COVID-19 CSGK 2020-2021 School Year Plan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Parents/Guardians Regarding the Reopening of Our Schools
We have developed a COVID-19 CSGK 2020-2021 School Year Plan. This plan is guided by CDC, State of Michigan and Diocese of Kalamazoo recommendations. The COVID-19 CSGK 2020-2021 School Year Plan will be submitted to the Diocese of Kalamazoo for approval by August 1. The Diocese of Kalamazoo must submit all plans to the State of Michigan by August 17. We know that parents have questions about the start of the school year. In this document, we have outlined many of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) from parents about our 2020-2021 school year plan. These questions are divided up into four sections, each addressing a separate aspect of the reopening process. The categories are:
1.) Safety Procedures: General health and safety questions, such as physical distancing, face coverings, and hygiene
2.) Health Procedures: Screening of students and staff, preventative strategies, return to school after illness or exposure to COVID-19
3.) Academics, Extra-Curriculars, Ancillary Services: Arrival and dismissal, classroom procedures, food service, extra-curricular activities, preschool, atrium, after school care, Mass, athletics, transportation, social emotional needs of students and staff, visitors, gatherings
4.) Operational Vitality: Facilities, communications, professional development, plans for alternative learning arrangements, plans for return to online learning, tuition and fees, plans for phase 5.
Safety Procedures:
Q: What does “2020-2021 school year plan in Phase 4” really mean?
A: Phase 4 is the current (as of 7/15/2020) phase of state reopening as defined by the governor of the State of Michigan in the Michigan Safe Start Plan (found at Michigan.gov). Gathering as a school community is an integral part of Catholic education. Our plan is to have on-site learning for students this fall. This means that all students are welcome to return to classes for face-to-face instruction. We have developed an in-depth plan that addresses how schools will function once on-site.
Q: What does the plan say about safety and cleanliness requirements for school buildings?
A: Our plan includes very specific requirements for the ongoing cleaning and sanitizing of our schools. Buildings will be cleaned frequently, with a particular focus on high-traffic areas and common surfaces. Windows and/or vents will be open to maximize air flow. Barriers will be installed in main office areas. Our plan contains instructions for schools on managing shared areas such as hallways, gymnasiums, cafeterias and bathrooms.
Q: Will students be safe when school is reopened? Has your plan been reviewed by medical professionals?
A: The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. In constructing our 2020-2021 school year plan, we have closely studied guidance from the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the State of Michigan and Diocese of Kalamazoo. The plan has been reviewed by our health committee which includes three physicians. We are confident our students can return safely in the fall.
Q: Who is required to wear a face covering at school?
A: Face coverings will be required for all staff and students K-12 during times of transition and in common areas at all times during Phase 4 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. Face coverings will be required for all staff and students 6-12 in classrooms during Phase 4 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. Parents are asked to provide a face covering for their student. Schools will have a limited supply of face coverings available.
Q: Can face shields be used instead of face coverings?
A: No. Face shields cannot be used instead of face coverings, as per directives of the State of Michigan.
Q: Will students be required to physically distance at school?
A: Classrooms will be set up with distance between desks, 6 ft. where possible, and at least 4 ft everywhere. Students in grades Pre - 8 will be part of groups called ‘’cohorts’’. Cohorts will remain together as much as possible throughout the school day. Students Pre – 12 will be explicitly taught to distance while transitioning. Teachers will walk around classrooms to monitor student work, maintaining distance as much as possible and always wearing a face covering.
Q: Should I take my child’s temperature every day before school?
A: Yes. A high fever is a key symptom of COVID-19. Parents should take their child’s temperature every day before their child is taken to school. If your child has a fever of over 100.4°F, your child should be kept home from school. You should contact your child’s doctor and the school’s main office. Similarly, you should ask your child if he/she has any of the other symptoms of COVID-19, such as a sore throat, coughing, or nausea. If your child complains of these symptoms, you should keep him/her home and contact your doctor and the school office. For more information about how to handle the potential illness of your child, please see the health procedures section.
Q: How will drop off and pick-up be handled?
A: Each school will develop drop off and pick up procedures. Schools will use various entrances and exits to control flow. Your principal will communicate specific drop off and pick up procedures to you ahead of the start of school. In addition, when students enter school every day, they will be asked to participate in two tasks:
1. Students should wash their hands with soap or use hand sanitizer.
2. Students will be asked if they are feeling well. If a student has a temperature above 100.4°F or complains of other COVID-19 symptoms, he/she will be immediately sent to the office. Parents will be contacted and asked to pick up the child (see health procedures section for more information).
