Re-Entry Forward with Hope
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Please read below for the latest information and guidance about St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School's plans for re-entry in the fall of 2020. The Frequently Asked Question section will be updated as new information is released. The latest updates will be in red.
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Re-Entry FAQCALENDAR QUESTIONS:Will there be a spring break?
- Yes. Spring break is still planned to be March 15-19.
What will the last day of school be?- The last day of school for students is now May 27, 2021.
Does the new calendar allow for snow days?- Yes. We have some buffer for poor weather. There is also a possibility that we could utilize a “remote learning day” if necessary.
ALL SCHOOL MASS QUESTIONS:How will All School Mass be affected by these plans?- We are working on plans to increase the number of Masses all of our students can attend twice a week!
- We will follow distancing guidelines in the church, with two empty pews between classes.
- Parents and visitors will not be allowed in the church during school Mass so that we can utilize as much space as possible to safely distance.
PLAN A/B/C QUESTIONS:Some have recommended in-person classes if county numbers were <5% over a 14-day average. As of today we are at >12-13% over the last 14 days. Would you start in Plan B if >5% or Plan C if >10%?- We will continue to follow guidance from the Catholic Schools Office and the Sedgwick County Health Department. As of July 28, Plan A was approved by the CSO.
What will determine a move from Plan A to Plan B or Plan C?- Moving between plans will be determined by guidance of the CSO and the Health Department.
It sounds like a drastic change in how rooms are organized from plan A to plan B. How long do you anticipate it will take to convert the building to and from each layout? If more than overnight will everyone go to plan C while things are being shuffled?- It is a big change. Our teachers are preparing their classrooms with this possibility in mind. We will do our best to shift between scenarios as quickly as possible, without cancelling school.
In class stable groups, how will the groups be structured in the classrooms? Is the entire class a stable group? Will there be a smaller 5-person pod within the classroom distanced between other pod groups?- The entire classroom will be considered a stable group.
- Seating arrangements in classrooms will be consistent for extended periods of time.
- Seating arrangements will be consistent in all areas of the school: music class, cafeteria, etc.
- We encourage distance between students as much as possible.
In Plan B, could classes watch their own teacher on video while a parent volunteer helps to monitor? Who will teach the classes in Plan B?- Yes, in Plan B, classes will be able to watch their teacher via Teams video.
- We plan for a licensed teacher or staff member to monitor all students.
Have you determined how everyone would fit in the building in Plan B? How many classrooms have space for 6-foot distancing?- Yes, we have measured all classrooms and determined the square footage needed to accommodate all our students. We are prepared to utilize all classrooms and many common spaces to serve as satellite classrooms. We plan to still have the music room, library and gym available for classes to rotate into.
Would there ever be a need to have reduced capacity, such as a M/T and Th/F schedule with online learning mixed in?- At this time, we do not anticipate needing an alternate schedule.
- If we do face a time when we need to do this, we will follow the same schedule plan set by Bishop Carroll and the CSO.
Regarding Plan C, both parents in our family have to work during the day even if we're home with the children. As such, we will not be able to consistently dedicate six hours of our time per day to help our younger children with their learning. What plans do you have in place to help those children who cannot independently learn through virtual teaching (Preschool-2nd grade especially)?- We understand the challenges and hardships that families will face if we have to utilize Plan C. It is our last choice.
- The directive for the number of hours required per student is set by the state of Kansas.
- Our teachers will do their best to plan for engaging experiences for all students. We recognize that it will be a challenge for all students, especially for those in Preschool-2nd grade.
- Parent or adult support at home is a key component in making Plan C work.
- Plan C does allow us to bring small groups of students in to the school for short periods of time to receive in person instruction. We will focus that time on students with the greatest needs.
Could we choose Plan C voluntarily?- At this time, we do not have a virtual school option through St. Catherine or the Diocese of Wichita.
- Remote learning options are available for students with underlying health concerns that require an Individual Health Plan.
- We do not currently have a learning option for those who are uncomfortable with Plan A or B.
- Should parents choose a different learning system this year (homeschool, online), we will make all open spots available to those on the waiting list or new inquiries. We will not hold spots for students who leave.
Is there a scenario “D” where we go back to “normal,” and can have visitors, mixing groups, etc.? What are the criteria for that?- Yes, we pray for this every day!
MASK QUESTIONS:Will the school be installing plexiglass dividers, sneeze guards, etc.?- We appreciate all the ideas that have been shared with us. If we had an unlimited budget, we would love to consider purchasing these materials for our classrooms.
- However, plexiglass and plastic dividers do not reduce the mask or cleaning requirements according to current recommendations.
Do PreK students have to wear a mask?- As of August 4 – Governor Kelly’s executive order says all adults and all students (pre-school and up) will wear a mask at all times in the building.
