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Catholic Schools of Fairbanks COVID-19 Mitigation and Response Protocols **Effective February 23rd, 2022** CSF Administration believes that mapping a flexible approach to masking acknowledges that we are close to reaching a unique point in the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud of our success in providing two years of in-person education during an uncertain time in history. Our decisions have been, and continue to be, rooted in current data, mindful of K-12 health recommendations, and highly aware of COVID transmissions and disease severity locally (including stable hospital capacity). Based on the ongoing and reasonable consideration of these areas, effective February 23rd, CSF mitigation will shift in the following ways:
Thank you for your continued support of our mission, our schools, and most especially - our students. Amanda B. Angaiak Director Catholic Schools of Fairbanks  Better Together...13 years ago when I arrived at Monroe, I had no idea what these words would ultimately mean. Today, I get it. These two words often come to mind when I consider the challenges we face and the success we have enjoyed as an athletics department. It’s impossible not to think of these two words, to visualize them, and not smile.
These two words, more than any others, personify who we are. They define the significance of of our entire school and more specifically, they are at the heart of every victory and success we have enjoyed. Those two words separate us from all other competition. CSF does not exist because the state decided we should. These schools are here, because we choose to be and we could not have existed for 75 years without each of us lending a hand for the greater good of Monroe. We are a Community. We are a Family. We are Better Together. My first year as Athletic Director, Monroe hosted the regional swim meet. I had no idea what I was doing. As the athletics director of the smallest school in the region, I saw the task as daunting. However, my concerns were immediately alleviated. The parents of the four swimmers, aided by many more in our community, ran essentially every aspect of the meet and did so at a level the bigger schools could only dream of. I knew right away, I had joined a special organization. I learned early on, if something gets done at Monroe, it gets done by us. For the most part, all tasks are accomplished with the help of others. When the school needed to spruce up the gym, I didn't make it happen. Joyce Gavora spent hours looking into how we could improve our facility before we settled on mats for the walls. I did not paint the tiles lining our gym walls by myself, our parents showed up in force to lend a hand. When the opportunity presented itself to upgrade the locker rooms, we did so as a community. A community member purchased used lockers. Parents sanded the lockers. A parent found a coworker to come in and paint the lockers. What would have been impossible for one person was accomplished together, as a community. Better Together goes far beyond alumni keeping the scorebook at a basketball or volleyball game. It is about love, faith and kindness. It is about the understanding of knowing, when you are down, you will feel the arms of every member of this community pick you up, holding you and allowing you to once again put one foot in front of the other and move forward in life. This community only grows stronger with each year. With each hand of a kindergartener extended to bless a graduating senior, the community grows stronger. As each graduate stands up in front of the community armed with the knowledge that there is nothing they cannot do in life, this community is strengthened. Anyone who has spent time in the mountains and seen a full curl ram, understands the majesty he invokes. The standard vision is that of a lone ram, regal and magnificent as he overlooks, at seven times the power of a human being, the mountainside and area below. However, over time, it has become clear through my experience here at Monroe, the strength of these Rams is not in the individual, but in the flock. We are, indeed, Better Together. Frank Ostanik CSF Athletic Director Sophomore Maggie Zaverl won third place (high school division) in the Fairbanks Arts Association Statewide Poetry Contest for her poem "Memories Stuck with Tape.” The poem is written in a form called a villanelle.  Memories Stuck with Tape
By Maggie Zaverl There are ninety-seven pictures on my wall Stories behind them like illustrations Not a face or time I’d put above all Some of the memories I can’t recall Most I remember with adoration There are ninety-seven pictures on my wall Smiling faces and moments so small Some stayed, others had an expiration Not a face or a time I’d put above all. Everyone is far away as a call I’ll always love them, no hesitation There are ninety-seven pictures on my wall Memories from school, travel, and basketball Sad times and times bursting with elation Not a face or a time I’d put above all. One day, all these pictures will surely fall I’m loved — the pictures are confirmation There are ninety-seven pictures on my wall Not a face or a time I’d put above all.  Photo caption (left to right): Seniors Shelby Cook and Shayne Coiley visit with their kindergarten buddies, Jhanvi Paul (front) and Marlo Meenaghan (back). What an incredible week! You helped raise nearly $25,000 on the way to our goal of $90,000. The $25,000 will be doubled to $50,000. Thank you for continuing to prove we can accomplish amazing things together.
