Dear Delone Catholic Families,
I received an update from Superintendent Breen this afternoon regarding the Diocesan response to Governor Wolf's order to extend the closure of school indefinitely. "'All Pennsylvania schools will remain closed until further notice,' the PDE's website reads. So, we will follow suit and keep doing what we are doing . . . . 'until further notice.' Since President Trump has said that social distancing will be in effect through April, May would likely be the soonest possible in-person return."
As such, our staff will continue to conduct distance learning with every effort to improve delivery as we go forward. Our teachers completed a technology survey over the weekend so that we can better assess their needs at this time, and we will be reviewing the data provided by students and parents to implement effective changes. Thank you for taking the time to complete the family survey that was shared in Sunday's update. If you haven't had a chance to complete it yet, please do so by tonight at 9 p.m. as it will aide us greatly in our planning for the weeks ahead.
Please note the following changes being implemented: to reduce the stress our students are undergoing at this time, final examinations for all classes will be eliminated for this year. Additionally, the Delone Catholic requirement that every student enrolled in an AP course must take the AP exam is waived for this academic year as well. It is the students' option to take their corresponding AP examinations as per the directives from the CollegeBoard. Additionally, we are working on a modification of our Works of Mercy Program to be shared as soon as it is ready.
As we move into next week, Monday, April 6, will be a teacher in-service day, Tuesday and Wednesday until noon will be days of instruction (please remember that all 3rd quarter assignments/assessments missing from March 16 through March 27 are due at noon on April 8). There will be no instruction on April 9, April 10 or April 13, so that families can have time together to reflect on the blessings of the Easter season and enjoy our holy days.
May you continue to stay healthy; may God bless you, and may our prayers be answered.
Sincerely,
Richard La Rocca
Principal
The Board of Directors strives to make a Catholic education affordable for all. The full cost to educate one student at Delone Catholic is $8,290 for the 2019-20 school year. With base tuition for 2019-20 of $6,300 (for students in supporting parishes), every family actually receives some scholarship support even before applying for additional support. Supporting Catholic deanery parishes contribute more than $600,000 annually thus providing scholarships for every student and family. The amount of this support is more for parishioners of these parishes. We encourage Maryland families to seek assistance from their own parish.
Tuition assistance can only be determined by applying to the FACTS service. FACTS is an objective and professional organization that specializes in student aid analysis using federal methodology. Delone Catholic uses the services of FACTS to assist us in determining the assistance amount for each family. After examining each family situation, a decision is made on eligibility for tuition assistance. Priority will be given to Catholic families who are registered in their Parish and actively participate in parish life.
The online tuition assistance application through FACTS is available by Jan. 31. Both Pennsylvania and Maryland residents should complete the FACTS online application. In order to fill out the application, you will need a complete copy of this years’s or last year’s IRS Form 1040, your current W-2’s and your current PA-40 or utility bill. There is a processing fee of approximately $35 for this application.
Tuition assistance provided by Delone Catholic High School comes from a variety of generous supporters, including local parishes, generous benefactors and the Neumann Scholarship Program. The Neumann Scholarship, administered by the Diocese of Harrisburg, uses Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funds; these funds in turn come from generous businesses who direct their tax dollars to provide tuition subsidies for our students. Only Pennsylvania residents are eligible for Neumann Scholarships. In addition to the Neumann Scholarships, Delone Catholic has additional tuition assistance funds established by a variety of benefactors. Interest earned each year is given out in tuition assistance to both Pennsylvania and Maryland residents.
Note: When you submit your FACTS, you are automatically considered for these tuition assistance funds. If you receive any of these funds, you will be notified by July 31.
The deadline to submit your FACTS application for the 2020-21 school year is March 1, 2020. Families may apply after the deadline however, we cannot guarantee tuition assistance since funds will diminish and may not be available at a later date.
We understand that hardships can occur. A parent can be laid off, lose a job or encounter medical problems. If your family experiences at least a 10 percent decrease in income, write to the Finance Committee explaining the change in situation. The committee will review your eligibility for additional assistance.