- Sedgwick County has not taken specific action against the mask order so it is in effect for our entire building, including preschool and PreK.
- Our teachers are prepared to be encouraging, patient and positive with our youngest students.
Will any mask be allowed? Can students wear a thin face/neck gaiter? Any color?- All school appropriate masks and face coverings will be acceptable. Anything that your student is comfortable wearing is a great choice.
- We encourage students to have unique and individualized masks as much as possible to reduce the opportunity for lost or misplaced masks.
- Please label masks with students’ first and last names.
When will students be allowed to remove their masks?- We will encourage classes to go outside as much as possible, where they can safely remove their masks. Students will also be allowed to remove their masks in PE class, recess, and whenever they are eating or drinking.
- Short mask breaks (not exceeding 5 minutes) are allowed when all students are six feet apart (or barriers), and no students are moving around the classroom.
- We will use positive reinforcement to encourage students follow procedures
Will the school have masks available for students if theirs breaks or needs to be replaced during the day?- Yes, we will have a supply for emergency replacements.
Is there a recommended number of masks for each student to bring each day? Will they be expected to change masks frequently to discourage growth of mildew/mold?- We encourage students to wear a new/clean mask each day. It is a great idea to bring a spare or two in case a mask gets dirty, broken, or misplaced. Current guidance recommends that cloth masks be washed daily and disposable masks be thrown away at the end of each day.
- Parents are welcome to send multiple masks with their students.
What metrics will be used to determine if the mask requirement can be lessened/removed? Local infection rate? Development of a vaccine?- Governor Kelly’s executive order 20-59 says that all adults and all students in schools (preschool and up) will wear a mask at all times.
- Sedgwick County has not taken specific action against it as of Aug. 4.
- In lessening or removing the mask requirement, we will follow the guidance of the Catholic Schools Office, in accordance with local ordinance.
LUNCH QUESTIONS:Could, or will the Multipurpose Room be available, or utilized for lunch? Not ideal with carpet, but would give an additional option that keeps the mess and sanitation out of the classroom.- We will consider all available options for lunch to maximize distancing while students are eating. We do have to consider the additional cleaning an additional common space between groups of students, as well as the complication of bringing students from downstairs to the upstairs part of the school.
Will I be able to have lunch with my student?- Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate any guests at lunch this year.
Will I be able to volunteer at lunch this year?- Yes! We will welcome lunch volunteers, both to help with the serving line as well as monitoring the cafeteria. All volunteers must be pre-scheduled and complete a health screening upon arrival.
PRESCHOOL/PREK QUESTIONS:PreK & Preschool: When will PreK begin? Will parent meetings be scheduled?- We’re not sure yet. The calendar currently schedules the first day of preschool during the week of September 1, with parent meetings the week before.
How are PreK requirements different from K-8?- As of August 4 – Governor Kelly’s executive order says all adults and all students (pre-school and up) will wear a mask at all times in the building.
- Sedgwick County has not taken specific action against the mask order so it is in effect for our entire building, including preschool and PreK.
- Our teachers are prepared to be encouraging, patient and positive with our youngest students.
Will PreK stay in their rooms at all times? If the school closes, will the all-day pre-school close as well?- Preschool and PreK students are considered Stable Groups and will stay with their peers throughout the day.
- We plan for PreK students to eat lunch in their classroom.
- Preschool and PreK students will still visit other areas of the school for specials.
- Unfortunately, we are not a licensed day care facility, so if we have to move to Plan C, our preschool/PreK students will also have virtual school.
- In Plan B, we can space our preschool/PreK students in our existing classrooms so their schedules would not change.
Will I be able to walk my preschooler or kindergartner to his classroom on the first day?- We are working on a plan to allow students to meet their teacher and see their classroom before their first day of school.
Does the age cut off for kindergarten change now that the start date is pushed back?- No. That state law has not changed due to COVID.
EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM QUESTIONS:My kindergartner is very social. How will you keep him in his group before and after school?- Our EDP supervisors, Ashley Richardson and Mary Timmermeyer are classroom teachers who are adept at teaching procedures, reteaching procedures and helping students be successful. And they are very patient!
Will EDP be offered in the morning?- Yes! We plan to offer morning EDP beginning at 7:15. Students will remain in family groups in the gym, with 6-foot distancing from other groups.
How will afternoon EDP work? Are we correct in assuming the after-school EDP groups will work the same way as the before-school EDP groups (i.e. family groups only)?- We are going to try to keep afternoon EDP students in stable groups based on their daytime classes.
- We will be able plan more specifics after EDP enrollment is complete.
MORNING ARRIVAL & AFTERNOON DISMISSALHow will temperature checks work for students who ride bikes or walk? If my student attends 7:30 Mass and then walks to school, where will temperature checks happen?- Students who ride bikes or walk should come to the southeast entrance for a temperature check before entering the building.