Q: What about visitors?
A: Only “Essential visitors” are allowed in school buildings. “essential visitors” are defined as those not able to perform services off-site. Ex., Title I tutors, Special needs staff, PPS observers, maintenance staff. Visitors must wear a face covering at all times and complete a health screening questionnaire upon entry to the building. Parents needing to drop off or pick up students outside of scheduled times, must notify school ahead of time.
Q: Can I still volunteer at school?
A: We are committed to our mission of partnering with our parents for the benefit of our students. There are ways you can help your school and teachers from a distance. Building principals and classroom teachers will reach out to parents asking for your help, from a distance.
Q: How will Lunch take place at school?
A: Students prepare for lunch by washing/sanitizing hands. Students will eat lunch at their desk or table. Hot lunch meals and milk are delivered in proper containers to classrooms in the Pre – 8 buildings. We recognize lunch will look different at the high school, we will provide additional information when it becomes available. Lunch times are scheduled to allow for food service staff to properly pack lunches in carry-out containers.
Q: What about recess at the Pre – 8 buildings?
A: Cohorts will participate in recess, practicing distancing. If multiple cohorts are outside, they will have a specific zone to use for play. Recess equipment will be cleaned after every use.
Q: How will bathroom breaks be managed?
A: Bathroom breaks will be staggered. Face coverings will be required and a maximum of three students may be in the bathroom at one time.
Q: Will After School Care be provided in P-8 buildings?
A: Yes. We will limit multi-cohort groupings as much as possible. Check in, sanitizing, and distancing procedures will be in place.
Additional Safety Procedure FAQs added 8/6/20
Q: What is the definition of a face covering?
A: A face covering is cloth material that covers the nose and mouth. Face coverings may be secured to the head or simply wrapped around the lower face. They can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton or linen, and may be factory-made or made by hand.
Q: What is an essential volunteer?
A: Essential volunteers are defined as those who cannot perform their task outside of the school building. There may be instances where essential volunteers are needed in the building to keep students safe. Essential volunteers entering the building will be formally screened with a temperature check and questionnaire prior to entry at the main office door.
Health Procedures:
Q: What if my child’s health prevents him/her from wearing a face covering?
A: If your student is unable to wear a face covering for health reasons, you will need to provide a signed statement from your physician asking for the exemption.
Q: What about vaccinations?
A: There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. Therefore, other vaccinations, especially against influenza, are critically important. Please consult your family physician to ensure we are all doing our part to keep students and staff safe.
Q: My child and/or another member of my household is in an at-risk group for COVID-19. Should I send my child to school?
A: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has defined conditions in which certain people may be more at risk for severe illness through COVID-19. If your child or another member of your household is in an at-risk group, we encourage you to speak to your doctor. Ultimately you should decide whether it is safe for your child to attend school. An online learning option will be available for families that do not wish to return (see next question).
Q: What do I do if I do not feel safe sending my child back to school?
A: We have taken steps to ensure the safety of staff and students at our schools this fall. However, we understand that some families still may not wish to return. CSGK is developing an online learning option that will be available to any family that does not wish to return to on-site learning. The family will remain enrolled at their current school.
Q: Is it okay for my family to travel out of town during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Q: What happens if there is a COVID-19 surge in Kalamazoo?
A: If a COVID-19 surge occurs, we will work closely with our local health department to determine whether we can continue face-to-face instruction. If necessary, we will return to online instruction.
Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
A: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified several symptoms of COVID-19, including high fever (above 100.4°F), sore throat, coughing, nausea, headache, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhea and difficulty breathing.
Q: Could my child’s school building be closed to on-site instruction due to COVID-19 this year?
A: We will do our best to ensure a safe and healthy environment in the coming year. However, if numerous cases appear in a single school, resulting in the isolation of multiple classes/cohorts, we may need to close the school building and transition all students to virtual learning for a time. Parents will be updated regularly should that need arise.
Additional Health Procedure FAQs added 7/21/20
Q: What should I do if my child has symptoms of COVID-19?
A: A: If your child shows symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor. Your doctor may ask that your child participate in a COVID-19 test. You should alert your school’s main office and not send your child to school. If the symptoms occur during the school day, your child will be immediately sent to the office and you will be
contacted to pick your child up from school.
