Calls of Caring and Connection

Jesuit Magazine Spring 2020

Jesuit Sacramento is more than a school, it is a community. That means caring for our students AND their parents. Our administration team has been calling our families to let them know we are thinking of them and making sure they’re doing well. The calls also had an unexpected result for our Dean…

La Roddric Theodule, Dean of Students

Image of Dean Theodule on phone at desk

“Making phone calls to students and their families has really helped me regain the sense of connection to the Jesuit community I had been missing over the last month. The positive energy and laughs shared with both students and parents has reminded me why I love my ‘job’ so much!”

Fadia Desmond, Ph.D., Assistant Principal, Instruction & Student Life

Image of VP Desmond on phone at table

“The family check-in calls have been a wonderful chance to connect personally with our school families. The affirming expressions of gratitude for our teachers and staff are much appreciated.

I am in awe of how hard our parents and guardians are working—juggling multiple children in the home, monitoring digital learning, and, of course, cooking for hungry boys.

I have tremendous respect for the strength and resiliency of our parents and guardians. It is the very thing our students need to have modeled for them right now. We sincerely mean it when we say, ‘please call us if you need anything.’”

Ian Farr, Assistant Principal for Academics

Image of VP Farr on phone in backyard

“It has been a great experience connecting with so many of our families. I consistently find many things in common between my own experiences at home with my family and the experiences of our Jesuit families. I have thoroughly enjoyed the humor and candor of my calls. It has also been gratifying to learn that so many of our students continue to thrive, even during this difficult time. We work and live in an exceptional community!”

Michael Wood ’99, Principal

Image of Principal Wood on phone

“Just being able to hear the voices of our families makes a difference. To be able to hear how people are feeling is helpful; we hear how people are coping, how they are struggling, how they are grateful, and sometimes, we just hear how their day is going. I am reminded daily how important it is to be in relationship with people. Emails and text messages simply cannot replace human contact. Thank you to those families with whom I have been able to connect for sharing their experience with me, and I look forward to calling the rest!”

Rev John P. McGarry, S.J., President, Jesuit High School

Image of Rev. McGarry, SJ on phone at desk in office

“We miss our students so much!  Our beautiful campus is not the same without our community—faculty, staff, and students—to bring it to life. Our personal phone calls to families are a small way to stay connected, to let them know we are thinking of them, and to offer any support or encouragement we can during this challenging time. For me, each call is a prayer for that particular family, especially our students. God is with us on this journey; we rely on the joy, hope, and grace of the resurrection of Jesus to carry us through. These phone calls are a great consolation and connection with our community.”