- Students who arrive after 7:50 will come through the main office for a temperature check.
Will families that carpool have to drop off on 2 different sides if their last names are on opposite ends of the alphabet?- No. We will work with families who carpool to determine one drop off location.
For school drop off, would you consider having parents sign up for a drop off block of time and/or door preference, instead of by last name?- We like this idea!
How will afternoon pickup work?- At this time, we want to have pickup the same as in years past, but we hope to spread out much more along the sidewalk.
- We will also consider ways to stagger grades’ dismissal slightly to reduce congestion in hallways, as well as a system for older siblings to pick up younger siblings.
STUDENT SCHEDULES and MATERIALSWill kids be allowed to bring personal belongings such as backpacks, lunch boxes, sweaters?- Yes
Can my student have their own sanitizer and lotion?- Yes. This is a great idea.
Will middle school students be allowed to bring a backpack to carry with them throughout the day? Will they be allowed to keep books in their classrooms? Backpack with wheels?- Yes, students will carry necessary supplies throughout the day.
- Teachers are working on plans to reduce the number of materials students carry throughout the day, i.e. class sets of books kept in classrooms, etc.
- Any backpack option is acceptable, as long as it is not a distraction.
Could you space out the lockers so that there is social distance between deltas, or homerooms and grade year, so then the teachers could let them go to their locker mid day to trade out books for the afternoon?- Lockers are currently assigned by Delta groups. We do plan for some scheduled time for students to access their lockers, but due to the number of students and number of lockers, there is not enough space to allow frequent use.
How will middle school work with Deltas and class switching? Especially with some students having different electives and the traveling between classes with some students going to/from different rooms. Also, some Deltas are mixed with multiple grades, will they stay with their Delta throughout the whole day or with the whole 6th/7th/8th grade class? I know you mentioned staggering the transition to different classes but how does that work if one student is set to go to another room that hasn’t released to move to their next room yet?- Given recent guidance, we are reconfiguring Delta groups to have consistent grade levels.
- Passing periods will be carefully scheduled to maximize space between stable groups when switching classes.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING NEEDSHow does the school plan to help students deal with the increased stress of this year?- We know that social emotional needs will be a TOP PRIORITY this year. We are working with our counselor, Mrs. Zogleman, to do our best to help all our students have a positive experience this year.
- Prayer and VBRD Practices will be paramount in all our classrooms.
LEARNING NEEDSWIN time: how does that work with stable groups?- Teachers will move to classrooms to provide WIN support this year, instead of students travelling. Our WIN schedule is unaffected in Plan A.
Will kids still be able to see Ms. Mary (alphabetic phonics tutoring) during the school day?- Yes. We are working on a plan that will still allow students to receive these services.
Will the teachers review spring material or will fall be like a normal grade level material? (How do teachers plan to address learning gaps due to how the spring ended?)- In May, our teachers documented the standards and skills that they taught during Continuous Learning.
- Our teachers have time planned during Inservice days to collaborate about what was taught during the spring.
- We will continue to use AIMSweb to assess where students begin the year academically and plan instruction and support to address any concerns.
How is the COOP working with you for students with IEPs?- We plan for a part-time special education teacher and a full-time para through the Coop to serve our students with IEPs.
- We will have a speech language pathologist on-site to serve students with speech IEPs.
- We will communicate individually with parents of students with IEPs as we learn more.
HEALTH NEEDSWhat if my student has an underlying health condition?- Please contact Jeremy Barr, Elaine Klincik and Angie Zachman as soon as possible, so that we can work with you to develop an Individual Health Plan (IHP) for your student.
What if an SCOS student has a high risk parent? Will distance learning be an option?- Please contact Jeremy Barr, Elaine Klincik and Angie Zachman as soon as possible, so that we can work with you to develop an Individual Health Plan for your student.
What if we are uncomfortable sending our student this year? Will we lose our spot?- At this time, we do not have a virtual school option through St. Catherine or the Diocese of Wichita.
- Remote learning options are available only for students with underlying health concerns that require an Individual Health Plan. The Diocese is exploring an online school option for students with IHPs.
- We do not currently have a learning option for those who are uncomfortable with Plan A or B.
- Should parents choose a different learning system this year (homeschool, online), we will make all open spots available to those on the waiting list or new inquiries.
CLEANING QUESTIONSHow will classrooms be sanitized? How often will classrooms be sanitized during the day?- We use recommended cleaning solutions for student desks and high-touch surfaces daily.
- Daily, all classroom desks, tables, and chairs will be cleaned with the same solution as the church pews.
- Whenever students move classrooms, they will clean their own table/desk and chair space.
