distance – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

JANESVILLE/STOUGHTON — “Do you guys remember when Mrs. Harker told us we didn’t have to come to school on Wednesday, and we were all cheering, and now we’re all wishing we could go back!”

That was a comment made by one of the students in Jane Harker’s fifth grade class during their weekly Google Meet video conference session on May 6.

Harker has taught fifth grade at St. John Vianney School for the last two years in Janesville. Before that, she taught at Jefferson Elementary school in the same city.

Our Catholic Schools

On May 7, 2020November 3, 2022

Michael Lancaster

Teacher Appreciation Week 2020

This week, all of our Catholic schools celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. It is a time set aside to think of all the many ways that our teachers give of themselves and give to our students and families.

News
Youth

On April 23, 2020February 17, 2022

Joan Carey, Executive Director, St. Ambrose Academy

Distance learning at St. Ambrose Academy

With school taking place in the home rather than in a classroom, St. Ambrose Academy (SAA), like schools everywhere, is having to adapt.

Around the Diocese

On April 2, 2020

Carolyn Averill, For the Catholic Herald

St. Ambrose Academy shifts to distance learning

MADISON — St. Ambrose Academy (SAA), along with schools around the world, has, practically overnight, become a distance learning school.

The academy closed its doors on March 13 as students hunkered down with their families in the safety of their homes against the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic.

But, said Executive Director Joan Carey, “thanks to a heroic, all-hands-on-deck effort, St. Ambrose Academy reopened its door the following week over the Internet, where we continue to provide the best in education and classical learning for families.”

Ask Jean

On December 14, 2016

Jean Mueller

Checking on parents during extended holiday visit

Q My husband and I are traveling to his parents’ home for the Christmas holiday. We are not sure what to expect. His parents are both in their mid-80s and we have not seen them for several months as we live on the East Coast.

My husband is an only child so we rely mostly on phone calls with his parents to inform us of their well-being. Each time we speak they assure us they are fine but it seems that our conversations have become less detailed. We have also noticed that they often repeat the same information during our conversations.

Ask Jean

On August 20, 2015

Jean Mueller

Signs indicating a senior may need help

Q As a follow-up to your column last month, I am a long distance caregiver as well.

Although my mother tells me repeatedly that she is doing well, I need some specific things to look for when I visit her later this month.

What should I notice to give me a better idea for how well she is caring for herself? (From a daughter in Beloit)

Ask Jean

On July 16, 2015

Jean Mueller

Long distance caregiving

Q My mother lives in a small community in northern Wisconsin. My dad died a few months ago and since his passing the children (three daughters) have noticed how much he did for mom.

We collectively have noticed some forgetfulness, lack of attention to housekeeping, and poor nutrition.

We all live in different communities. My oldest sister is the closest, about a one hour drive; my youngest sister is the farthest, a six hour drive; and I am in the middle, about four hours away. My older sister feels that in order to keep mom home where she wants to stay, we should each spend one week each month with her.