school year. I shall continue to save school paper by posting many of my handouts online at this site. Whenever a parent response form is required to be returned, the parents may simply print out that page. Since the documents will remain on this site as reference for the entire year, there is no need to print out the whole document unless the parent desires to do so.

 
                                         June 22, 2020

Dear Parents,

     Unless you need to with Mr. Naccari to get your report card released, you simplly follow the same procedure as for the third quarter to get your child's report card: send me an email message with "Report Card" and your child's name in the "Subject" space. Although 18 students have already done so, there are still some left to send.

                                                  Thank you,

                                                  Mr. Glenn A. McCarthy



                                       June 20, 2020

Dear Parents and Students,

     March 13, 2020 seems like a distant memory as the "most unusual school year in my forty-five-plus years of teaching" comes to an end on Monday with the distribution of report cards. I can recall taking the Class of 2020 down to the gym for a picture in front of the wall in front of the 'Marathon 2020" sign, after a week of decorating for our annual "charity event" that would be temporarily postponed due the an announcement that classes would not be in session again until March 23rd. Needless to say, what transpiired next no one could have ever imagined.

     This past week I attempted to celebrate with the Class of 2020 in the only way that I could. Although I didn't expect that there would be 100% attendance after the virtual graduation and memorable graduation, I was pleased that some students still joined me for the Morning Prayer Reflection videos that I had been showing daily at the beginning of class. I gave them various "outs" but they just allowed me to continue with the daily schedule. I hope they enjoyed the films and the many pictures I shared from their years at Saint Gabriel School, including those taken from my years as Director of the Religious Education Program. I am also grateful that they allowed me to post the movies on Friday so I would be able to speak briefly with the sixth and seventh grades.

     As indicated in the iris alert that was sent home on Friday, the report cards will be released using the same process that was followed in April for the third quarter reports. Please make certain that you speak with Mr. Naccari if there are financial hardships that have caused the Archdiocese to report that tuition payments are not up-to-date. Doing this advance will save me having to send a reminder when the report card is requested.

     I have commented at length on the report cards whenever necessary. With respect to "advanced math" for the incoming seventh graders, I have left some options open for discussion; however, to help with my planning, I would like to hear a suggested response when the issue has been discussed in the home. In the short time allotted on Friday, I reminded the sixth graders that an excellent math grade is not always an indication that an advanced course is the route to follow. To some students, the abstract math concepts come very easily while others "work themselves to the limit" to maintain a high grade standard. No child should be forced into a position where math totally consumes their lives. I also appreciated the fact that both of my advanced groups continued to perform exceptionally well with almost no "Zoom Lessons." It was impossible for me to teach two entirely different lessons in the forty-five minutes that were set up for the schedule. The students certainly deserve all the credit for being so cooperative under such challenging circumstances.

     I also spoke to the students about the Dreambox Math Program in which the Archdiocese has invested to keep the students sharp throughout the summer. I was a little slow to implement it because they finalized the classes about ten days after the initial workshop. I do, however, get weekly reports on the progress the students are making. I am asking that the students complete the minimum requirement that was outlined with the information that was presented with the program. On Monday, as directed by Mr. Naccari, I will post the eighth grade summer readiing assignment below on this class page. Although I shall update a few folders, my "Student Introductory Materials" for the eighth grade remain available at all times throughout the year for parents and students to review.

     Before closing, I wish to thank both the parents and students for your understanding and support during the "remote learning" period. I also want to wish all the fathers a very "Happy Father's Day" this Sunday. Had I met with the eighth grade on Friday, I would have shared the following video reflection with them, and I welcome you to view it: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jouiv0rDewc
  
     If the parents need to contact me, they may use the school email site; however, the students know that I can only reply to them through the Google Classroom. I honestly do not know if that is available throughout the summer. This is my first experience with the Google Classroom, and I am waitng to instructions from above.

    Have as enjoyable summer as possible. Keep well and safe.

                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                Mr. Glenn A. McCarthy
    



                                                     June 14, 2020

Dear Parents and Class of 2020,

     There are no words to adequately express my appreciation for the wonderful "Graduation Drive-By Parade Tribute" that you staged yesterday outside my home in New Jersey. It was absolutely an experience I will never forget. Just to see your faces [masks included] for the first time since March 13, 2020 brings tears to my eyes as I write these words. No gift could ever be perceived as being more important. Your presence even impressed my neighbors, who watched from a distance as you paraded past our houses. In such a distressing year, this was truly one of it is bright shining moments.

     I had watched with pride on Friday night as we staged the first virtual graduation in the history of Saint Gabriel School. In just a matter of days, you answered every challenge as we frantically tried to make it a moment for you to remember. Thanks to Mr. Bebe's technical wizardry and your speedy cooperation, we were able to pull it off. After that beautiful video you sent on 'Teacher Appreciation Day" and the beautiful program from Friday night, I didn't think anything could bring a greater high. Yesterday you helped me to reach the heavens above. For that beautiful gesture I shall be eternally grateful.

