December 15, 2021

Dear Xavier Families,

As we near the end of the first half of this school year, we would like to update you on the current status of our Systemwide COVID protocols. Since August, our team has monitored data from the Appleton Health Department, the Diocese of Green Bay, and neighboring Catholic and public school systems to evaluate our COVID policies and our mask requirement.

With the availability of vaccinations for students 5-11 years, we are now updating our COVID protocols and policy pertaining to masks. Effective January 10, 2022, we will be updating our COVID protocols and transitioning to strongly recommend masks (but not requiring) for students and employees. This plan is consistent with many of our neighboring Catholic schools and public school districts.

Xavier's leadership team remains committed to keeping our students, families, employees and community safe as we continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19. We plan to continue with our cleaning protocols across our campuses and educating our students and employees about effective mitigation strategies like washing hands, monitoring symptoms and staying home when sick. These tools have enabled us to maintain and maximize in person instruction since August 2020. 

Another important tool in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is access to vaccinations. As shared previously, we encourage Xavier families to consult with their health care professionals for guidance on vaccinations. In addition, we encourage Xavier families to review the USCCB’s Moral Considerations Regarding the New COVID-19 Vaccines.

With our updated COVID protocols, we will continue to monitor all students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 and update our dashboard accordingly. Please note:

Should the percentage of students and staff who test positive with COVID-19 exceed 2% of the campus population, that campus will be required to wear masks for 14 days. Following those 14 days, there will be an evaluation to determine when cases drop below 2% and when masks would return to optional. Classes will still remain in session and in-person during this time.

We will continue our same procedures if a student or employee tests positive for COVID. Those who test positive need to isolate according to CDC guidelines. 

We will continue to notify families if your student is designated as a close contact.

We believe these are prudent adjustments that allow us to focus on the most important tools to fight the spread of COVID: vaccinations and staying home when sick. Just like we’ve done since February 2020, we will consult with our local health departments including monitoring the impact of the Omicron variant. As we monitor cases across our campus and in the local areas, we always reserve the right to make changes and adjustments to our COVID protocols, including returning to requiring masks if the public health situation would require it.

As always, we appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation as we all have navigated COVID for nearly two years. As we continue through this Advent season, we ask for your continued prayers for our students, families and staff. And please know that you and your family remain in our prayers.

Sincerely,