August 14, 2020
Dear Trojan Family:
Thank you for your support as we have completed our first full week of school using a transitional hybrid model to instruct our students. School has resumed, students are reunited, and quality teaching is happening at every level. I am pleased with the way students have respected the mandate to wear masks and adhered to social distancing guidelines. I ask for your continued support and partnership as we move towards a full in-person reopening.
Based on the most recent Marion County Public Health Department public health order, Bishop Chatard will continue using a transitional hybrid model for an additional two weeks with the goal of returning to a full in-person learning model on September 8th. We will continue to work with the Office of Catholic Schools, Marion County Public Health Department, and the Indiana Department of Education in our decision making process.
As we continue with this transitional hybrid model, families are reminded that students with a last name from A-K will attend school in person on a Blue Day and students with a last name from L-Z will attend school in person on a White Day. On the alternate day, students at home will learn virtually and be expected to follow the daily schedule in a synchronous manner.
A reminder that students do not have the day-to-day choice to stay home and do virtual learning without approval from administration. For attendance purposes it is extremely important that students and families honor our daily school schedule and attend in person and virtually with the group to which you are assigned. If a student does not get prior approval from administration to be virtual they will be counted as absent.
Extended non-hybrid virtual participation is reserved for students who are isolated, quarantined, or who have previously opted out. An opt-out requires a quarterly commitment and must be approved by administration. A student who opts-out is not eligible for athletics or other extracurriculars.
Marion County Public Health Department guidelines require students and employees to do a daily self-screen before coming to school. Please continue to honor this important self screening process.
Students who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 without being otherwise explained, are prohibited from coming to school. A student who is at home with COVID-19 symptoms may not participate in any after school activities to include practices, games, concerts, or other events.
*Any COVID-19 related illness or symptoms needs to be reported to the school by sending information to the email medical@bishopchatard.org
Any student who is symptomatic may return to school after the following criteria have been met:
- 24 hours resolution of fever AND
- A note from a healthcare provider stating the individual has an alternate diagnosis and the healthcare provider believes it's appropriate for the student to return to school.
In some instances the healthcare provider may order a COVID-19 test. A negative COVID test in itself does not allow a return to school. The tests may have been a false negative. The individual can return to school if tested negative and with a note from the healthcare provider saying they believe the student has an alternate diagnosis and it's appropriate for the student to return to school.
If your child is sick, and it is not related to COVID-19, you should report them as sick and they will not be expected to be in class either in-person or virtually. A student who is at home sick may still participate virtually; however, a student reported as sick may not participate in any after school activities to include practices, games, concerts, or other events.
*Any illness not related to COVID-19 should be reported to SchoolMessenger.
Students are still permitted to go to scheduled appointments on either an in-person or virtual day. Please note that if it is a virtual day and students have an appointment, they will still need to be called in through SchoolMessenger and the time of early departure/late arrival will need to be stated. A doctor’s note is still required to verify all appointments.
Please continue to pray for the safety and success of our school.
Sincerely,
