Parents,
With the suspension of in-person classes here at Bishop Watterson beginning after school today, Friday, March 13, and through April 3, I am following up with more information on a variety of topics. Governor DeWine has taken this action because this is a crucial time for the state to protect the most vulnerable citizens by limiting the severity and duration of the worldwide pandemic through social distancing efforts.
People have many and varied thoughts, feelings and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic right now and I encourage everyone to focus on the facts, maintain your perspective and pray fervently for health, patience and perseverance.
Please read this email thoroughly before contacting school personnel.
All communication with students will be through their bwhs.org email and PowerSchool accounts which they should be checking several times each weekday.
Timeframe
We will cease in-person classes after school today, Friday, March 13. At this time the tentative return date is Monday, April 6.
Please continue to check your email daily for updates.
Remote Education Plan
Students should check PowerSchool each morning and be vigilant about meeting due dates for assignments. Spring break, March 23-27, will remain a week with no instruction.
Teachers will be posting assignments on PowerSchool. Teachers of core classes will begin assigning work March 16-18. The method of conveyance of lessons for core classes will vary, depending on the subject. Our education plan will evolve over the three weeks that we are out of school.
Events
Yesterday the state of Ohio enacted a ban on gatherings of 100 or more people, with some exceptions.
Click here
for more information from the governor’s office. We will be working to reschedule as many events as possible, and appreciate your patience with us at this time.
March 14: Band Sub Sale
The band sub sale has been canceled. Contact Band Director Mike Renzi with questions at mr.renzi@bwhs.org.
March 14: Mothers’ Club Luncheon & Style Show
We are tentatively rescheduling this event for Sunday, May 17 at Villa Milano.
March 15-16: Junior Retreat
This event is cancelled. It may be rescheduled.
March 15: Eucharistic Adoration
This event will continue as planned, on Sunday, March 15 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Dominican Hall.
April 2: Art Show
This event is cancelled. It may be rescheduled.
April 4: ACT
Bishop Watterson will not be a testing location for the ACT scheduled for
April 4.
April 5-6: Junior Retreat
This event is cancelled. It may be rescheduled.
Extracurricular Activities
The Diocese of Columbus has cancelled all school activities including sports practices, games, extra-curriculars, club meetings, special events, etc. from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, April 5.
Building Access
The Bishop Watterson campus will be closed to students from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, April 5. The office will reopen on April 6.
Students who need to access their lockers may do so on Monday, March 16 between 9:00-11:00 a.m. This will be the final opportunity for access to the building during the closure.
Spring Break Travel
Keep in mind that, upon your return, your children may be prohibited from coming to school for a period of time until the incubation period has passed. Families may be quarantined at the school’s request; it does not have to be a government order.
For the health and well-being of our students and staff, we may require families, faculty and staff to register travel plans. That will be determined at a later date.
Facilities
Our facilities staff will be cleaning and sanitizing the building during the closure, with increased attention paid to door knobs, handrails, keyboards, tablets, light switches and other commonly touched surfaces.
Mental Health
The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful to members of your family and members of your family may react very differently.
During this time of uncertainty where many things are out of our control, there are things that we can do to help minimize our anxiety and support our students. While there are not specific tips during an unplanned, extended break of this kind, there are general ideas that can direct us.
Keeping a routine
during the day can provide structure and support for your student, suggesting a schedule or things they can accomplish can help the days from blurring together.
Prioritizing sleep
on a regular schedule helps the body and brain to recharge and handle the stressors of this time. It is recommended that teenagers have 9 hours of sleep a night.
Allowing time for exercise
can also help regulate emotions and decrease symptoms of anxiety or depression, this could look like a walk or run in your neighborhood or an at-home workout.
Limiting media consumption
whether through the news or social media can help reduce the fear and anxiety. While it is a great way to connect with peers, those platforms can become inundated with opinions and worry so being mindful how much and for how long students are on these platforms can be helpful.
Lastly, creating opportunities for your students to express their fears or concerns during this time and providing a listening and supportive perspective can help alleviate their worry. These are good reminders for us as adults to model healthy behaviors, our students are watching what we do. We can all do our part to help support one another and support our students through this time.
Following are links to some resources we found to help you during this time.
FACTS & Scholarships Deadline
Mass Dispensation
The Roman Catholic Bishops of Ohio issued a letter in regard to Governor DeWine’s executive order regarding large gatherings. The letter dispenses the Catholic faithful from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass for the weekends of March 14-15, March 21-22 and March 28-29.
“Out of charity and concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ,
we encourage all the faithful, in particular those who are sick, experiencing symptoms of illness, or are at risk of illness seriously to consider refraining from Mass attendance.”
Prayers
I encourage everyone in our community to pray for those who have contracted the COVID-19 virus, especially those at high risk, and also for a rapid end to this pandemic.
May God give us the grace to maintain our perspective and care of ourselves and others while we give over to God what we cannot control.
Deacon Chris Campbell
Principal