Q: My child had COVID-19-like symptoms, but tested negative for COVID-19. When can he/she return to school?
A: If your child does not have COVID-19, but has another illness, you should keep your child home until the illness’ symptoms disappear. Your school will require you to provide a negative COVID-19 test and/or a doctor’s note before your child can return to school.
Q: What should I do if my child tests positive for COVID-19?
A: You should immediately contact your doctor for additional instructions. You should also contact your
school’s main office. You should not send your child to school.
Q: What should I do if a member of my household (who is not my child) tests positive for COVID-19?
A: You should immediately contact your school’s main office. Your school will ask that you keep your child home for at least 14 days. If your family member recovers from COVID-19 (through meeting the criteria in the previous question) AND your child shows no COVID-19 symptoms for the 14-day period, your school may allow your child to return.
Q: What happens if my child’s teacher tests positive for COVID-19?
A: Should any employee have COVID-19 symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, we will follow the same protocols used for students (see above). If your child’s teacher becomes sick and is unable to work, your school will provide a substitute teacher.
Q: What happens if another student in my child’s class tests positive for COVID-19?
A: Your school will make all parents aware that a student has tested positive for COVID-19. All students in the cohort will be monitored closely for COVID-19 symptoms. If more than one student tests positive for COVID-19, it is likely that the entire cohort will be isolated (sent home) for at least 14 days. Students will be allowed to complete work virtually while the cohort is away from school.
Q: When can a student return to school after receiving a positive COVID-19 test?
A: If a student tests positive for COVID-19 or does not seek medical attention, students must isolate and not return to school until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation. This includes:
1. At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever. (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)
2. At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Academics, Extra-Curriculars, Ancillary Services:
Q: Will students share school supplies?
A: No. We are asking schools to ensure that students not share school supplies (e.g., books, crayons, etc.), including for such subjects as art and music. Exceptions may be made for activities outdoors (such as outdoor physical education classes). If it is impossible to avoid sharing supplies, such as computers in a computer lab, such supplies must be cleaned after every use.
Q: Will schools still offer classes in special subject areas (e.g., art, music, PE, etc.)?
A: Yes. At the Pre- 8 buildings, non-core teachers will be asked to travel to each homeroom for instruction whenever possible. This will be particularly likely for such subjects as art and foreign language. If students visit spaces such as the gymnasium, computer/STEM lab or library, the room will be disinfected after every cohort.
Q: How will schools support the social and emotional needs of students and staff?
A: CSGK understands how important it is to support students and staff during this extra ordinary time. Our Catholic schools ask for your continued partnership in exercising the virtues of prudence, charity, hope and fortitude as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff will be provided professional development, resources and implementation support focused on the needs of students and staff returning to school. We will inventory intervention programs and services available to students. Schools will designate a mental health liaison to support needs of staff and students. CSGK will establish reporting protocols for students and staff for mental health needs.
Q: Will tests still be given this year?
A: Yes. It is important that we continue to gauge student academic growth throughout the school year. As such, you should anticipate tests to be administered in your child’s class. Standardized tests will include tests mandated by the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
Q: Will students participate in field trips?
A: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are asking schools not to participate in in-person field trips during the 2020/21 school year. Students will have the opportunity to participate in virtual field trips throughout the year.
Q: My child has a Non-Public Service Plan because of an identified learning, behavioral or physical need. Can the needs of my child still be met this year?
A: Your school will be evaluating each Non-Public Service Plan to determine whether additional modifications are needed in light of COVID-19-related health and safety protocols. Your school will contact you if it is determined that changes to the Non-Public Service Plan need to occur. If you have urgent questions, you should not hesitate to contact your school.
Q: I need to meet with a teacher or my school principal. Can these meetings occur?
A: Yes. These meetings can take place virtually via phone or zoom.
Q: Can we still have meetings of stakeholder groups, such as the Local Advisory Council (LAC), PTO and Boosters?
A: Only “Essential visitors” are allowed in our school buildings during Phase 4 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. Any meetings of stakeholder groups may not occur in our schools. Such meetings will take place virtually.
Q: What about fundraising events such as Legacy Celebration, Shamrock Auction and Jubilee?
A: Schools will follow both state and diocesan guidelines on large indoor gatherings throughout the school year. These special events are vital to the life of our schools and we will do everything to offer safe options to our school communities.
Q: Will school masses still take place?
A: Schools are in close coordination with the local pastor and parish, in determining how masses may be celebrated.