Speaking of amazing accomplishments, this Friday marks the 63rd Monroe Catholic High School Graduation. Congratulations to this year's 28 graduates:
“When I look back on my past 12 years at the Catholic Schools Fairbanks, I know with confidence that this school has had a positive impact on my life. What makes CSF so special is the focus of every staff member to do everything they can for their students. I am not just another face in a school of a thousand kids...I constantly feel love and respect from all the staff and faculty at Monroe who have been role models for me to reciprocate that love.” - Lauren White “Monroe has given me the tools to grow myself and plant seeds in the world to make it a better place. I’ve learned how to be open to expanding my own horizons and the boundaries of the world around me thanks to my time at this school. Even though I’ve learned so much here, I don’t know exactly how I’m going to change the world. But because of Monroe, I know it’s possible.” Jessica Reed As CSF students move beyond the walls of these schools and into the greater world, the seeds that were planted encourage them to grow, and give back. This is part of CSF’s legacy: not just being better together in the schools, but rather striving to be better together in the world. By supporting these schools, you too are a part of this change in the world. Give, and join us in a journey that starts with young minds. While uncharted and evolving, it is a journey of potential; a journey founded on love and faith, and filled with opportunity.  Photo caption: Left to right Tyler Toth (kindergarten) presents his senior buddies, Dominick Coiley and Garren Nicholson, with artwork. This was the first time the buddies were able to meet in-person. They have been meeting virtually this year. It was exciting for all parties. Last week’s post resulted in a couple of outcomes:
1. $10,000 in donations to the schools, which was DOUBLED to $20,000. Thank you to the donors listed below. 2. The following questions:
Our schools may be small, but they are mighty. As a private, Jesuit-endorsed school, we are blessed to be able to forge our own path, inspired by Christ the Teacher. In a year that encouraged us to be apart, we have truly been a community that is better together. But hey, you don't have to take my word for it - here is some feedback from parents collected in a recent bi-annual parent survey: "ICS has done an absolutely amazing job of providing a safe environment for in-person learning ALL school year! It took a lot of creative thinking and planning, but you made it work and we are extremely thankful for that :)" "Thank you for being so amazing and putting the children first in all of your decisions this past year. I feel the tuition I pay is really an investment into their future and the school allowing the kids to come in-person this year really made me feel like you understand that education is much more complex than mathematical and vocabulary advancement." "While we have always appreciated the school for its sense of community, focus on personal ownership and service to others, we are especially grateful for the way Catholic Schools of Fairbanks has managed this incredibly trying school year. The teachers and staff at CSF have provided over 300 children with a lead-by-example lesson on perseverance in this year of COVID. The kids are learning that even best laid plans can change and that the key is to keep moving forward." Thank you for your continued support of these schools. Thank you for supporting us as we move forward together. We are better because of you. All donations will be doubled. Thanks to the generosity of Skip & Linda Johnson, Bert & Becky Bell, Jim & Sandra Haselberger, Bill & Marsha Pike, and The Stroecker Foundation, your donation will be doubled up to $90,000. $25 will become $50, $50 will become $100, and $100 becomes $200. It’s another opportunity for us to be “Better Together.”  hoto caption: Left to right Caroline Spry (4th), Eddie Hemphill (kindergarten), Kaleigh Deleon (senior) pose with matching masks. All donors will receive a mask, too. Peanut Butter & Jelly. Milk & Cookies. Senior & Kindergarten Buddies. These are just a few things that go better together.
While this year has challenged us to remain connected and deepen relationships in new ways, the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks community has proven we are truly “Better Together.” Here some examples of how we are leading the way amid a pandemic:
Alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, and friends of the school are integral to the success of the Spring Fundraiser. I hope you take this opportunity to continue supporting our schools. Anything you are able to give, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of children. Spring Matching Fundraiser All donations will be doubled. Thanks to the generosity of Skip & Linda Johnson, Bert & Becky Bell, Jim & Sandra Haselberger, Bill & Marsha Pike, and The Stroecker Foundation, your donation will be doubled up to $90,000. $25 will become $50, $50 will become $100, and $100 becomes $200. It’s another opportunity for us to be “Better Together.”  Thank you to Mt. McKinley Bank for once again sponsoring the Mt. McKinley Classic Basketball Tournament. This weekend's games will be fantastic and fun to watch! Thanks to CSF IT Director Mr. Gray for setting up the LIVE stream for these games.
