Greetings!
I hope this email finds the Saratoga Catholic community in a healthy and peaceful place – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I write today to formally introduce myself as the new principal for the 2020-2021 school year.
I am an Albany native returned to the Capital District after 14 years of service to Catholic schools in other parts of the country. Most recently, I worked for 10 years in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, Missouri, a large school system in the Midwest. After high school at La Salle Institute, I studied at Villanova University for my undergraduate degree and went on to receive a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame. My wife, Jess, and 5 year old son, Danny, are excited to get to know the area and to connect with the SCC community.
In just the first few weeks of work, it is evident how close the community is and how deeply the faculty and staff care for their families. Even as summer begins, people are diligently working to prepare for school to begin in September, regardless of the scenario in which that happens.
- A reopening committee meets regularly and is focused on three areas – Facilities, Activities, and Cleaning. They are considering class size, the best use of space, procedures, and other aspects of daily school life.
- A final plan, covering various scenarios, will be completed by the end of July and submitted to New York State. After its review, it will be adjusted and shared with the entire community.
- The maintenance staff is deep cleaning in addition to regular summer work. In addition, professional, hospital-grade disinfection will take place in August prior to the first day of school.
As we have learned, directives and rules can change very quickly surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, we are planning as best we can with an understanding that things can change. We are impacted by governmental decisions, but also will have to adjust as school districts make decisions around bussing and schedules. All of that is being considered as the reopening committee works towards a September start.
The school office will be open from 9a-2p every Monday to Thursday this summer. I welcome the opportunity to meet with any parent, student, or family who would like to introduce themselves and make a connection before the first day of school. Feel free to email me at kilmade@saratogacatholic.org or call the school at 518.587.7070 x501.
I’d like to offer a special thanks to Mr. Mike Kondratowicz, who guided SCC this past year and has been positive and gracious as we have worked together these past few weeks. The school is positioned from growth, in large part to his leadership. “I know I speak for many others when I say “Thank you and we wish you well.”
Finally, please pray for the Class of 2020, who graduate tomorrow. May the lessons they have learned and friendships they have made at SCC guide them to future success and happiness.
In Christ,
Joe Kilmade, Principal
Saratoga Central Catholic School