Status of Academy Events and Programs
April 23, 2020
On April 16, the Governor of Wisconsin extended the state’s Safer at Home order through May 26. Even though a phased reopening plan has been announced, no one can predict when or how the state will reopen.
Therefore, the Academy’s previously scheduled in-person events must be rescheduled or canceled. It pains us because we love to see campus bustling with activity over the spring and summer months. Below are our plans concerning upcoming events, keeping in mind that we must remain fluid with the arrangements.
Spring Families Weekend
As previously announced, Spring Families Weekend that was to take place beginning on April 24 is canceled. As Parent/Teacher conferences are an important piece of Families Weekend, the Academic Office is offering phone or video conferences with teachers. Details were communicated directly by the Academic Office earlier this week. If you have any questions, please contact the office directly at academicoffice@sjnma.org.
The Excalibur Dinner and Auction Fundraiser
For the first time since its advent in 1984, The Excalibur scheduled for April 25 is canceled. If you purchased tickets for The Excalibur, please contact the advancement office to discuss your options for a refund, or gifting the cost as a donation, at ctrione@sjnma.org. As an alternative, the Academy will host a Special Day of Giving on Thursday, May 21, to meet the needs of the Academy created by this pandemic. We encourage all who were going to participate in The Excalibur to consider supporting the Academy during the Special Day of Giving.
Armed Forces Day Parade
The Armed Forces Day Parade scheduled for May 15, is canceled.
Final Exams
Traditional final exams scheduled for the week of May 18 are canceled due to the continuation of online learning through the end of the year. Instead, final course assessments will be embedded into fourth quarter grades. Additionally, third and fourth quarter grades will each count as 50% towards the final semester grade. Details regarding the end of the semester assessments and final grades will be communicated by the Academic Office at a later date.
SJN Athletics Golf Outing at the Grand Geneva Resort
This inaugural event, originally scheduled for May 21, is rescheduled for Friday, October 2, as part of the plan to combine Reunion Weekend with Homecoming festivities. Details will follow as we solidify times and activities.
Reunion Weekend
Reunion Weekend originally scheduled to begin May 22 is rescheduled for October 1-4, combining the Reunion activities with Homecoming. The classes that would have been celebrated will move to the October weekend. Additionally, events like the OBAA Reception, Honored Athlete, and Alumni Awards are rescheduled to the October weekend as well. After the October celebration, Reunion Weekend will resume as normally scheduled in May 2021.
Leaders Circle Reception
The Leaders Circle Reception, originally scheduled for May 22 will take place during The Heritage Society Dinner on Thursday, October 1. More details to follow as plans develop.
Graduation and Commencement Exercises
The Class of 2020 Graduation ceremony will be held as an online event occurring as scheduled on May 23. Details of the event are being coordinated with the cooperation of the senior class officers and advisors. We will communicate plans as soon as they are finalized. Any orders for graduation invitations/announcements have been canceled and your accounts will not be charged. We plan to celebrate the Class of 2020 in person, on campus, when the circumstances allow.
Athletic Events
Spring athletic activities, competitions, and state tournaments are canceled. At this time, fall and winter sports will take place, provided restrictions on assembling in groups are lifted.
Summer Academy Programs
Due to crowd restrictions, we are canceling our Summer Academy Lancers Day Camp and Adventure Camp programs. We are hoping to offer the Academic OPS program as scheduled; however, we are considering contingency plans such as a shorter length, online classes, and/or limited course offerings. We will update you in the coming weeks.
Raider school will be from August 10-18, 2020, while cadre will be August 18-25, 2020.
A Special Day of Giving
This has undoubtedly been an unprecedented time for the nation, and St. John’s Northwestern has not been immune. On Thursday, May 21, St. John’s Northwestern will host a Special Day of Giving in support of the Academy and families impacted by this pandemic. In many ways, this event acts as an alternative to the two major fundraising events canceled in April and May. Your support on this day will help to usher our young people through the current crisis and strengthen the Academy’s position to serve its mission. More information on this event and how to participate will follow shortly.
Although COVID-19 has disrupted the schedule of events that we were all eagerly anticipating, we are looking forward to reopening the Academy for the 2020/2021 school year, and all of the events we will be certain to enjoy.
Thank you for your continued patience and support in these uncertain times. We hope you stay healthy, and we look forward to your support on the Special Day of Giving on May 21!