QUARANTINE QUESTIONSMy child suffers from allergies. How do we distinguish symptoms?- Unfortunately, the symptoms for COVID-19 are common symptoms for allergies, the common cold, influenza and many other viral illnesses. My recommendation is to visit with your pediatrician or PCP now to have a plan in place in an attempt to treat seasonal allergies to minimize or prevent symptoms.
- We will be following a diocesan-wide health policy that will be released before school begins. This policy will outline how a student is assessed and the actions that will be taken including the criteria and time frame in which a student can return to school following illness.
- This policy will follow the KDHE and CDC guidelines and is being developed with assistance from local pediatricians and family practice physicians. It will be subject to change according to changes made by the KDHE and CDC.
If a child has a symptom of COVID like a headache that resolves in 24 hours, do they have to stay home for 10 days?- We will be following a diocesan-wide health policy that will be released before school begins. This policy will outline how a student is assessed and the actions that will be taken including the criteria and time frame in which a student can return to school following illness.
Is the required quarantine due to contact tracing a result of 10 minutes within 6-feet of distance cumulative or consecutive throughout a day?- Contact tracing will be completed through the CSO and County Health Department. The current recommendation is anyone who has been within 6 feet for a consecutive 10 minutes.
If a student in the stable group tests positive for COVID-19, will that entire group have to quarantine for 10-14 days?- When we learn that a student tests positive for COVID-19, we will contact CSO and will contact the Sedgwick County Health Department and follow all guidance.
If my student needs to quarantine (due to a classmate’s positive test result), will all family members need to quarantine as well?- Our current understanding: If a student’s sibling tests positive, then all siblings will quarantine. If a sibling’s classmate tests positive, then only the classmate is required to quarantine. The quarantine requirement only extends one step.
Do my kids have to quarantine for 14 days if I travel without them to a state on the KDHE list? (Does the 14-day travel quarantine rule kick in only if the student travels to another state on the list or if anyone in the student's household travels to another state on the list?)-- Our current understanding is that only those who travel are required to quarantine for 14 days.
What if our home has a visitor from a state on the KDHE list?- The visitor would need to quarantine, however the student may still attend school.
What does learning look like if we have to quarantine? Is remote learning an option for those 14 days?- Yes, those students will still receive instruction and activities from their teachers during any quarantine time period.
What is the plan for a classroom when a teacher or student gets sick?- Step 1: Our nurse is following protocol to isolate and care for any student or staff member who gets sick or shows symptoms.
- Step 2: We will contact CSO.
- Step 3: We will contact the Sedgwick County Health Department and follow all guidance.
How will forced quarantine work for kids who were exposed to another kid at school? What if a student has been exposed but is not showing symptoms...what is the protocol for being in or out of school based on exposure, but not positive test?- We will follow the guidance of the Sedgwick County Health Department contact tracers.
How will the nurse’s office be set-up? (Isolation area?)- We are currently working to turn the current health room in to an assessment and isolation room. There will be strict cleaning and PPE requirements for this room.
- Nurse Angie will be relocating to another office in the main office for all other health room visits.
TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS:What features does our at-home internet device need to have for a Preschool-2nd grade student? (Microphone, camera, speaker?) If we don’t have one readily available, what should we do?- Ideally, all devices need a microphone, camera, and speaker. It is best for these devices to be compatible with Microsoft 365.
- Tablets, chromebooks, and PCs should be compatible.
- If you do not have one available, please contact the school office.
What should we do if our student’s tablet isn’t working or needs repair?- Please contact us at the school office. We will work with our technology committee to take care of all needs.
For devices needed for plan C for families with multiple kids in K-2 is one device per family sufficient or would one device per student be better?- We believe that one device could be shared by two students successfully in grades K-2. If families have an opportunity to have one device per student, it might be easier to manage student’s learning, but it is not a requirement.
Is Microsoft 365 only free for grades 3-8 or also for Preschool-2?- We are providing Microsoft 365 for all Saint Catherine students, preschool through 8th grade.
What devices do students use at school as they learn this technology?- Our K-2 students have access to iPads as well as laptop computers, though we do not have enough for a 1:1 ratio.
- Students in grades 3-5 have tablet computers. We have enough for each student to be assigned their own device.
What about Faith Families?- Currently, we do not plan to have students participate in mixed-groups, and sadly, this includes Faith Families. We are exploring options for students to connect with each other safely, perhaps virtually.
What about Book Buddies (Kindergarten and 4th grade)- This is another mixed-level group, so we will not be able to have in-person book buddies. We hope to use video to still connect with our friends in other grade levels!
What about Cornerstone field trips?- We are working on ways to continue our connection with the residents at Via Christi Ridge!
Can I volunteer in the art room, resource room, or classroom?- Yes! Regularly scheduled volunteers will be allowed, as long as they are pre-scheduled. All volunteers must wear a face covering and complete a health screening in the main office, including temperature check.