I’m not well versed on how often a Friday the 13th occurs during the calendar year, but I am very aware of the two we have had this year, as I am sure many of you are too. On March 13th, we announced to our students and families that we would be closing for what we thought was an extended spring break. Eight months later and a move to online classes, we’ve hosted a successful drive-through graduation, two virtual fundraisers, delivered thousands of pounds of food and so much more. Our classrooms might be empty, but our community is thriving virtually.

When this month’s Friday the 13th came into view, I have to admit I was nervous: “What more bad news could come our way?” But then I remembered the most important lesson I have learned in all of this—TOGETHER, we will get through it, no matter what comes our way. I am so thankful for our hard-working teaching staff who have pivoted to become incredible online teachers. I am so thankful for our Corporate Work Study partners who have stood by our side as we implement a virtual work program for our students and companies. I am so thankful for the Foundations who support us and who are creatively thinking about how to better serve our community during this crisis. I am so thankful for our donors who continue to help us in providing opportunities for our students to reach their potential. 

So the next time a Friday the 13th rolls around, I’m not going to be nervous. We’re Knight Nation Strong.  

With much gratitude,

Ashleigh de Villiers
Vice President for Advancement

Slowly but surely the future home of Knight Nation is taking shape. We are very grateful for all the men and women working on this project.

Thank you to Bora Architects, Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Inc., and P&C Construction, as well as many other companies, who are working hard to make our new home a reality!

And thank you to all our Building for Tomorrow's Leaders capital campaign donors whose support makes all this possible!

What’s New in the Academic Resource Center (ARC)

Distance learning cannot stop the Academic Resource Center! Andy Poundstone and the team have been tutoring students on Google Meet since the beginning of the school year. Students can attend regularly scheduled drop-in hours or set up appointments with tutors. ARC tutors even dropped in to Ms. McDermott's class for in-class writing consultations! These tutors do it all! 

Most recently, ARC has introduced limited in-person instruction, or LIPI. In LIPI, select students can come into the school building for two hours to work on school work independently or with an ARC tutor. As of last week, thirteen students have been able to benefit from LIPI and ARC has offered 36 LIPI sessions, totaling 72 LIPI hours! Out of caution, LIPI has been paused for the next two weeks but is scheduled to start up again after Thanksgiving.

Keep up the good work, ARC! Keep up the good work, students!

-- Alexis Aviles, Jesuit Volunteer in ARC