“In a community environment built on standards of academic excellence and respect for the uniqueness of each person, Ursuline Academy educates students for Christian living and leadership in a global society.”
(excerpt, Ursuline Academy’s mission statement)
Dear Ursuline Parents,
We face the reality of a continuing public health crisis presented by Covid-19. This plan reflects that we are a community of students, parents and co-workers who watch out for one another, and do our part as engaged citizens of local, national and global communities. We support those among us who have experienced loss and trauma within their families due to Covid-19 and pray for the medical personnel who continue to carry a tremendous burden.
Our primary goal is to keep our students in school, fully in person, with as normal a school day as possible.
To this end, we will begin the school year fully in person with no restrictions on personal interactions or movement around the building. Students will have regular activity periods and normal lunches during which they can socialize with their friends and interact with teachers. Liturgies, assemblies and other gatherings will take place as planned, and students will each have the use of a locker for their books and other personal items.
Based on the guidance of the medical experts who have helped us navigate the pandemic since its start, we will begin the year by requiring all students, co-workers and guests to wear masks covering their noses and mouths while inside any of our buildings unless they are eating or drinking. Masking is not required on campus, outside of our buildings.
If a student tests positive for Covid-19, she will be required to isolate per Department of Health (DOH) guidelines. If a student comes into close contact with someone who is infected with Covid-19, she will be required to quarantine per DOH guidelines UNLESS:
- We have documentation that she has been fully vaccinated and she is not exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 OR
- We have documentation from a physician that she was diagnosed with Covid-19 within the three months prior to her contact OR
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The contact took place within the school setting and both students were fully masked, regardless of vaccination status.
If your daughter meets the first or second criteria listed above, it is important that you submit a copy of her Covid-19 Vaccination Card or doctor’s note identifying the date of a positive Covid-19 diagnosis in order to avoid possible quarantine. These documents can be submitted online at ursulinestl.org/current-parents or clicking here
Vaccination and masking significantly reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 and, therefore, significantly reduce the chance of being quarantined.
Students who are isolated, quarantined or facing a documented illness or injury which will keep them out of school for more than a week will have the opportunity to engage in their studies virtually. These are the only situations in which we will use virtual learning.
Because this situation can change so quickly, we will regularly seek out guidance from our trusted medical experts and will review our protocols at the start of each month or whenever new information becomes available. We will provide updates to parents following each of these reviews or whenever a change is made.
Please know that our most essential partnership is with you. Our success and ability to keep our students at school, fully in person, asks our parents and students to continue to stay home if you are not feeling well and to continue to follow appropriate hygiene practices to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
St. Angela tells us that “if according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or do something differently, do it prudently.” We appreciate your support during these changing times.
Plans are in place for an exciting year that includes challenging academics, an active house system and the many traditions that turn Ursuline girls into sisters for a lifetime. We’re anxious to see you on campus and get the 2021/22 year off to a great start!