     I know we technically have one more week together, and I have asked you to help me organize special virtual activities that we can enjoy together. I have started working on a short video from the pictures I was able to take yesterday, as well as those your parents have been so generous as to send me. It will take quite a while for me to prepare the Graduation Video that I generally show in Walsh Hall during an August Reunion Party. Obviously, I am hoping that we will be able to get together under less restrictive circumstances, but your safety and health must always be our main priority. If I use my main computer for the Zoom Meetings, I may be able to show you some of the many pictures I have taken through the years, even before the final product is produced. I continue to welcome any other suggestions you may have.

     I am still not fully aware of what is being expected of me this week, but I had thought about showing a film tomorrowafter morning prayer. Everything else is up for grabs. I do know that you will be meeting with Mr. Naccari tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 PM. I believe he hasforwarded the Zoom Meeting Code to your parents; however, I shall check and post it in the Google Classroom as I do each day. As all families have been informed, the report cards will be distributed on Monday, June 22, 2020, following the same procedure that was used for the third quarter. Arrangements are also in the works for returning textbooks and graphic calculators to the school. More information about this will be provided as soon as it is available.

     Once again, I can never thank you enough for the beautiful tribute you paid me yesterday. It is certainly one that I shall never forget.

                                                          Sincerely,

                                                          Mr. Glenn A. McCarthy

     

                                          May 31, 2020

Dear Parents and Students,

     Happy Birthday! I cannot believe that it is Pentecost Sunday, and I haven't been in a church since March 8, 2020. I am not counting the hours I spent near the church decorating for the annual Basketball Marathon. I hope all is well with your families as we head down the home stretch.

    It has been super busy at my end, continuing my lesson plans and going through thousands of pictures in preparation for graduation. At the last count, I did have a total of 22 baby pictures; however, time is running out, and it is very difficult for me to work on graduation during class time with the constant streaming and/or Zoom Lessons. After speaking with the students, I have decided to allow them to show themselves during class, if they choose to do so. I know Mr. Naccari had sent home a message saying that it was now permitted. Needless to say, it is not mandatory, and it will not enter into the final grades.

     I am still reviewing the term papers a little at a time because I cannot afford to actually print out full copies of them all. I will say, however, that some are missing. It was a four month assignment that was actually due the Wednesday of the first week we were out. Under the circumstances, I did extend the deadline until April 2, 2020/ Unfortunately, some of the folders are still empty.
As I have mentioned in the letters that are still available below, it is impossible for me to contact eighty-nine sets of parents. I have contacted a good number with mixed results. Forgive me for sharing a story from my youth. Believe it or not, I did manage to get myself in trouble in second grade, and the school called my home that night. It may have been back in the 1950's, but I can still hear my father's words as if it were yesterday: "Glenn, the school will never call this house again!" As my education continued, I made certain that my father's warning was obeyed. I do apologize if there are parents who were expecting multiple emails, but I just didn't have the time.

     As far as graduation goes, I know Mr. Naccari is keeping parents informed about the virtual ceremony that is scheduled for June 12, 2020. Last Thursday, we all attended the Regional Graduation Mass. A very important challenge was issued by Father Moran: Graduates, you are not only our future, you are our NOW! Allow yourselves to be set on fire by God's Spirit and fulfill the commission that you have been given. Dr. Riley echoed a similar message in his final words to the graduates. I have to admit the service brought tears to my eyes.

     We have also been given a new online math program, Dreambox, but I will have to provide eighty-nine User Names and Passwords that they gave us on cards that are so small that they are difficult for me to read. I will try to give some time to that process in the coming week. Nevertheless, I do have a set of lessons ready to go.

     Once again, I want to thank you for your understanding and support. If a few more baby pictures can be sent from the seven I am missing, it would be appreciated. If the missing term papers can be finally sent, I really need them because the grades will be reflected in two subject areas. I have constantly tried to send the "private" messages to some of these students so the others do not have to know their business. I also need to have thtime to review them.

     May God continue to bless you and your families. 