Today, we will host our first ever virtual alumni meetup at 7 p.m. Alaska Time. This is an informal gathering to touch bases and celebrate what you, Monroe Catholic High School alumni, have been up to. Google Meetup Link: meet.google.com/mvt-wjqp-xev. (Link will be live at 6:45 p.m. tonight.) Meetup Agenda:
Alumni Meetup Host and Presenter
 This year’s HIPOW has been reimagined. Instead of hosting a grand gala with more than 600 people in our school gymnasium, we will help you, our extra special donors, alumni, and friends, host dinner parties in your own homes. Dinners include an entree, sides, salad, and a light dessert will be delivered between 5 and 6 p.m. In addition, each dinner party box will be delivered with two bottles of wine and party supplies to help you create a night to remember. HIPOW Sweepstakes Everyone who signs up to host a party will be entered into the GHEMM Company Sweepstakes to win a HIPOW Voucher valued at $500. The voucher can be used toward any purchases in the silent auction. The winner of the voucher will be recognized during the LIVE virtual event on October 10. If you are unable to host a dinner party this year, you can still get in on the action. Raffles Raffle tickets can be purchased by calling our office (907) 313-3291 or via our website: hipowauction.com. Note online sales are only available to Alaskan residents. 1. 2002 Chrysler Prowler thanks to Gene’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Tickets are $100 each, only 400 sold. 2. Two Round-trip Ticket Vouchers anywhere Alaska Airlines flies Tickets are $25 each, only 150 sold. Raffle drawings will take place on October 10 during the LIVE virtual event. This event will be streamed on our website and Facebook page, so you can login from anywhere as long as you have internet access. Online Bidding Online bidding is available to everyone with internet access. You are welcome to bid from afar, but shipping will be an additional charge. Packages will open for bidding on Saturday, October 3. Here are two of this year’s highlights: 1. Your Choice from Compeau’s: ATV, snowmachine, or outboard motor for your boat 2. Toyota Corolla from Kendall Toyota of Alaska Auction packages will close at staggered times beginning the evening of October 10 through Tuesday, October 13 at 3 p.m. Register now to bid in the online auction: http://hipowauction.com. Volunteer Opportunities We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated volunteers. While the event itself looks different, we still have numerous volunteer opportunities including dinner delivery, party planning, assisting with the phone bank on October 10, gourmet dessert baker, and much more. Please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator if you are able to assist: jamar22@gci.net.
 There’s no doubt about it: this is a strange year. We made the transition from in-person to online school last March. Finishing the year online was challenging, but rewarding in many ways. As a Catholic, Jesuit-endorsed school, we believe interpersonal relationships are integral to a well-rounded education. If it could be done safely, we wanted to be able to provide our families with the option of in-person education this fall. So far, so good. Monroe started back full-time on Monday, August 17. ICS students returned on Thursday, August 20. In consultation with local doctors and administrators, our Safety Liaison Lorna Illingworth has spent countless hours working our Covid-19 mitigation plan. In addition to requiring masks for all staff, faculty, and students, we implemented staggered departure times, a 4x4 class model for the junior/senior high whereby each student takes four classes per semester instead of the usual six, and vinyl barriers in classrooms where social distancing guidelines are challenging given space constraints. “So far, school is going well and is both wonderfully familiar and very new,” said Director of Schools Amanda Angaiak. With our current model, students can attend in-person, online or a mix of both. Students always have the option for online classes. If families travel and are satisfying the travel quarantine requirement or a family member becomes sick, students may participate in online classes. We recognize at any point during this year, we may need to move some classes or all classes online. The transition to online learning should be fairly seamless. “How we are able to operate (in-person, hybrid or online) will depend on our community circumstance and whether our consultants think it is safe to be in-person,” said Mrs. Angaiak.
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF FAIRBANKS
615 Monroe St., Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone : (907) 313-3062 Email: info@catholic-schools.org Fax: (907) 452-5978 MONROE FOUNDATION, INC. Phone: (907) 313-3291 |
School HoursPre-K 8 am to 5:30 pm K-12 8 am to 2:30 pm After School Care Available from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
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Accredited by the Cognia, formerly AdvancEd