Q: Will First Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation take place this year?
A: Your child’s school will continue to provide preparation for the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. For the celebration of the Sacraments, schools and parishes must follow a specific plan defined by the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Your school will work closely with your pastor and parish and keep you informed of plans.
Q: How will extracurricular activities be impacted this year?
A: Extracurricular activities will be individually assessed and adjusted for safety. Athletics will comply with guidance published by the Michigan High School Athletic Association and National Federation of State High School Associations. Band will comply with guidance published by the National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Association for Music Education.
Operational Vitality:
Q: What steps have been taken to keep our schools clean?
A: Each school has conducted a walk-through to determine adjusted class configurations and proper ventilation. Schools have consulted with their specific custodial service to ensure all classrooms, common spaces and exterior are ready for return to school.
Q: What does cleaning look like as students and staff transition through the day?
A: We are providing training for all staff on cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Frequently touched surfaces including light switches, doors, benches, bathrooms must undergo cleaning at least every four hours with approved disinfectant. Student desks and tables must be wiped down with disinfectant between class periods, if used by multiple students, and/or at the end of the day. Schools will ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection products, including storing products securely away from students, and adequate ventilation when staff use products.
Q: What happens if the State of Michigan moves back to Phase 3,2, or 1?
A: CSGK will begin online instruction for continued high-quality learning.
Q: What will online learning look like if the State of Michigan moves back to Phase 3, 2, or 1?
A: We value the input received from parents and students during and after the 10 weeks of online learning last spring. This input will help inform necessary improvements to delivering high-quality online learning. In addition to planning, we will be preparing our students to use online platforms and tools, for a seamless transition, should the need arise.
Q: What happens if the State of Michigan moves up to Phase 5?
A: We will continue to follow safety procedures established in Phase 4, adjusting guidelines for face coverings, distancing and access to programs per recommendation of COVID-19 CSGK 2020-2021 School Year Plan Health Committee. Q: Have changes been made to the 2020-2021 school year calendar? A: CSGK is considering changes to the school calendar. We are consulting with the health committee. Please look for more information next week via e-alert.
Q: I am having difficulty paying tuition, as my own workplace has been impacted by COVID-19. What do I do?
A: We know that some families may have difficulties paying tuition due to the loss of pay during workplace closures and we are ready to support those in need of assistance. If this is happening to you, please contact CSGK business manager. We understand your situation and will do our very best to work with you.
Q: Will fees be changed this year?
A: Each school develops their own fees based upon their own local needs. Fees may be adjusted if a program or activity has been directly impacted by COVID-19.
Additional Operational Vitality FAQs added 7/21/20
Q: Have changes been made to the 2020-2021 school year calendar?
A: Yes. Christmas break will be lengthened to three full weeks, dismissing Friday December 18 at 11am and returning Monday, January 11. This would require students to be in school October 1 and 2, November 25, and February 11 and 12. This extension will allow for a longer period of time to pass between gatherings around the holidays and a return to school. This is an added precaution in anticipation of the traditional flu season. We recognize that families plan travel during conference weeks. This is considered high risk during a Pandemic, and we hope that families will consider postponing travel this coming fall. We also recognize the importance of parents and teachers meeting to discuss student progress. While the state of MI is in Phase 4, we will be limiting visitors to our building to ‘’essential only’’. This wouldn’t allow for on-site conferences. Teachers will be reaching out to parents, scheduling conversations with families whose students are at risk of failing. As well, families will be able to reach out to teachers with questions. This is a priority as we are committed to our mission of partnering with parents in the education of their children.
Q: Will schools still collect tuition this year?
A: Yes. In order to provide a rich learning experience, parents and teachers will be working harder during the 2020-2021 school year. While this school year may look different, our schools will continue to provide a rigorous academic experience while supporting the moral and spiritual development of each student. Over 70% of CSGK tuition revenue pays our teachers’ salaries. Our Catholic schools depend upon tuition revenue to pay our employees who do this work and support other school-related expenses.
St. Augustine Town Hall recording 7-15-20
St. Augustine Town Hall slides 7-15-20
St. Monica Town Hall recording 7-16-20
St. Monica Town Hall slides 7-16-20
Hackett Catholic Prep Town Hall recording 7-20-20
Hackett Catholic Prep Town Hall slides 7-20-20
Kalamazoo County Health Department - Return to School Town Hall 8-27-20
Kalamazoo County Health Department - Return to School Guide