                                                         Respectfully yours,

                                                          Mr. Glenn A. McCarthy
                

                                          May 19, 2020

                                                May 8, 2020

         OPEN LETTER TO THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS: May 3, 2020
Dear Parents and Students,
     At this point I am at a loss for words, and my students will tell you that doesn't happen often.  Friday's news was certainly not anticipated when the students were dismissed from class on March 13th, the day originally set aside for the basketball marathon. i am sure that everyone is wondering where we go from here. Needless to say, it is exhausting trying to keep up the pace when time is limited, and the lack of social contact has to be taking its toll.
     As I have said many times since then, I am pleased with the general effort our students have made under this most difficult of circumstances. Most parents followed the guidelines Mrs. Adamson sent out on my behalf, and the third quarter report cards have, for the most part, been sent when requested. If for some reason you have not sent me the request, please follow the instructions in the email message from Mrs. Adamson. For some there may be the reminder that I may only communicate with your children through the Google Classroom. If they send me messages outside the Google Classroom, our school email program will send back any message I seek to communicate. I do try to respond to the parents in a timely manner; however, it is very easy for a message to get lost in the hundreds of email messages I get each day through the Google Classroom.
     For my part, I shall continue to send notes and assignments through the Google Classroom. I have had a few zoom lessons with the students, but it is really not possible to address two entirely different math programs in the short 45 minute period when I must constantly move back and forth between two Google Classrooms. I have only one group in the sixth grade; therefore that is a little easier. In addition, since I have the eighth grade most afternoon, I have been able to Zoom with them. We had our first term paper presentations lasty Thursday, and I felt it went quite well. When I have a major test for the eighth grade, I use Tuesday afternoon so the students can give me their best effort with minimal pressure.
     I want to stress the importance of the online assignments since some students have been very casual in that area. While a number of students score well, some are satisfied to get grades of 0% to 30% on these assignments, and they do not take the extra attempts that some of the programs allow.
     My main message to the students is the same at all times: please give me your best possible effort, and I understand that every student is different in this regard. I certainly appreciate your patience and support!

                                                           Respectfully yours,

                                                           Mr. Glenn A. McCarthy
     
The eighth grade and Mr. McCarthy's schedule is as follows:
8:35 AM - Grade 8 Morning Prayer [ 43j3cu4 ]
8:45 AM - Math 8 [ 2yjqmo4 ] and Math 9 [ 6euexmq ]
9:30 AM - Science 8
                  Math 7 [ rdmt7xt ]    Math 7-8 [ 2yjqmo4 ]
10:15 AM - Social Studies 8
                  - Math 6  [ 47qpxi2 ]
11:00 AM - Lunch/Teacher Prep Period
12:30 PM - Religion 8 [ k7zie72 ] or Reading/Writing 8 [ELA] [ ctt4v26 ]
1:10 PM -   Religion 8  or Reading/Writing 8
                    Spanish 8 [ o73j7g6 ] on Wednesday and Thursday
1:50 PM - Reading/Writing 8 or Religion 8
               -  Gym 8 [ lmwg5b3 ] on Monday
               - Music 8 [ zrcqsd2 ] on Wednesday
               - Art 8 [o73j7g6 ]  on Friday
For the afternoon eighth grade classes, I post the schedule every morning. Many of the essay assignments and reading assignments are related to religion and literature.
     Once again, I cannot say often enough how much I repect the outstanding effort I have seen on the part of those students who have been in attendance. In every case, I do expect that each student will work to the best of their respective abilities. At this time, I have no timetable for our return to the classroom. May 15th is the last date that I heard mentioned. Know that I pray that you are all well and safe.
                                                                     Sincerely,
                                                                     Mr. Glenn A. McCarthy

Please be advised that three eighth grade boys and two eighth grade girls are still not reporting to class as required. If I do not get any homework, that is "0%" for 30% of the final fourth quarter grade. I really hope this doesn't continue!

         Math 8 Homework for April 22, 2020
Please be advised that I returned Wednesday's Math 8 homework just a few minutes ago.
While I was working on it, I received 3 "interesting' phone calls. When I turned back to the computer, all of the Math 8 and Math 7-8 assignments had disappeared from the Google Classroom. I started searching in my daily posts until I found the one for the assignment. When I clicked on the post, the assignments suddenly appeared. I finished grading them in the post, but they were still not in the Google Classroom itself. Since I am afraid to lose them again, I recorded the grades as I always do, and then I decided to return them just in case they were to get lost again. I do not understand what happened. I am glad I found them. I gurss I was just lucky. That is the reason one class had assignments returned before the morning!

   

       PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL WORK IS BEING PUBLISHED ON THE GOOGLE CLASSROOM SITE. ALL NOTES, VIDEOS, AND RESOURCES WILL BE FOUND ON THAT SITE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE THE HOMEWORK SITE SIMPLY BECAUSE THE COMPUTER IS BEING USED ALMOST THE ENTIRE DAY. IT IS AN OLD COMPUTER, AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE DURABILITY OF IT AFTER SEVEN YEARS.

Note: Although I shall continue to provide notes, they will help

to guide the lesson in the limited time available. As many students

have noticed, I begin most classes with a question to which I

expect a response within the first few minutes of the class.

This serves as a means taking attendance. Using the notes

the students will complete the class assignment on a Google

Document that already bears their names and the date.

Whatever work they have finished is turned in at the end of

the class. The Google program will keep an automatic record

of who has completed what. The notes are meant to be a

resource, but the student will not have time to copy them

during class. What the students do on their own time is left to

their discretion. Math work should never be done during

another teacher's class period.

I had included the Class Codes on Monday, March 23, 2020 homework on my Schoolnotes page, and it is still there; however, I believe some people want it repeated every day. Thus, it appears above permanently on this Class Page!

To view to Mr. McCarthy's School Notes page click here!

This link will lead to my homework page, study flashcards, and my Photo Gallery.